Omega Seamaster Compressor Set from end 60's / beginning 70's
This is a very uncommon and sought after watch, and specially in this original condition. Even the plexi glass with the magnifier crystal over the date is signed Omega with the logo graving on the center. The crown is signed Omega, and correspond with the model year. The dial is in immaculate conditions, original factory, never redone or repainted, as when he left the factory 50 years ago. The bolds, the pins, the spring and the gasket are also original and are still present in the case. The case back is equipped with four sprung bolts that compress the gasket against the crystal, Omega guarantee this watch in the 70's for 30 meters water resistant.
The bracelet is also Omega original, was the original match for this model, is the elegant beads of rice ref. 1068 with the 568 original end links. The Omega Compressor 166.042 was fitted with bracelet/end piece combinations 1068/586 or 1116/598. The reference 166.042 11-70 case is signed inside . This is a complete factory original six times Omega signed Seamaster watch.
Omega develop this model in 1967, and was produced from 1968 until 1975. Some watch fans believe that this Seamaster is a copy from the success and expensive model Monaco from Heuer, but certainly this Seamaster was released to the market in 1968, whereas the first Monaco reached the market in 1969. In 1972 the retail selling price was CHF 460, at that time, the exchange rate was 3,817 USD for 1 CHF, so it should be spent 1.756 USD for this watch, with the inflation will be 10.574 USD from now, that's why this watch was not often to see in the United States market. ( The same year, Hamilton launch the very first electronic digital watch, the Hamilton Pulsar P1 in April 1972 for $2,100, ( today 12.600 US) it used a light emitting diode (LED) display behind a synthetic ruby crystal, all encased in 18-karat gold. The display, produced by a complex 25-chip circuit, so for 2.000 USD more than the oldie stainless steel Seamaster , you have a EEUU high technological watch, the last science improve in a heavy 18K solid gold case and bracelet)
This Seamaster was equipped with the best series 500 Omega movement, call caliber 565, introduced in 1965 until 1969. Caliber 565 was designed by Marc Colombe, this a is a high end engineering piece with 24 jewels, 19.800 A/h and has a power reserve of 50 hours., Swan neck regulator. Series 500 for me was the last reliable handmade mounted movement, in 1965 100.000 consecutives serial number of this movements passed the extremely hard test " Chronometer Very Best". None of this 100 thousand pieces failed the test...truly amazing.
About the condition of this watch, I can say that was used very carefully and in few opportunities, the case stainless steel has no bumps or scratches, the original plexi glass has two tiny cracks at 3, something that not really bother and if the buyer want to replace with the original crystal, he/ she can find in Otto Frei (http://www.ofrei.com/page_146.html) as replacement part reference 062PN2100. The movement is extremely clean and accuracy is excellent, so the watchmaker only lubricated the essentials pivots parts.
The cream/white linen dial is as you can see in the close up pictures, baton hands with onyx stone insertions, square mark hours also with onyx insertion inside. These is a great dress watch, fit with jacket and tie and looks elegant with jeans and shirt, no matter how you dress, this is an imposing watch, which is seen by you and the others impressive on the wrist. Measure is 34,5 mm wide without crown and 41 mm lug to lug.
