Omega - Seamaster - 196.0083 - Men - 1977

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage

Embodying the architectural design language of the late 1970s, this Omega Seamaster Quartz represents a fascinating era in the brand's history when traditional Swiss watchmaking met the precision of early quartz technology. With its robust tonneau-shaped case and integrated-style bracelet, this timepiece offers a highly wearable and versatile aesthetic that bridges the gap between a dress watch and a capable everyday sports model. The combination of a pristine sunburst dial and the reliable in-house quartz caliber makes this Seamaster a compelling choice for collectors seeking vintage charm with grab-and-go convenience.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 196.0083
Serial Number: 40337735
Movement: Quartz, Caliber 1342
Dial: Silver sunburst dial, exceptionally clean, with applied indices and notably degraded luminous material in the hands.
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1977
Condition: Good vintage condition presenting honest external wear and a well-preserved dial.

Dial and Hands
The watch features a beautiful silver dial with a subtle, radiant sunburst finish that catches the light dynamically. The dial surface itself has been exceptionally well-preserved, remaining clean and free of prominent spots, moisture damage, or discoloration. It is appointed with applied silver-tone baton indices featuring black central stripes, which coordinate perfectly with the printed black minute track and the crisp serif typography of the "OMEGA QUARTZ" and script "Seamaster" text. An applied Omega logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position. The date is displayed at three o'clock within a stepped, applied metallic frame. At the outer edge of each hour marker, small spherical luminous plots are present, having aged to a warm, creamy hue. The black stick hands feature central channels containing luminous material; a close inspection reveals that this material has degraded over time, presenting a darkened, powdery, and granular texture that is a common aging characteristic for this specific handset.

Case and Crystal
The 34mm stainless steel case utilizes a classic tonneau or cushion profile, characterized by its seamless, integrated-style lug design. The case exhibits a distinct contrast between the brushed finish on the upper surfaces and the polished finish on the case flanks and smooth bezel. The watch shows honest signs of regular use, with scattered surface scratches, scuffs, and minor handling marks visible across the case and bezel, consistent with a vintage watch that has been enjoyed. Despite the wear, the overall geometry remains solid. The domed acrylic crystal shows minor superficial wear but provides a clear and unobstructed view of the dial. Turning the watch over reveals a solid stainless steel caseback featuring a deeply embossed Seamaster hippocampus medallion, which remains crisp and well-defined.

Movement
Powering this Seamaster is the Omega Caliber 1342, an in-house quartz movement developed during the height of the quartz revolution. The movement features seven jewels and presents attractive copper-toned base plates alongside its electronic components. Close inspection of the movement reveals the caliber designation and jewel count cleanly stamped into the metal, reflecting Omega's commitment to producing high-quality quartz calibers during this transitional era.

Strap
The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel multi-link bracelet, which complements the tonneau case perfectly. The bracelet features brushed outer links and polished center accents, showing surface scratches and normal stretch consistent with the age and wear of the case. It secures via a folding clasp that is proudly stamped with a large, prominent Omega logo.

Condition
This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case and bracelet display a normal pattern of surface scratches and scuffs indicative of regular wear over the decades, while retaining their structural integrity. The dial is remarkably clean and attractive, though the hands exhibit noticeable degradation to their luminous fill. The caseback medallion remains sharp, and the watch presents as a highly authentic and honest vintage survivor.

Dimensions
The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The integrated-style lug design provides a cohesive and substantial presence on the wrist despite the modest traditional measurement.
Accommodate a wrist size of up to approximately 19 cm in circumference.

Remarks
This Omega Seamaster is a wonderful representation of late 1970s design, offering a versatile aesthetic that pairs effortlessly with casual or formal attire. The combination of the resilient quartz movement and the classic styling makes it an excellent entry point into vintage Omega collecting or a dependable addition to an established collection.

History
The Omega Seamaster line, introduced in 1948, is one of the brand's most enduring and celebrated collections. Originally conceived as a robust, water-resistant dress watch for active individuals, the Seamaster evolved dramatically over the decades. In the 1970s, as the Swiss watch industry adapted to the advent of quartz technology, Omega invested heavily in developing their own high-quality quartz calibers. Watches like this Seamaster Quartz allowed Omega to offer unprecedented accuracy while maintaining their traditional standards of case finishing and dial execution, securing the brand's legacy through a transformative period in horological history.

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-OSX-0060