
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Seamster 120 (166.088.), 1971
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1971
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- OMSM71120
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (OMSM71120)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1971 Omega Seamster 120 (166.088.) (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number OMSM71120), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1971. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. 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 — Craft & Tailored
There is something about the early vintage Omega Seamsters that truly embodies the golden era of dive watches of the 1960-1970's. Omega has a long history and heritage in dive watches, which dates back to the 1930s. The seahorse adorned caseback of the Seamaster series pays tribute to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. The seahorse logo was conceived by engraver Jean-Pierre Borle. He was inspired by an image of Neptune driving a chariot pulled by seahorses, which is why the Omega seahorses are depicted wearing bridles. Omega released the Seamaster 120 Ref (166.088.) in 1969 and continued production of through 1974. Omega released four versions of the Seamaster 120 from its launch in 1969 until the last production of the reference in 1974. The common features of the Seamaster 120's of this era are the bi-directional bakelite bezel insert, the date feature, the screw down crown, and the absence of crown guards. The numbers, minute markers, and the twelve o'clock triangle marker are embossed within the bezel and give a three dimensional look, enhanced by tritium lume which provides additional visibility in low light conditions adding to the vibe, mojo, and coolness factor of this Omega model and reference. Stock # OMSM71120 Brand Omega Style Seamster Model 120 Serial 33,XXX,XXX Size Men's Material SS Dial Black (Spider Dial) Millimeters 39 Bracelet C&T Horween Horsehide leather CASE & BRACELET The case of this '71 Seamaster has not been polished and retains the original factory finish. Most of the examples that are available today have been over polished and do not retain the original case chamfers and finish. The blue bakelite bezel is also in stunning condition which is uncommon to find as most examples available show degradation and/or cracking. The bi-directional bezel insert is in perfect condition and provides a three dimensional appearance to the numbers and markers, which is specific to this model of seamaster. Included will be a C&T brown vintage style strap and a blue silicone dive strap. DIAL The dial is in original condition showing the applied omega logo and has "spider web" crazing as seen in the photos. This crazing patina gives the dial a stunning dimensional appearance in the sunlight and is highly sought after . The hands are original in condition and show slight patina the blue second hand is still a vibrant blue and the speedmaster style sword hands are original to this era of Seamaster 120 . There is some lume degrade at the 6 o'clock and 10 o'clock markers. ACCESSORIES None. Watch was recently serviced and is running at COSC spec.
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
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
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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