Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.014 - Matte Black Dial W/ Box & Extract

The Omega Speedmaster is one of the most historically important, if not the most important wrist watch ever produced, full stop. Its story can be summed up with one simple acronym: NASA. Surely, this is not a watch that needs an introduction with our audience...

However, the sibling to the Speedmaster, the Seamaster, is worth shedding some light on. The model family was conceived in 1948 as what was effectively a time-only watch, not the dive watch that is most commonly associated with the named today. It wasn't until nearly a decade later where the Seamaster 300 would show up with its rotating timing bezel and larger case size. As with so many other icons and popular vintage models, the Seamaster has seen countless iterations and variants over its nearly 70-years of continuous production, but it is the 300 that is probably what comes to mind when you hear the name.

The piece that we have here, a Ref. 165.014, dates to circa 1964 and possesses many of the features that collectors love about SM300s from this period. The 38mm case with 'straight' lugs remains in very strong, likely-unpolished condition and presents beautifully. The 'coin-edge' bezel also retains nice definition and retains its correct black acrylic insert whereas most of have gone the way of the dodo. Inside, the dial is devoid of a date complication, making for a wonderfully symmetrical dial layout. The Tritium indices exhibit an attractive and largely uniform patina throughout and are complimented by a fantastic 'sword'-style handset.

Furthermore, this piece is accompanied by its original boxes, booklet, and an extract from Omega confirming production in 1964 and delivery to Austria.

Been looking for an honest, daily-wearable diver from the 1960's from a storied brand? Here you go!