In 1969, man visited the Moon for the first time, the U.S. Navy’s pioneering SEALAB program ended and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service saw James Bond in action in Switzerland’s majestic Bernese Alps. It was also the year of manufacture for this highly collectable Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’ 166.024 diver’s watch.

Often called ‘the James Bond watch’, Omega’s Seamaster, with its unmistakable Jean-Pierre Borle-designed seahorse logo, holds a prominent place in the luxury divers’ watch pantheon.

One of the world's most iconic dive watches

The Omega Seamaster 300 debuted alongside the Omega Speedmaster and Railmaster in 1957. However, it wasn't until 1963/64 that the reference 165.024/166.024 (date version) would come to be. Even though only produced for six years, the references 165.024/166.024 would see numerous iterations which makes exploring this historic watch all the more interesting. For those looking to learn more about these wonderful watches, we strongly recommend heading to the highly informative Omega Seamaster 300 website. On a personal note we'd also like to send a huge thanks to its author who was incredibly generous with their time in answering some of our questions.

Military history: the Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’ 166.024

During the Cold War, various militaries used Omega’s Seamaster, including Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD). Whilst this example lacks the military markings to the case back, the Omega Extract does show it was delivered to the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) on October 7, 1969. The thinking is the watch was likely a private purchase on discount through the NAAFI explaining the lack of military markings.

That ‘big triangle’ means unquestionable collectability

From sword hands, iconic dial design and ‘Certified High pressure’ engraving on the case back, the Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’ 166.024 is instantly recognisable to collectors worldwide. Of interest, Omega seemingly added the ‘big triangle’ (for better legibility and watch orientation) plus the lumed sword hands in 1966–67 after consulting with military users. The result is a striking signature feature; it assertively dominates the black dial, with its luminous hour markers, ‘T SWISS MADE T’ marking and Arabic numerals at ‘3’, ‘6’ and ‘9’.

Technical & Condition

Condition: The movement of this Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’, Omega 166.024 has just been serviced and is running well. The condition of the crystal, dial and hands has been assessed as Excellent for its age. The case and bracelet are both rated Good.

Further details about condition: examination with a 4x loupe reveals some scratches, marks and tarnishing consistent with over 50 years’ use. The dial is very clean but there are marks to the lume, while the hands also show marks and tarnishing under the loupe. Equally reflective of a long life and many adventures are the age-consistent scratches and marks on the acrylic crystal. Similarly, the Omega bracelet displays light scratching and some signs of light stretching to the links; the clasp is also lightly scratched.

Crystal: Hesalite crystal with central Omega symbol.

Year: 1969 (52 years old)

Case size (exc. crown): 41 mm

Case material: Stainless steel with correctly working calibrated rotating dive bezel and signed, screw-down winding crown at 3 o’clock.

Movement: Automatic calibre 565 (serial number 27955560) with quickset 24-jewel movement. The movement has just been serviced.

Strap/bracelet: This Seamaster is fitted to an Omega 1171/1 stainless steel bracelet (c. 195 mm/7.7 inch long) with an Omega-signed folding clasp and seven-stage micro adjustment.

Box and papers: Red Omega service box and service card (dated 2012) plus an Omega Extract from the Archives.

Your Omega Seamaster ‘Big Triangle’

With its dive functionality, date function and military associations, this is an honest example of a sought-after and potentially appreciating Omega Seamaster 300.

Undoubtedly, whilst it’s had the long, active, life that Omega intended this example remains in fantastic vintage condition. With that comes the character that no off-the-shelf Omega Seamaster can possibly deliver. Who knows the stories this ‘big triangle’ Seamaster could tell – or the adventures you’ll enjoy together in future?

Fully serviced, with history and our reassuring guarantee, this vintage Seamaster 300 offers a fantastic opportunity to buy into one of the most famous dive watches to grace the seas. Take the plunge today (sorry, couldn’t resist!). Contact us with any questions or to secure this before someone else does!