Vintage Omega Seamaster Cosmic 166.026 Wristwatch Meister Dial Automatic 1968

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seamaster Cosmic 166.026
Movement: Calibre 565
Age: circa 1968
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 38mm
Lugs: 19mm
Condition: used omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use.
• Case has some light scratches and marks
• Light brushed grey/taupe dial with minute track
  
• Meister co-signed dial
• Original signed omega crystal
• Omega signed crown
• Fully serviced automatic movement
• Paired with an unworn grey leather strap

THE WATCH

Our circa 1968 Omega Seamaster Cosmic Date 166.026 has a angular brushed case design, made from a solid piece of stainless steel, access to the movement is by removing the crystal with a special tool. The curve of the case ends at stubby lugs.

A flat back and angled sides make the watch comfortable to wear. On the right side is a signed crown. The case holds the domed original signed Omega crystal. Its wonderful aged grey dial almost turning a warm taupe colour and cream outer minute track with applied steel indexes is finished with chamfered edges that catch the light as you rotate your wrist. At 3 o’clock a date framed window. Slim sword hands complete with a tapered sweeping centre seconds hand. At 12 o’clock the applied Omega “Automatic”, at 6 o’clock “Seamaster” “Cosmic” and of course the Meister co-sign is printed. On the reverse, the Hippocampus is etched onto the surface. Inside an Automatic Omega 565 Calibre, 24 jewels, 19,800 beats per hour. The Quickest date is done by repeatedly pulling the crown into the final position.

CO-SIGNED MEISTER DIAL

Meister 1881 was founded in Zurich in 1881 by goldsmith Emil Meister. What began as a small jewelry and silverware shop grew over four generations into one of Switzerland’s best-known luxury retailers for jewelry, watches, silver, and fine tableware. The company became especially prominent on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse, where it built a reputation for: high-end Swiss watches, bespoke jewelry, gemstones and pearls and in-house goldsmith and watchmaking workshops.

During the mid-20th century, Meister sold watches from brands such as Omega and occasionally had its retailer name printed on the dial. These “Meister-signed” or “double-signed” OR ''co-signed'' watches are now collectible among vintage watch enthusiasts. Omega Seamasters and Constellations with the small “Meister” signature above 6 o’clock are the most commonly seen examples.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Seamaster Cosmic was introduced in 1967 during a period when Omega was expanding its range of sports and diving watches. While the Seamaster collection itself was launched in 1948, the Cosmic version came later as part of Omega's efforts to diversify and offer more unique models with a distinctive design, also jumping on the hype for space travel and everything space related. The continued relationship with NASA only strengthened Omega’s position, as the preferred manufacturer. It generated new life into the Seamaster range. The production run was for less than a decade.

The Omega Seamaster Cosmic is recognized for its futuristic, space-age design that was popular at the time. This was reflected in its case, dial, and the use of materials. The watches featured a domed crystal, which was considered advanced for the era and gave the watch a sleek, modern look.

PERSONAL NOTE

If you're after a stunning watch that’s sure to spark conversation, this piece delivers on both style and character. With its distinctive yet versatile design and its rare Meister co-signed dial it captures the timeless appeal of a vintage Omega. Recently serviced, this Seamaster is in tip top condition and ready to be worn and appreciated for years ahead.