Omega Seamaster 300, c. 1968

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

The origin of the Seamaster can be traced from the watches Omega developed for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, but with the emergence of SCUBA diving as a recreational sport, it metamorphosed into something entirely its own: the Seamaster 300. Omega released the first Seamaster in 1948 to coincide with the Summer Olympics held in London. In a city ravaged by the Blitz, the Olympics represented a time to look forward while still being respectful of the past. For Omega, whose 40th anniversary was also that year, the manufacture’s role as Official Timekeeper represented the ideal opportunity to launch a new collection. Advertising material of the time touted the “ruggedness” of the Seamaster, more than the average wearer would ever likely call for in its life…which would prove all the more important with the 1957 launch of the Seamaster 300. This particular Seamaster 300, a Reference 165.024, is a genuine masterpiece of industrial and horological design. Dating to circa 1968, it features a 41mm stainless steel twisted-lug case, a matte black Tritium dial with a matching sword handset, a bidirectional rotating acrylic bezel with Tritium lume, a signed crown, and a stainless steel flat-link bracelet with signed blade clasp. This piece is one of the most desirable configurations of the Seamaster in the history of the model. Don’t let this one slip through your fingers!