As a fan of watch design, I’ve developed a wholesome obsession with the primary technology Omega Constellation Manhattan. The Constellation Manhattan is Omega’s largest icon launched within the 1980s. However it’s additionally one of many few launched within the “decade of decadence”. The seventies is the place the true magic of classic Omega design is for me. Enter one other wholesome obsession. It’s time to check out a choice of good releases from the seventies which have crept to the highest of my checklist of classic needs.
I couldn’t consider it after I learn it, however the 1970s have formally been hailed as essentially the most fashionable decade ever. Certain, the 1980s are criticized for an absence of style (though I really feel very a lot at residence with its fashion), however may the seventies be higher than the Swinging Sixties? Apparently so…
Once I began excited about it, there are such a lot of revolutionary designs from the ’70s. And never solely in relation to watches. Through the years, I’ve developed a slight obsession with Omega watches from the seventies. Particularly among the lesser apparent fashions have attracted my curiosity and are on my checklist of needs.
Discovering the fitting photographs
For creating this text, I requested assist from British Omega collector Stevie Mac also called steviemac1040 on Instagram. He owns an ideal assortment of recent and classic Omegas together with the watches on this checklist. On prime of that, he additionally takes gorgeous photos of his watches. Particularly the detailed close-ups, that are among the finest photographs on Instagram. And the story turns into even higher for those who understand up till late final 12 months, they had been shot on an iPhone 6 with a clip-on lens. I can positively advocate following him on Instagram to see his wonderful photos.
For this checklist, we solely contact shortly upon 5 of the exceptional designs that Omega created. Within the late 1960s, Omega got here up with a string of releases like Speedmaster Mark II and the enduring Flightmaster that sparked a brand new method of design pondering. Lots of Omega’s designs from the ’70s turned icons just like the Ploprof, the Speedmaster Skilled 125, the Speedmaster Mark III, and the Speedmaster Mark four.5. Our choice focuses on private favorites whose designs are not less than as exceptional. Within the checklist, you will discover quotes from Stevie highlighting his ideas on every particular mannequin.
1. Omega Seamaster Mariner MK1
The primary watch on our checklist is the Omega Seamaster Mariner MK1 ref. ST 396.0840 that was launched in 1976. This daring watch was Omega’s prime of the invoice quartz watch together with the second technology of the Omega Marine Chronometer. Each watches had been marketed as high-end sports activities watches, and seeing their designs, they match the class that Genta kickstarted in 1972 with the Royal Oak.
In contrast to many, I’ve completely no qualms about carrying a watch that proudly boasts it’s a quartz. Particularly when it’s on a case like this marvel.
Absolutely the eye-catcher is the chrome steel case that appears prefer it was chiseled from an enormous block of metal. However many extra refined curvy traces make sure that the watch is a pleasure to put on. At 38.6mm, the Seamaster Mariner remains to be fairly updated with as we speak’s requirements. The uniquely formed bezel with its 4 massive screws and the “quartz” plate add extra drama to the aesthetic. Add the minimalist trying chrome steel bracelet, and that is an absolute winner.
A contrasting dial
In addition to the case and the bracelet, the watch encompasses a very clear toned-down black dial with utilized hour markers and Omega emblem, and a day and date indication on the three o’clock place. The very slim palms are a pleasure to look at, and together with the opposite parts on the dial, they distinction properly with the dramatic presence of the case. The Seamaster Mariner is powered by the Omega Caliber 1310 Megaquartz motion that may be operated with the crown, and the 2 pushers that just about sink into the aspect of the case, hardly intruding upon the general case design.
The Seamaster Mariner could be discovered for affordable costs, relying on the situation. You’ll have to discover one in good situation, as sourcing elements for these watches could be difficult. The palms are distinctive to the watch, hyperlinks for the bracelet are scarce, and also you want an knowledgeable to service the motion. However after getting one discovered on that’s in good nick, you’ll be amazed by the design with all its intricacies. This one is on the highest of my checklist for a cause!
