Here we have a lovely example of a chunky, retro circa 1978 Omega Seamaster Automatic Day Date, gold plated watch. It is the reference 166.0211. It has the 20 micron gold plated case with the Stainless-Steel base. It is a tonneau/TV case shape which is a classic of the 1970s Omega offering. It has the Omega gold plated bracelet which is the reference 1173 No.12. The dial is the TV shape with the original Omega crystal protecting it. It is a silver satin brushed dial with the applied baton hour markers. It has the day/date window at 3 O’clock, which is quickset. The hands are of Index style with the gold tone and black painted finish with luminous in-fill. To the right is the Omega signed crown. The case back snaps in place and has the clear Omega Seamaster hippocampus motif and signing. Inside it is marked with the Omega name and reference numbers. The movement is the Omega calibre 1020 which is automatic. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within 5 seconds variation per day.

Retro styling has traditionally been somewhat divisive in terms of its appeal, but the tides have turned. Examples such as this from Omega offer a blend of quality, impressive proportions and daring design that showcases wild styles that aren’t as commonly seen today.

These watches were the future when they were introduced and were a product of an exciting world with influences from monumental events such as the moon landing and the introduction of colour TV. This period also saw the move towards integrated bracelet designs, stemming from legendary designers such as Gerald Genta.

The dial is the TV shape with the silver satin brushed finish. It has the simple dash minute/second markers with the applied baton hour markers. They are the gold tone with the black painted finish to the centre. They have the original luminous plots to the base which have aged to a darker tone. The 12 O’clock marker is differentiated with the wider marker. The day/date window is neatly balanced at 3 O’clock with the window having the rectangular shape, gold framing and bevelled edges. The date disc has the satin white tone with the black Arabic numerals. The dial is signed ‘Omega’ below 12 with the applied Omega logo. The ‘Seamaster’ model name sits above 6 o’clock with the ‘Automatic’ signing. It has the ‘Swiss made’ signing to the base of the dial.

The hands are of index style in the gold tone. They have the black painted section to the centre that ties in with the hour markers. They also have the luminous in-fill to the tips. The central second hand is a classic tapered design with the thin tip. The acrylic crystal is original and has the Omega etching to the centre above the hand stack.

The space age and TV both lend themselves to the case design we see here. A large tonneau case, reminiscent of a helmet, with the TV shaped dial providing the window to the time. The case is well proportioned measuring 35mm wide, with a case length of 40mm. It is still a comfortable wear due to its restrained depth of just over 10mm. The bracelet blends from the hooded lugs, starting at a width of 20mm.

The case is formed of a large block of gold-plated stainless steel, with the flat tops being curved to the top and bottom. It has the lightly brushed finish which has polished with age. There is a subtle bevel to the top of the sides, flowing into the flat brushed side section. To the right is the neat crown with the knurled finish. It has the Omega logo to the face which is well defined.

The rear of the case is subtly curved which helps it sit comfortably on the wrist. The case back snaps in place and has the large engraved ‘Semaster’ hippocampus to the centre. The inside of the case back is signed of the Omega name and is marked with the reference 166.0211.

The movement is the Omega calibre 1020 which is automatic. It has a jewel count of 17 and operates at a hi-beat frequency of 28,800 BPH. It has the quickset date function with hacking seconds. It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of 5 seconds per day.

The watch is presented on the original Omega gold plated bracelet which is the reference 1173 No.12. The clasp is signed with the Omega logo and is secure. It is a good length and will fit up to an 8.5” (21.6cm) wrist circumference.

The watch is modelled on a 7” (17.78cm) wrist circumference. It will fit up to an 8” (20.3cm) 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 with no discolouration. The signing is good and clear. All the original luminous plots are present. The is slight wear to the very edge between 10 and 11 o’clock.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with the bright gold tone. They are free of noticeable corrosion and scratching, with no bending. The luminous and paint is original.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is the original with the omega etching to the centre. It is in good condition with some light scratches associated with age.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with the defined edge and Omega logo. It functions as it should. There is no wear to the plating.

Case:
The case is gold plated and is in decent condition. The brushed finish to the top has naturally polished with age. It has light surface scratching associated with age. There are a couple of light dints to the bezel. The gold-plated finish is good and even with no visible wear through.

Case back:
The case back is in strong original condition. The Seamaster engraving is clear and is retains the original brushed finish.

Bracelet:
The watch comes on a its original bracelet which is in decent original condition. It will fit up to a 21.6cm wrist circumference. The gold-plated finish has noticeable wear and the tone is silver in places.

Movement:
The movement is the Omega calibre 1020 which is automatic. It has a jewel count of 17 and operates at a hi-beat frequency of 28,800 BPH. It has the quickset date function with hacking seconds.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time to within +5 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a 0.2 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 35mm
Case width with crown: 37.5mm
Case length: 40mm
Case depth: 10.75mm
Bracelet width: 20mm