Here we have a seldom seen and eye-catching circa 1969 Omega Seamaster ‘Soccer Timer’ chronograph. It is the reference 145.016-68 with the rarer dark grey dial variation. It has the black and red sub-dials with constant seconds, sectored 12-hour counter and 45-minute counter (for timing a half of a football match) at 3 O’clock. The 38mm case is cushion shaped with the grained sunburst finish to the bezel. It has the polished bevel with the flat polished sides. To the right are the original polished pushers, with the Omega signed crown. 
The case back has the Seamaster signing with the hippocampus motif. Inside it is signed with the Omega signing and reference number. The movement is the Omega calibre 861 chronograph movement, the same as the one used in the Moonwatch. It is in very good condition, having been recently serviced. 
 
We love this reference due to its cushion shaped case with the grained, brushed bezel which interacts with the light. The dial is a real treat with the pops of colour coming from the red and black sectors of the sub-dials. This is also mixed with the sporty racing style track around the outside of the dial. It also has the famous Omega calibre 861 chronograph movement which was in the moon watch. It is a rarely seen reference due to its relatively short production run from 1969 to the early 1970s. Definitely one for the football fans with its 45 half minute timing application too!
 
The dial is the rarer dark grey variation with the racing style black and white minute track to the exterior. It has the 1/5th second dash markers for accurate time keeping. The hour dashes are a white tone, of a simple, slim design. The centre is the aged dark grey tone with the Omega Seamaster signing below 12. It has the dished sub-dial design with the constant seconds to the left with the double ringed red circle. At 6 O’clock is the black and red sectored 12-hour counter. At 3 O’clock is the 45-minute timer for a half of a football match. 
The hands are of pencil style with the aged white tone paint and original luminous in-fill. They have the black painted base which helps them disappear. The central second hand is of the tapered design with the white tone. The white sub-dial hands are original and have the white painted finish. 
 
The case is well sized with the 38mm width, siting at just under 41mm with crown and pushers. It has a total lug-to-lug length of 43mm which further adds to the presence. The case has a depth of 13mm which makes it sits proudly on the wrist, whilst the curvature still ensures its comfortable.
It is formed of stainless steel and has the cushion shaped design. It has the impressive, grained sunburst finish to the bezel which catches the light. It has the polished bevel to the edge, which flows into the flat sides. The pushers are original with the polished finish. The Crown is a chunky design with the Omega logo. 
The case back has the dished design with the 6 notches for opening. To the centre it has the ‘Seamaster’ signing with the hippocampus motif. Inside it is signed with the Omega logo and the reference 145.016-68. 
 
The movement is the Omega calibre 861 which is a manually wound Chronograph movement. It is the calibre which featured in the famous Omega Speedmaster Moon watch. It has a jewel count of 18 and a power reserve of 48 hours. It displays the hours, minutes, chronograph second, constant seconds, 12-hour counter and 45 minute counter. 
It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within +10 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.1m/s.
 
The serial number is 28,087,XXX which dates the watch to early 1969.
 
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is in good original condition. It has the light speckled ageing to the dark grey tone. The colours are good and bright.
 
Hands:
The hands are original, with aged white painted tone with the original lume in-fill. The central second hand is original with white painted finish as are the sub-second hands. The paint has developed a lumpy texture in areas with age.
 
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a correct profile replacement, which is non Omega. 
 
Pushers:
The pushers are original and in good condition with original polished finish. 
 
Crown:
The crown is a new, modern replacement, which is slightly wider than the original. 
 
Case:
The case is original and is in very good condition, having been laser welded and re-finished. The sunburst finish is excellent, with polished bevel and brushed sides. 
 
Caseback:
The case back is stainless steel and is in good condition with polished exterior. The seahorse motif is clearly visible with crisp edges. It has had the finish restored.
 
Strap:
The watch comes on a new genuine leather strap which is non-Omega.
 
Movement:
The movement is an Omega calibre 861. It is a shock protected manually wound chronograph calibre. It has a jewel count of 18 and a 48-hour power reserve. It displays the hours, minutes, central second, small seconds, 45 minute counter and 12 hour counter.
 
The movement has been recently serviced It’s keeping time to within +10 seconds deviation a day, with an amplitude of 300 degrees and a beat error of 0.1m/s.
 
Case dimensions:
Case width: 38mm
Case width with crown: 40.75mm
Case length: 36.5mm
Case length lug to lug: 43mm
Case Depth: 13mm
Lug width: 20mm