2. Omega Constellation Megaquartz 2400 Aventurine
The Omega Constellation Megaquartz 2400 with the aventurine dial (ref. 396.0806 / 196.0013) is extraordinary. It was a part of the Constellation Megaquartz assortment that was Omega’s costliest assortment of watches within the mid-1970s. The thought behind the Megaquartz Caliber 1500 collection was to provide you with essentially the most correct quartz motion ever produced. Caliber 1500 was launched in 1970, and its successors had been used for the Constellation Megaquartz. As much as today, the Megaquartz remains to be essentially the most correct non-thermocompensating watch ever made
The Constellation Megaquartz “Stardust” options Omega’s Caliber 1510 — a reference quantity collectors additionally use to discuss with the watch as effectively. The 1510 collection got here in metal and full gold and quite a lot of dial executions. Essentially the most exceptional, undoubtedly, is the deep blue aventurine model. The total gold model with an aventurine dial was absolutely the prime of the road, costing greater than a Porsche in 1974. Discovering one is extremely arduous as solely between 100–200 items had been produced.
It’s all in regards to the dial
However this metal model is not any much less gorgeous! And moreover the gorgeous dial materials, the general dial design is toned all the way down to let the aventurine shine. I particularly love the simple minuterie. However the total design of the Constellation Megaquartz stands out as daring and futuristic. The 32.7×49mm rectangular chrome steel case with its curvy bracelet hyperlinks could be outlined as a typical seventies design. This conflict of rectangular and curvy shapes is archetypical of the period. And I can solely advise you to take a look at the complete assortment of Constellation Megaquartz that had been produced, together with the Marine Chronometer model that featured the Caliber 1511 boasting an accuracy of 1 second per 30 days.
This one’s all about THAT dial. Nonetheless photos don’t do it justice – it has to been seen in direct daylight to be believed!
Discovering a Constellation Megaquartz just isn’t that troublesome, however discovering one in respectable working situation is hard. Discovering one with an aventurine dial is extraordinarily robust because the manufacturing numbers had been low (1,000–2,000 items of the Constellation Megaquartz altogether), and loads of the aventurine dials cracked alongside the way in which. And after getting discovered one, the probabilities are that it wants some work finished. To provide you an concept, Stevie’s watch wanted an entire restoration that included laser welding the case and a brand new date wheel. However as you may see, it’s all value it as a result of that dial is just magnificent.
three. Omega Speedmaster Computerized “TV Dial”
I’ve to be sincere right here, the Speedmaster Day-Date Computerized c.1045 or just the Speedmaster TV Dial wouldn’t have made the checklist had Stevie not directed me in the direction of it. For the checklist, I centered on just about the whole lot however Speedmasters, so I forgot about this watch altogether. However this must be on this checklist in relation to distinctive Omega designs from the 1970s. The Speedmaster TV Dial ref. ST176.0014 was produced from 1974 till 1977 and might be furthest faraway from the acquainted Speedmaster aesthetic together with the Speedmaster Skilled 125.
The watch will get its TV Dial nickname from its sq. form with rounded edges used for the case, dial, and crystal. Regardless of the case not being completely sq. at 43×42mm (together with the crown), the form is elegant. However don’t be fooled as a result of the case is 15.8mm thick, making it a critically chunky watch. Nonetheless, it wears so much higher than the notoriously difficult-to-wear Speedmaster 125.
A legendary motion
The rationale for this chunky profile is the Omega Caliber 1045, primarily a Lemania 5100 motion fine-tuned to Omega’s specs. It’s an automated chronograph with central second and minute counters, a day-date complication, and a 24-hour indicator. The watch was accessible with both a matte black dial or the gorgeous charcoal-blue sunburst dial you see within the photos. On prime of that, Omega produced the Speedmaster TV Dial with the built-in bar-bracelet you see within the photos and a hyperlink bracelet. Whereas I choose the latter for its seems to be, the Bar bracelet has withstood the check of time higher by way of high quality.
This was one of many very first fashions that caught my eye after I began accumulating classic Omegas in 2015. Now, 50+ Omegas later and I lastly have one!
The Speedmaster TV Dial has change into considerably of a rarity. And while you discover one, count on to pay severe money for one. The place you’ll be capable to discover one for an inexpensive value, at the moment they’re beginning at round 4k. Need one in nice situation? Anticipate to pay much more. However while you do pay the money for the Speedmaster TV Dial, you’ll personal a really distinctive Speedmaster. And a novel member of the Speedmaster household.
four. Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000
This Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000 ref. ST 366.0830 / 166.0160 just isn’t a lot particular due to its case design, however the good mixture of the case and the built-in bracelet make this an absolute stunner. This explicit watch has been one of many watches on Stevie’s Instagram that catches my eye each time. This explicit Cosmic 2000 was accessible with a GMT or divers’ bezel, and as you may see, Stevie’s has a GMT-bezel.
