Today's offering showcases this classic and beautifully restored c. 1969 Omega Seamaster Compressor with Oxblood vignette dial. The Compressor is an uncommon model - the first automatic Seamaster in a non-round case.

An underappreciated Omega, it has a wonderful style and great presence on the wrist. It circa dates to 1969 where it might have laid next to the Speedmaster Professional that were heading to the moon.

Omega conceived the watch in 1967, and the decision to power it with the company's top-tier caliber 565 was an easy choice - its new slim automatic winding system allowed the movement to fit into an elegant rectangular watch without it becoming to bulky.

Omega's top-tier caliber 565 movement, one of the last superior 500's series movements used before Omega began trying to reduce their costs, was the top-tier offering of the 500 series. It has 24 jewels and a quick-setting date. Arguably the finest mass-produced automatic movement from era, despite the appreciation it receives it too remains not yet fully appreciated.

Introduced at the Basel Fair in 1968 and officially part of the 1969 collection, it likely was overlooked a bit at the time because of the introductions of quartz watches and automatic chronographs. This beauty left the catalog in 1975.

It features a key bolt compressor style case where the waterproofing seal is situated between the main case body and the crystal. The case body is held in place by four bolts at the corners.

A wonderfully pleasing watch, it wears larger than its 33.5mm diameter. It has all of its original parts down to the dial, hands, winding crown, and even original crystal!

It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents in gorgeous condition. Its case presents as gorgeous mint condition.

Its original Omega dial has been meticulously custom refinished in oxblood vignette - deep red in the center that fades to black around the periphery. The printing could pass as Omega factory done to the naked eye.

As part of the restoration, the movement has been freshly serviced by a Master Watchmaker. It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Omega in our testing recording position.

For the finishing touch, a new aftermarket calfskin leather strap and aftermarket Omega style buckle has been installed 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 full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

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

An uncommon more than half-century old Omega Seamaster Compressor restored to look almost like new on the wrist!

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.

Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 31,869,366
Year built: c. 1969. This model was made c. 1969 - 1975
Model: Ref. ST 166.0042, Seamaster
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Quick-Setting Date, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (outside): Seamaster with hypocampus emblem
Case condition: Presents as mint. The underside of the case on these have often been heavily polished to remove all the watchmaker's marks from trying to open the unusual case. That is not the case with this one - the underside presents in excellent condition.
Dimensions: 33.5mm wide (excluding crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Oxblood red vignette - deep red in the center that fades to black around the periphery, signed Omega Seamster, applied steel faceted baton indexes, aperture for the date, expertly custom refinished
Hands: Original, steel, "batons"
Movement type: Cal. 565, copper colored, self-winding, 24 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, micrometer regulator
Movement markings: Omega Watch Co. Swiss, Twenty-four Jewels, 565
Jewels: 24 rubies
Beat frequency: 19,800 BPH
Band: Calfskin leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn 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.
Width between lugs: 20mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, original, signed Omega, excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, freshly serviced by a Master Watchmaker.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Omega in out testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. 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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