Today's offering showcases this classic and completely original Omega Seamaster ref. 165.002 from c. 1966, a particularly handsome original example of one of Omega's great mid-century automatic watches.

It has the things that make these vintage Seamasters so appealing: the balanced proportions, screwback case with Omega's famous Seamaster hippocampus emblem, and inside, the excellent caliber 552 automatic movement. It is understated in the way the best vintage Omegas often are, yet this particular watch has developed enough character over its approximately six decades to make it really stand out.

And then there is the dial.

Originally gray, it has naturally tropicalized over the decades into an extraordinary smoky gray with rich bronze tones. The effect changes with the light: sometimes the original gray is dominant, while at other angles the bronze warmth comes forward. The markings and Omega signature have gradually ghosted into the dial, which give it such tremendous vintage character.

Paired with its new distressed vintage-style leather strap which has muted gray-brown coloring picks up both the original gray and the bronze that has emerged in the dial, it is simply gorgeous, tying the entire watch together and giving it a striking vintage look on the wrist.

The dial also retains some terrific period details. Its outer track is divided into 1/5 second markings for precision technical and sporting timing, a subtle detail that gives an otherwise elegant Seamaster just a hint of its instrument-watch heritage.

Powering it is Omega’s caliber 552, one of the brand’s most respected automatic movements of the period. This was part of the final generation of Omega’s higher-grade 500-series calibers. It represents a moment before cost-cutting measures began to reshape production, making these movements particularly desirable among collectors who appreciate Omega’s earlier engineering standards. It is one of the finest mass-produced automatic movements from era - arguably the finest.

It measures 34.5mm in diameter without the crown, just slightly larger than the size of a Rolex Date watch.

It is original and presents distinctively on the wrist.

Its case is in excellent condition with only light wear. It has never been polished and retains strong lines.

Its dial is original and untouched.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.

It continues to run very strong and true, keeping time virtually on par with brand new Omega in our testing position.

For the finishing touch, it has been equipped with a new this distressed leather strap with aftermarket Omega style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Note: The watch's page on the Omega website can be found here.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

The Seamaster:

Omega watches can be found on the wrists of many prominent figures including Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher, Michael Phelps, Ernie Els, Prince William, and one graced the wrist of President John F. Kennedy. Omega has been the official timekeeper for 21 Olympic Games and is the official chronometer of NASA.

Omega is perhaps best known by watch connoisseurs for its Seamaster line of dive watches. Introduced in 1948, they have been were embraced by water sports enthusiasts and often marry a striking look with a high performance movement.

Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 24,225,706
Year built: c. 1966
Model: Seamaster, ref. 165.002
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Omega Watch Co., Swiss made, Acier Inoxydable, 165.002
Case condition: It is in excellent condition with only light wear. It has never been polished and retains strong lines.
Dial: Originally gray naturally tropicalized over time to a gorgeous smoky gray with rich bronze tones, luminous baton indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 second divisions, signed Omega Automatic Seamaster. The original signature has naturally ghosted with age. Original and untouched
Dimensions: 34.5mm wide (excluding crown) by 41mm long lug tip to tip
Hands: Original, steel batons
Movement type: Caliber 552, signed Omega, manually wound, copper colored, 24 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring
Movement markings: Omega, Swiss, Twenty-Four Jewels, 552, 24,225,706
Jewels: 17 rubies
Beat frequency: 19,800 BPH
Band: Distressed leather vintage style strap with aftermarket Omega style buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal type: Acrylic, unsigned or no longer signed, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to run very strong and true, keeping time virtually on par with brand new Omega in our testing position.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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