That is a kind of watches that you simply don’t actually see a lot, however the individuals who see it are in awe. The mix of the metal case and bracelet with that silver sunburst dial seems to be wonderful. The reference was first launched in 1973. Stevie’s is from 1978 and encompasses a 39mm chrome steel case and a bracelet in wonderful situation.
A tough to seek out watch
The seems to be of the case and the bracelet, mixed with its measurement and 11.5mm peak, make this a wonderfully wearable sports activities watch. The watch is powered by the Omega Caliber 1022 that was used for a string of Seamaster fashions. It encompasses a day-date perform and has a quickset for each the day and the date. Whereas Stevie additionally owns two different Cosmic 2000 fashions, that is his favourite. And I completely agree with him. That bracelet makes this one thing particular.
My third Cosmic 2000 (after a 166.0130 and a 166.0128), however that is the one I actually needed all alongside. It in all probability is my favourite Omega bracelet ever.
The Omega Cosmic 2000 ref. ST 366.0830/166.0160 with a silver dial is a rarity today. They’re arduous to seek out, so it takes endurance to get your palms on one in respectable situation. The identical watch with a black dial is extra widespread and begins at round €1,500. However ones in good situation can go for double that. As you may think about, for a mannequin like within the pcitures, the bracelet’s situation is essential for purchasing one. On prime of that, you will need to discover one with the motion in good situation. But when yow will discover one, you should have a watch that appears wonderful, and folks will drastically recognize it.
5. Omega Seamaster 200 “SHOM”
The final choose for our checklist is the Omega Seamaster 200 “SHOM” ref. 166.0177. It’s a well-known watch amongst collectors as there are each correct classic fashions and ones assembled from NOS elements by Watchco, an Omega parts-and-service heart in Australia. Though essential to the story of the Seamaster 200 “SHOM,” it isn’t essential when discussing its design. And the design of the case together with the mesh bracelet is as iconic as among the different Omega dive watches from that period.
The Seamaster 200 “SHOM” will get its title from France’s Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine (SHOM), a authorities establishment specializing in marine research and the publication of official marine charts and maps. They approached Omega about probably making a divers’ look ahead to them totally different from the already present Seamaster 200 fashions launched in 1969. At Baselworld 1973, Omega offered the brand new Seamaster 200 with its stunning angular, beveled case. Omega delivered a small batch to “SHOM” engraved with the letters “SHOM” on the case again.
Take your choose
The case of the Seamaster 200 “SHOM” is the place the magic is. Its total angular form completely suits the 70s fashion of the Ploprof however has much more intricate particulars. Simply have a look at the totally different chamfers connecting the face of the watch and the edges. They respect the general form however add the correct amount of element. I additionally love the straightforward dial format. It’s very straight-forward with solely the date as a welcome change-up. Add the attractive Omega mesh bracelet, and that is pure gold. The watch is powered by the automated Omega Caliber 1012 that was the usual motion for extra of the Seamaster fashions and encompasses a quickset date.
This one wears much more comfortably and so much much less aggressive than it’d seem — a deceptively stunning mannequin.
As you may see within the photos, Stevie’s Seamaster 200 “SHOM” is a brand new construct. The mix of the case and bracelet seems to be very stunning in pristine situation. The watch additionally encompasses a uncommon NOS acrylic/bakelite bezel. There’s positively so much to debate in relation to real classic fashions versus watches assembled from NOS, however I’ll go away that as much as you and the feedback part to resolve. Each can be found pre-owned beginning round €three,000. What I’ll say, although, is that from seeing the photographs of Stevie’s watch, I’m in love with that case. And that’s why it’s the right watch to shut out this checklist.
Last ideas
There you’ve it, an inventory of 5 Omega designs from the 1970s that also look wonderful as we speak. Clearly, there may be much more to the tales of every of the 5 watches. However seeing these watches collectively is the right testomony to Omega’s nice achievements in creating new and thrilling watch designs. And that could be a fairly highly effective assertion. And it’s precisely why I’m excited by a lot of Omega’s designs from that period, as is Stevie Mac since he owns all of those stunners.
If you wish to try extra of Stevie Mac’s Omega assortment, examine his Instagram right here. And you may try my Instagram right here.
