Omega Seamaster 300 ‘Big Triangle’ 166.024, 1969

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!

Shipping:

For orders placed before 2pm orders will be shipped the same day.

Your watch will be carefully packaged and shipped fully insured with leading global courier companies.

Delivery Prices:

Delivery within the UK is Free. Delivery within Europe is £30. Delivery for the Rest of the World is £50.

Returns:

Don't like it or change your mind? Return it for a full refund with our 14 day, no hassle returns on all sales. See the full conditions here.

The Watches

Are all watches authenticated?

All our watches pass through a double authentication process to insure their authenticity. We also provide detailed photos of the watch from all angles to allow you to undertake your own anlysis. Finally as with everything, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to our friendly team

What if something goes wrong with the watch

Whilst all our watches are fully serviced before sale, if something does go wrong, we'll repair it for free as part of our 1 year warranty

Do watches come with original box and papers?

It depends on the individual watch. You can see details under "The Basics" heading on this page. For the majority of vintage watches their original box and papers have been lost to time. Whilst they are nice to have, it’s important to note that “box and papers” DO NOT authenticate a watch despite what many in our trade say. It’s also important to realise alot of sellers (including some of the most well known in the UK) put together full sets of box, papers, hang tags etc by buying blank paperwork and boxes in the secondary market. This is a very regrettable, but unfortunately common occurrence in the trade but something we will never do!

How do I know it will fit?

For metal bracelets we provide the size it will currently fit in the description section of this page. If this measurement is too large or too small we are able to assist in either adding or removing links. We also offer this service, post service on a at-cost basis (i.e. we don't add a margin).

Can you change the strap?

Absolutely! If you don't like the current strap, let us know and we'll change it for free! We maintain a broad selection of styles and can also source straps to your specification free of charge.

Can you source something similar?

Absolutely! If its not quite what you’re looking for just get in touch and we can source one with our Free, No Obligation sourcing service. You can contact us on phone, live chat or simply submit the details of what you’re looking for on our “Find a Watch” page.

Payment

What payment options do you offer?

We accept payment by all leading credit and debit cards, ApplePay as well as bank transfer.

Do you offer financing?

Currently we don't offer financing but it’s something we're exploring.

Shipping & Returns

Can you ship an order to arrive on a certain day?

We can certainly try! We can request with our shipment partners for delivery on a certain day but ultimately the exact delivery date is subject to a number of factors outside our control.

How do I return a watch?

Simply let us know you want to send the watch back within the 14 return period and return it to us via Royal Mail Special Delivery. We’ll process your refund the same day we receive the watch back.

Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

You can find our full terms and conditions here.