Omega Seamaster 300 Ref. 165.024 Circa Mid ’60s Walt-Grace-Vintage

If the Omega Speedmaster is the brand’s version of the Fender Stratocaster – almost universally loved and exceptionally versatile – then consider the Seamaster Omega’s Telecaster. A bit more utilitarian and a bit closer to the spirit of tool watches in the simplicity of its design. The Seamaster packs all of the beloved hallmarks of Omega’s design language into a dive watch that’s got its own personality, its own important history, and its own overall style.

Like the “Moonwatch” period variants of the Speedmaster range, Seamasters like this Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 from the mid-’60s are considered by most to be the quintessential version of the Seamaster. These watches have iconic Omega design touches, like those gracefully twisted lugs and a sharp, arrowhead-shaped sweep seconds hand, but also feature a high visibility “sword” handset (ideal for low visibility underwater conditions), an easily gripped rotating bezel with a bakelite insert, and forgo a date complication. After all, knowing the date won’t help you time your oxygen reserves or assist you in ascending from the depths without getting the dreaded bends.

This example of the venerable Seamaster 300 was made in the mid-1960s and is in great vintage condition. This is a piece that has enjoyed honest wear, but has obviously never been abused or mistreated. Its original “fat font” bakelite bezel is gorgeous and has aged in an extremely charming way, but has no cracks or structural flaws. The case has been polished very, very lightly in the past, but those iconic beveled lugs remain strong, even, and sharp. This Seamaster’s “no date” dial is flawless, it appears to be fitted with its original Omega-signed crystal , and both the watch’s dial and handset retain their original tritium lume – which have mellowed over the years to a beautiful golden yellow hue.