Introduction
Produced during the 1960s, the Omega Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 stands among the most celebrated vintage dive watches ever produced by Omega. Developed as a professional-grade diving instrument in response to military specs of the UK MOD, the model combined robust construction with exceptional underwater legibility and quickly became associated with military and professional use around the world. Powered by the automatic cal. 552 movement, the ref. 165.024 represented the no-date evolution of the Seamaster 300 line and featured the larger asymmetrical case architecture shared with contemporary Speedmaster models. Its bold luminous dial, sword handset, and rotating dive bezel perfectly captured the functional design philosophy that defined the golden era of tool watches during the 1960s. Today, the Seamaster 300 ref. 165.024 remains one of Omega’s most collectible vintage sports watches and a cornerstone reference within vintage dive watch collecting.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Omega
Dimensions
42mm
Model
Seamaster 300
Movement
Automatic Omega cal. 552
Reference
165.024
Bracelet
Omega No. 13 ref. 1039 dated 3/67 with aftermarket 516 end links
Year
1960s
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
The dial features large luminous hour markers and broad hands designed for maximum underwater visibility, creating the highly legible display that helped establish the Seamaster 300 as a professional diving instrument. The lume and clean symmetrical layout perfectly complement the watch’s purposeful tool-watch aesthetic.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 42mm stainless steel asymmetrical case reflects Omega’s professional sports-watch design language of the mid-1960s, combining strong crown protection with substantial wrist presence. The rotating dive bezel and original signed Omega crystal reinforce the watch’s functional diving credentials.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The steel case shows surface scratches and marks, while the case back retains well-defined engravings with light surface marks. The bezel remains well defined, while the insert shows surface scuffs and discoloration to the hour markers, with clean minute markers throughout. The dial is excellent, with some discoloration visible to the lume at twelve and six o’clock, while the hands remain clean with a crack visible in the lume of the hour hand. It is fitted with an original Omega No. 13 1039 stretch bracelet showing surface marks. Please note that the “516” end links are aftermarket.
Our Perspective
This is the watch that Omega launched to try to beat Rolex at its own game—the perfect dive watch. While I am on Team Submariner, a fixed-lug version of this tool watch was adopted not only by serious divers, but also by the British Ministry of Defense’s Royal Navy and Army between 1967 and 1971.
Patrick Parrish
Collector
