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Lot #2725

Omega Seamaster Quartz 196.1501 for Sultanate of Oman 18k YG

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Introduction

Initially released in 1948 and based on watches used by airmen in WWII, the Omega Seamaster has become one of Omega’s best-known collections. Initially, a dress-style watch with thick lugs, the Seamaster was designed to promote daily wear while remaining functional for use in water with 62.5 meters of water resistance. However, the modern Seamaster that we know and love today was born nine years later, in 1957. This was when the Seamaster 300 was released after Omega was inspired to upgrade the Seamaster after they had 50 Seamaster cases with rubber O-ring gaskets tested in 1955, which led them to work with new materials and push their boundaries. As a result, they created the Seamaster 300, which featured a heavily luminescent dial and handset, a rotating bezel, a thick domed hesalite crystal, and double crown seals. Interestingly, while named the Seamaster 300, the watch was originally only rated for 200m of water resistance, with Omega insisting the watch could outperform the testing equipment. Either way, the Seamaster lives on as James Bond's watch of choice and now enjoys the privileged position in today’s market as one of the most iconic dive watches ever released. Offered here we have an 18kt yellow gold Seamaster variant from the 1990s that was ordered on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman, as indicated by its stamped caseback. Boasting a champagne wave dial that melts into its luxurious 18kt yellow gold 36mm construction, this timepiece’s display recalls the luxury associated with the Omani Royal Family.

Loupe This Scorecard

Grade

M 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Watch Only

Est. value range

$6,000 – $12,000

The Details

Brand

Omega

Dimensions

36mm

Model

Seamaster

Movement

Quartz

Reference

196.1501

Bracelet

18kt yellow gold bracelet

Year

Circa 1990s

Condition

Excellent

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Watch only

Dial Color

Champagne

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Boasting a toned-down version of the Seamaster's famous wave dial, this example's champagne dial showcases a combination of textures that add to its rich aesthetic.

THE CONSTRUCTION
THE CONSTRUCTION

Luxuriously made of 18kt yellow gold, yet wearing with a tool-ish poise on the wrist, this Seamaster offers the best of both words with regards to how it blends luxury with rugged capability.

THE PROFILE
THE PROFILE

Powered by a quartz movement and forgoing the Seamaster's full 300m water resistance in favour of a still-very-capable 120m, this example's profile is much more elegant than the Seamaster is typically known for.

Condition

Watch is in excellent overall condition. Solid gold case exhibits a warm patina, with light surface marks visible aound the bezel, and some bracelet edges and case. Champagne dial with nicely aged markers and no obvious signs of damage or wear. Caseback with a Khanjar engraving crisp and sharp. There are some signs of wear on the edge of the case close to the opening tool holes. The watch is currrently sized for a 6 3/4" wrist. There are 2 additional links included that will add approx 1" to the bracelet.

Our Perspective

Combining luxury and exclusivity with the Seamaster's famously rugged and capable design, this example features everything a collector could want from a modern Omega.

Sam Hines

Managing Director