Omega - Seamaster - 166.003 SP - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage

A quintessential vintage Seamaster, this circa 1970 Omega pairs a highly preserved silver sunburst dial with its original beads of rice bracelet. The reference 166.003 SP perfectly illustrates the enduring appeal of mid-century Omega design, combining elegant geometry with the respected caliber 565 automatic movement and a wonderfully crisp caseback medallion.

Brand: Omega
Model: Seamaster
Reference Number: 166.003 SP
Serial Number: 30369862
Movement: Caliber 565, 24 jewels, automatic
Dial: Silver sunburst with applied black-accented baton indices and framed date
Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Production Year: circa 1970
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: +8+10s/day, performing remarkably well.

Dial and Hands
The dial presents a clean and well-preserved silver sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully across its surface. Applied baton indices feature distinct black inserts, providing excellent contrast and legibility, complemented by a neatly framed date window positioned at three o'clock. All printing remains crisp and intact, highlighting the careful preservation of this face. The dauphine style hands are in excellent condition, carrying black inserts that perfectly match the indices. Their metallic surfaces are clean, showing no obvious oxidation, completing a highly attractive display.

Case and Crystal
Constructed from stainless steel, the case displays honest vintage wear with light scratches and handling marks consistent with its age. The lugs retain good geometry and definition, transitioning smoothly to the polished bezel, which exhibits light scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The watch features a signed crown with the Omega logo and a knurled edge, appearing in good condition. Turning the watch over reveals a crisp Seamaster hippocampus medallion on the caseback. The domed acrylic crystal remains clear with no major crazing or cracks, though light surface scratches are visible in certain reflections.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the automatic Omega caliber 565, featuring 24 jewels and the brand's signature copper-colored plating. The movement presents a clean appearance with no obvious signs of corrosion or damage, and bears crisp engravings including the OMEGA WATCH Co SWISS signature and the serial number 30369862. On the timegrapher, it measures +8+10s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece.

Strap
The watch is fitted with its original signed bracelet. This classic Omega beads of rice style bracelet features a signed folding clasp with the Omega logo. It shows normal wear and light scratches appropriate for its age, completing the vintage aesthetic. The bracelet accommodates a maximum wrist size of 17.5cm.

Condition
Excellent vintage condition. The watch exhibits honest wear across its stainless steel case and polished bezel, with light scratches and handling marks that do not detract from its strong lug geometry. The dial and hands are remarkably well-preserved, retaining crisp printing and clean surfaces. The domed acrylic crystal shows only light reflective scratches. The original beads of rice bracelet displays normal wear consistent with the case. The caliber 565 movement is clean and, supported by the timegrapher results, performs with remarkable accuracy and consistency.

Dimensions
The case measures 34 mm in diameter, excluding the crown.

Remarks
This reference 166.003 SP stands out through its exceptionally clean silver sunburst dial and matching black-accented handset. The presence of its original signed beads of rice bracelet and the crispness of the caseback hippocampus medallion make it a highly compelling acquisition for those seeking an authentic and well-preserved classic.

History
The Omega Seamaster line was introduced in 1948 to commemorate the brand's centenary, evolving from robust watches originally supplied to the British military. Over the decades, the collection expanded to include refined daily wearers like the reference 166.003, which utilized the respected 500-series movements. This era of Seamaster production is highly regarded for its balance of elegant design and dependable mechanical performance.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind.
We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination.
Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age.
We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description.
The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use.
If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: OME-SXX-0045