Vintage Omega Wristwatch 166.132 Seamaster Cosmic 2000 Serviced Warranty 1971

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seamaster Cosmic 2000 166.132
Movement: Automatic Cal 1012
Age: circa 1971
Case Size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 45mm
Lugs: 20mm
Condition: used Omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS OF MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
  
• Case and bezel have light scratches and marks
  
• Omega signed crown
• Hands and indices have age related patina
• Fully serviced 28,800bph automatic movement
  
• Beautiful blue spider dial
  
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

THE WATCH

The Seamaster Cosmic was introduced in 1967, 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.

This Omega Seamaster Cosmic model 166.132 is from circa 1971. The stainless steel case has the unique 'Cosmic 2000' waterproof design, where the outer bezel frame and movement are housed in inner sealed tub. The 38mm size forms a great presence on the wrist, which in part is due to the nicely rounded bezel, but also due to the generous size for a watch of this era. Inside is the automatic caliber 1012, which has 23 jewel, runs at 28,800 bph and is fully serviced and running strongly.

The dial has applied baton markers with lume pips and index, hour, minute and central seconds hands, which contrast nicely to the dial, making for an easy read. At 3 o'clock is the date window and the dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic,' with the famous Omega logo at 12 and 'Seamaster, Cosmic, 2000' at 6. This watch has such a contemporary feel to it, especially given it's larger size, that we absolutely love.

THE SPIDER DIAL

A spider dial is a dial where the lacquer or surface finish has developed a fine network of hairline cracks over many years, creating a pattern reminiscent of a spider’s web. It occurs because the different layers that make up the dial age at slightly different rates. Over decades, changes in temperature, humidity and exposure to light can cause the lacquer or clear topcoat to expand, contract and gradually lose its flexibility, eventually producing the distinctive cracked pattern. No two spider dials age in quite the same way, and on the right vintage watch it can add wonderful character and individuality, another visible part of the watch’s story.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000 166.132 stands out to me as one of the more interesting vintage Omega designs, particularly because of its distinctive case. The rounded, tonneau-shaped profile gives it a really strong 1970s character, with a smooth, almost futuristic shape that feels very different from Omega’s more traditional cases of the period. At around 38mm, it also has a surprisingly modern presence on the wrist, especially considering its age. I really like the way the curved case flows into the bezel, giving the whole watch a cohesive, almost sculptural feel. It has the refinement you would expect from Omega, but with much more personality and experimentation in the design. For me, that unusual case shape is what makes the 166.132 so appealing, it feels unmistakably of its era, but still looks distinctive and wearable today.