Why We Love It

Omega is a brand that needs no introduction, and we firmly believe that every collection should contain at least one of their timepieces.

Inside its gold plated cushion case, this Seamaster Chronograph is powered by the Omega Calibre 1040 automatic chronograph movement. This Calibre was patented in 1970, and came on the heels of the famous three-way tie for the first automatic chronograph movement--the Calibre 11, the Zenith El-Primero and the Seiko 6139.

Fun fact, Albert Piguet, the long-time chronograph specialist for Lemania, modeled the design of the Calibre 1040 after a prototype automatic chronograph movement that he had designed and built nearly a quarter century earlier in 1946!

At the time, his prototype was deemed superfluous and shelved. This footnote recasts the Cal. 1040 in a new light and gives the Seamaster Chronograph an interesting horological history, and you know we love that. 

This timepiece features a quick-set date function at 3:00, a running seconds subsidiary dial with incorporated 24-hour indicator at 9:00, a 12-hour register at 6:00 and a central minute counter hand (with its distinct 'airplane' design). Sure, it shows some patina and wear throughout, but when you put it on your wrist, you've got something really funky and cool, and that stands out from the crowd.

You’re very unlikely to run into another guy wearing this reference in the wild - and isn't that what having a unique vintage piece is all about?

The Story

This unusual Seamaster Chronograph was produced for only a handful of years in the early 1970s. Despite the relative rarity and interesting design of the model, it is often overshadowed by Omega's most celebrated chronograph, the . 

Throughout its production, the Seamaster Chronograph Ref. 176.001 was released in a handful of configurations; initially, the watch was offered with two dial variants (blue and a rhodium-plated silver) and three inner ring options--tachymetre, pulsations and telemetre--fitted into barrel-shaped stainless steel case. By 1972, Omega had added dials with the 12-hour register finished in white, changing the internal reference number to 176.007, as well as offering an additional 'yachting' ring with tachymetre and countdown hashes (ref. 176.010). 

Ultimately, these 70s Seamaster Chronographs offer a tremendous amount of cool for a less-than-tremendous price, making them a great way to get into vintage Omega ownership!