Vintage Omega Wristwatch Seamaster 166.010 Chronometer Officially Certified 1970

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Seamaster 166.010
Movement: Calibre 564
Age: 1970
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 11mm
Lug to Lug: 43mm
Lugs: 18mm
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
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Sunburst dial
• Replacement crystal, used Omega signed crystal included
  
• Omega signed crown
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Paired with its original signed stainless steel Omega beads of rice brackets that fits up to 7 3/4 inch wrist

THE WATCH

The Omega Seamaster 166.010 has a 35mm stainless steel case, 40mm lug-to-lug, making it a comfortable fit on most wrists. The case finish is simple, with a wide polished bezel, and polished top and back, while the sides of the case have a nice vertical brushed finish. The crown is a simple knurled crown with the Omega logo, a departure from the classic clover leaf style crowns of the earlier Seamasters. which holds a domed crystal over a cream sunburst dial, applied baton hour markers with Onyx inlay, and a date window at 3 o’clock. The silver sword hands, paired with a slim, tapered seconds hand which has slight pitting. Text is cleanly printed at 12 o’clock, with an applied Omega logo, and “Seamaster” at 6 o’clock.

The screw-down case back includes Omega’s classic hippocampus logo, which covers the movement, Inside is the automatic Omega Caliber 564 with date which is the chronometer rate version on the much loved 565, it has 24 jewels and a beat rate of 19,800 vibrations per hour.

CHRONOMETER

Vintage chronometer-rated watches sit in a special tier of horology, representing the highest accuracy standards of their era. Before modern CNC tolerances and automated regulation, achieving chronometer certification meant each movement was individually adjusted and tested—often by a skilled watchmaker—across multiple positions and temperatures. Brands like Omega, Longines, Rolex and even early Seiko pushed these movements to exceptional performance, resulting in pieces that weren’t just precise for their time, but genuinely elite. Today, a vintage chronometer isn’t just a watch with a certificate; it’s a testament to craftsmanship, meticulous regulation, and a level of mechanical pride that still sets them apart on the wrist.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Omega Seamaster was first introduced in 1948, launched to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary. Drawing on technology developed for military watches during World War II, the early Seamaster models were designed as stylish yet durable timepieces. These watches offered water resistance suitable for daily wear and light aquatic activity, combining elegance with a new level of functionality for the time.

In 1957, Omega released the Seamaster 300, a true professional dive watch. Although rated for 200 meters, it was marketed as a 300-meter diver due to its robust construction. It quickly gained popularity among divers and military professionals and was part of Omega’s legendary "Professional Trilogy," alongside the Speedmaster and Railmaster. This marked a shift from the dressier origins of the Seamaster to a more tool-oriented watch.

During the 1960s and 70s, the Seamaster line expanded significantly. Omega introduced models like the Seamaster De Ville, which leaned toward elegant dress watches, and more experimental designs such as the Seamaster Cosmic with its distinctive cases and dials. The line continued to evolve with features like chronograph functions, automatic movements, and even integrated bracelets, showing off both Omega’s technical capabilities and stylistic innovation.

Today, the Seamaster is one of Omega’s most celebrated collections. Whether used by professional divers, worn by James Bond, or admired by watch enthusiasts and collectors, it remains a versatile and enduring icon in the world of horology.

OUR THOUGHTS

This Omega Seamaster is an absolute knockout for anyone hunting for a vintage piece! With its timeless design, rock-solid Swiss craftsmanship, and surprisingly approachable price, it’s a no-brainer. It’s got that effortlessly cool, versatile look that works with just about anything—and a rich history that adds tons of character. From the tough case and dependable automatic movement to iconic details like the hippocampus emblem on the case back, this Seamaster ticks all the right boxes. It’s stylish, practical, and ready to be worn and enjoyed every day. If you’ve been thinking about adding a vintage Omega to your collection, this one’s a seriously exciting find!