Omega - Seamaster - 196.1501 - Men - 1998
05
days
18
hours
55
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02
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€ 1
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Selected by Pasquale Picca
Expert and certified watch technician with over 15 years of experience, author and founder of CHLB
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,100
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Omega Seamaster 120m reference 196.1501 from 1998, quartz Caliber 1538, 38 mm stainless steel case with a steel Seamaster bracelet, excellent vintage condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Presented for auction by Second Vintage
The Omega Seamaster 120m perfectly bridges the gap between a robust sports watch and an elegant everyday timepiece. This specific reference 196.1501 features a striking deep blue wave dial that captures the essence of Omega's nautical heritage, dynamically shifting in tone depending on the light. Housed in a versatile 38mm stainless steel case and paired with the iconic multi-link Seamaster bracelet, it offers an incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist. Powered by the reliable Omega Caliber 1538 quartz movement, this piece combines meticulous Swiss finishing with grab-and-go convenience, making it a highly appealing addition for both seasoned collectors and those seeking a distinguished daily wearer.
Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster 120m
Reference Number: 196.1501
Serial Number: 56422256
Movement: Quartz Caliber 1538
Dial: Blue wave dial with applied luminous indices
Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1998
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Dial and Hands
The watch features a captivating deep blue dial adorned with Omega's signature wave pattern, which provides a rich texture and visual depth. Applied silver-tone baton hour markers are paired with intact luminous pips, creating a highly legible and attractive layout. A date aperture is cleanly positioned at the three o'clock mark. The iconic skeleton hands retain their luminous tips and exhibit excellent preservation, complementing the dial perfectly and showing a strong, fresh overall appearance.
Case and Crystal
The 38mm stainless steel case showcases sweepingly elegant lines and retains crisp transitions between its brushed and polished surfaces. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial beautifully and displays only light, honest handling marks. The signature guarded crown operates smoothly. The solid caseback is deeply engraved with the famous Seamaster hippocampus emblem surrounded by a textured wave motif. The sapphire crystal remains clear and free of significant marks, ensuring an unobstructed view of the dial.
Movement
Inside beats the Omega Quartz Caliber 1538, a highly regarded and precise movement known for its robust performance. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance and ready enjoyment for its next owner.
Strap
The watch is fitted with its stainless steel Seamaster multi-link bracelet, reference 1501/823, recognized for its exceptional comfort and fluid articulation. The bracelet is secured by a robust fold-over clasp featuring a gold-tone Omega medallion. It is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age. Only light wear and handling marks are visible on the case and bracelet, with limited scratches and minimal signs of heavy use. The dial, case, and hands show very good overall preservation. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece.
Dimensions
Case width is 38 mm excluding the crown. Accommodates a wrist size up to 17.5 cm.
Remarks
This Seamaster 120m is a fantastic representation of Omega's late 1990s design language, offering the beloved wave dial in a refined, polished-bezel format. Its combination of a reliable quartz caliber and a highly wearable case size makes it an exceptionally versatile and sales-appealing timepiece that continues to appreciate in collector interest.
History
The Omega Seamaster line has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction in 1948, originally designed to withstand the rigorous demands of maritime adventures. The Seamaster 120m series, particularly popular in the 1990s, was introduced to offer a more elegant, streamlined alternative to the chunkier professional dive watches while still maintaining substantial water resistance and sporting capability. Worn famously by free-diver Jacques Mayol, the Seamaster 120m cemented its legacy as a watch that perfectly harmonizes formal aesthetics with uncompromising aquatic performance.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: OME-OSM-0003
Seller's Story
Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance.
With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority.
We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first. Learn more about our brand at SecondVintage com
Presented for auction by Second Vintage
The Omega Seamaster 120m perfectly bridges the gap between a robust sports watch and an elegant everyday timepiece. This specific reference 196.1501 features a striking deep blue wave dial that captures the essence of Omega's nautical heritage, dynamically shifting in tone depending on the light. Housed in a versatile 38mm stainless steel case and paired with the iconic multi-link Seamaster bracelet, it offers an incredibly comfortable presence on the wrist. Powered by the reliable Omega Caliber 1538 quartz movement, this piece combines meticulous Swiss finishing with grab-and-go convenience, making it a highly appealing addition for both seasoned collectors and those seeking a distinguished daily wearer.
Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster 120m
Reference Number: 196.1501
Serial Number: 56422256
Movement: Quartz Caliber 1538
Dial: Blue wave dial with applied luminous indices
Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: 1998
Condition: Excellent vintage condition
Dial and Hands
The watch features a captivating deep blue dial adorned with Omega's signature wave pattern, which provides a rich texture and visual depth. Applied silver-tone baton hour markers are paired with intact luminous pips, creating a highly legible and attractive layout. A date aperture is cleanly positioned at the three o'clock mark. The iconic skeleton hands retain their luminous tips and exhibit excellent preservation, complementing the dial perfectly and showing a strong, fresh overall appearance.
Case and Crystal
The 38mm stainless steel case showcases sweepingly elegant lines and retains crisp transitions between its brushed and polished surfaces. The smooth polished bezel frames the dial beautifully and displays only light, honest handling marks. The signature guarded crown operates smoothly. The solid caseback is deeply engraved with the famous Seamaster hippocampus emblem surrounded by a textured wave motif. The sapphire crystal remains clear and free of significant marks, ensuring an unobstructed view of the dial.
Movement
Inside beats the Omega Quartz Caliber 1538, a highly regarded and precise movement known for its robust performance. The movement is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance and ready enjoyment for its next owner.
Strap
The watch is fitted with its stainless steel Seamaster multi-link bracelet, reference 1501/823, recognized for its exceptional comfort and fluid articulation. The bracelet is secured by a robust fold-over clasp featuring a gold-tone Omega medallion. It is currently sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5 cm.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The watch is very well preserved for its age. Only light wear and handling marks are visible on the case and bracelet, with limited scratches and minimal signs of heavy use. The dial, case, and hands show very good overall preservation. The overall appearance is clean, attractive, and well above average for a vintage piece.
Dimensions
Case width is 38 mm excluding the crown. Accommodates a wrist size up to 17.5 cm.
Remarks
This Seamaster 120m is a fantastic representation of Omega's late 1990s design language, offering the beloved wave dial in a refined, polished-bezel format. Its combination of a reliable quartz caliber and a highly wearable case size makes it an exceptionally versatile and sales-appealing timepiece that continues to appreciate in collector interest.
History
The Omega Seamaster line has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction in 1948, originally designed to withstand the rigorous demands of maritime adventures. The Seamaster 120m series, particularly popular in the 1990s, was introduced to offer a more elegant, streamlined alternative to the chunkier professional dive watches while still maintaining substantial water resistance and sporting capability. Worn famously by free-diver Jacques Mayol, the Seamaster 120m cemented its legacy as a watch that perfectly harmonizes formal aesthetics with uncompromising aquatic performance.
Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.
/ Second Vintage
SKU: OME-OSM-0003
Seller's Story
Welcome to Second Vintage. Our weekly selections feature carefully curated vintage timepieces from iconic brands such as Rolex, Omega, Longines, Seiko, and many more. Each watch is thoroughly inspected and always delivered in working condition. We are a team of dedicated vintage watch enthusiasts with deep expertise in the details that truly matter – from reference numbers and movements to authenticity, design, and historical nuance.
With thousands of successful auctions and satisfied customers across the globe, we are proud to be recognized as a Top Seller on Catawiki. Our reputation is built on trust, transparency, and consistent quality. You can bid with confidence knowing that your satisfaction is our highest priority.
We ship quickly and securely, using professional packaging to ensure your watch arrives safely and exactly as described. All items are dispatched within 2–3 business days after payment. In the rare event that something occurs during transport, vintage watches can occasionally be affected by handling. Should an issue arise, we respond promptly and are always ready to assist in finding a solution. Your satisfaction comes first. Learn more about our brand at SecondVintage com
Details
Brand
Omega
Gender
Men
Model
Seamaster
Reference Number
196.1501
Band material
Steel
Shipped Insured
Yes
Period
1990-1999
Repainted dial
No
Movement
Quartz
Case material
Stainless steel
Original box included
No
Original papers included
No
Case diameter
38 mm
Original warranty included
No
Condition
Very good - minor signs of wear
Year
1998
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