
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Seamaster Soccer Timer, ref. 145.020, circa 1970
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- c. 1970
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 41 mm
- Stock no.
- vws2324
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws2324)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Seamaster Soccer Timer - Model Ref: 145.020 - c.1970 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws2324), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1970. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 41 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Superb and Rare Omega Soccer Timer, Model Ref: 145.020 in Exceptional Condition, c.1969 The Omega Soccer Timer Watch has a rich and fascinating history that dates back several decades. Introduced in the mid-20th century, it quickly became an iconic timepiece for soccer enthusiasts and professionals alike. In the early 1950s, Omega recognized the need for a watch specifically designed to time soccer matches accurately. They understood that timing was crucial in soccer, where every second counted. Thus, they embarked on developing a timepiece that would revolutionize the game. In 1966, Omega unveiled their first Soccer Timer Watch at the FIFA World Cup held in England. This groundbreaking innovation featured a unique red countdown hand that allowed referees and players to easily track the remaining minutes of each half. With its clear visibility and precision, it became an instant success among soccer aficionados worldwide. Over the years, Omega continued to refine and enhance their Soccer Timer Watch to meet the evolving demands of the sport. They introduced new features such as additional chronograph functions, improved water resistance, and innovative materials for durability. Today, Omega's Soccer Timer Watch remains highly coveted by both athletes and collectors alike. Its timeless design combined with its exceptional functionality makes it a true classic in sports watchmaking history. What’s On Offer This Omega reference has become quite the collector's piece and to find one in this fantastic condition is rare! The dial is in superb condition and boasts 3 counters, one of which is the chronograph minute subdial and is marked with a 45-minute indicator below the “30” to make it easier to time - this is the feature that makes it the 'Soccer Timer'. This example is the 145.020, the second iteration of the Soccer Timer and as such it boasts a tachymeter to the outer perimeter of the dial, it is also larger at 41mm - rather meaty on the wrist. The case and lugs are also in superb shape with barely a noticeable blemish - just one scratch to the caseback, otherwise it almost looks like NOS. This is a really nice example, it is running well and keeping good time, and if you are an Omega collector, is your collection really complete without the iconic Soccer Timer? Additional information Made from Case: Stainless Steel Dial: White Crystal: Acrylic Bracelet: Leather Pin Buckle Strap Technical specifications Winding: Manual Movement Type: Mechanical Calibre: Omega 861 Jewels: 17 Waterproof: Not Guaranteed Power reserve: 40hrs Purchase details Condition: Excellent Model Reference: 145.020 Date of issue: c.1970 Dimensions Width (without crown): 41mm Lug width: 22mm Lug height: (lug to lug) 45mm Wrist size: Adjustable
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Dive and water-resistant watches
Keeping water and dust out of a wristwatch was a long-standing challenge. Rolex's screw-down Oyster case (1926) and Omega's Marine (1932) were landmarks; in the early 1950s Blancpain's Fifty Fathoms and Rolex's Submariner defined the professional dive watch with rotating bezels for timing dives, luminous dials and high water resistance. The ISO 6425 standard (1982) later codified what a 'diver's watch' must do.
Dive watches became icons of post-war design and exploration, and their evolution — helium escape valves, ceramic bezels, saturation-diving depth ratings — records the history of underwater work.
What to look for
- Unidirectional or bidirectional rotating bezel with minute markings.
- Screw-down crown and case back; depth rating printed on the dial.
- Luminous hands and markers (radium before c. 1960, tritium c. 1960–1998, then Super-LumiNova).
- Reference numbers on the case between the lugs or inside the back.
Dating clues
- Screw-down Oyster cases: from 1926.
- Professional dive watches: from 1953.
- Tritium 'T' marks on dials: c. 1960–1998.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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