Attention Omega collectors:
Here's your chance to own a very rare piece of Dive Watch History. It is the same model watch that Jacques Cousteau (world-renowned marine biologist, scientist and conservationist) developed for Omega and consistently wore. This circa 1973 collector's piece is a very rare Omega Seamaster 1000m diver's watch. Commonly referred to as the 'Grand.' Because it was the first dive watch to be rated to a depth of 1000 meters, this model watch is one of the most sought after Omega watches in the world.
It's polished and brushed unibody construction with it's hooded lugs and unidirectional revolving graduated black bezel for the decompression times make this an extremely sharp looking, and functional, timepiece. In addition to feeling like you are wearing an extremely well made piece of history, the watch is very well balanced and comfortable to wear.
This Seamaster 1000m watch was manufactured in 1973 and would make a great addition to any collection!!!. It runs impeccably and keeps great time. It is not in Museum quality condition but for being 37 years old, this watch is in great condition. This is a single owner timepiece and has been well cared for over the years.
A Great Investment:
As with Real Estate, this collector's piece goes through price fluctuations but absolutely goes up in value over time. I paid the equivalent of $650.00 USD in Lucerne Switzerland 37 years ago for what I believed was the most beautiful watch I had ever seen. This, MUST HAVE, collector's piece has appreciated in value so much that an identical watch sold for over $17,000 USD on April 15th, 2007 via the OMEGAMANIA event held by the Antiquorum auction house (http://www.antiquorum.com) in Geneva, Switzerland.
A Bit of History of This Watch:
Developed in conjunction with the oil research firm named Comex and the globally recognized diving legend, Jacques Cousteau, Omega conceived and developed the predecessor to the Seamaster 1000m (the PloProf 600). The PloProf was probably the first waterproof watch designed and built solely for the diving professional.
Considered to be 'super water resistant', the PloProf 600 was first released in 1968 in a limited run and was aimed at the most intense commercial divers. Tests by the American diving research center Ocean Systems Inc. in Tarrytown, NY, certified that the Ploprof was ‘more watertight’ than a submarine. Ultimately, the PloProf 600 turned out to be the predecessor and inspiration for the, much improved, PloProf model renamed the Seamaster 1000m.
The term "PloProf" was a nickname created by the French speaking development team and derives from the French term PLOngeur PROFessionnel (Professional Diver).
Research:
This is the link to Omega's Vintage watch serial number guide .pdf.
http://www.omegawatches.com/cu_vintage/img/movement.pdf
If you look at bottom of the left-hand column of data, you'll see the serial number that starts with 36,000,000. The year next to it is 1973. Then you can look at my photo of the movement and you can confirm the serial number and that the mechanism "Calibre" number is 1012
If You Ever Need Servicing:
Omega at Bienne is the one place that your watch should be sent for servicing or restoration work. Omega, themselves, control the flow of parts for these watches and should be the first choice for any remedial work. Omega have taken their history seriously and are prepared to help keep their old models running.
Want To Restore The Case To Look 'As-New?':
It is worth noting that Omega Bienne (and some other Omega approved restoration houses) can refinish the watch to ‘as new’ condition if the notion ever posses you.
Below is more detail about the watch.
Detecting Fakes:
There is a site that collectors use to determine if a PloProf 600 (the predecessor to this watch) is a fake. The information is not identical to this watch but very informative and useful. The URL is listed below:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=66272
General Description:
SEAMASTER Professional 1000m / 3000ft : Case Reference ST 166.0093. Introduced in Collection 1975 with Automatic calendar movement Caliber 1012 - mineral crystal - screwed crown. This classic beauty comes with the original mesh type bracelet and it's spring lock buckle. Contained in it's front access case with a rotating bezel.
This watch is a huge (43mm across bezel, 55mm case including Lug-to-Lug) stainless steel 1000m diving watch with reversible quick-set date & rotating bezel.
Case Back:
The case back of this watch as shown has a horizontal groove pattern which I think was designed to reduce actual contact area of the watch back with the human skin to avoid water being trapped.
The Bracelet:
One of the most interesting, and popular, parts of this watch is it's 'Chain-Mail' type of mesh stainless steel bracelet (the Milanese {ref-1266/237}). This bracelet is quite heavy and it is buckled up by a spring type flip lock mechanism (like an airline seat belt style clasp). It is constructed from a 4mm thick stainless steel mesh and is extremely comfortable to wear.
This alluring steel bracelet has a very masculine look & feel to it and compliments this stunning Omega timepiece perfectly. It would beautifully match your trusty chain-mail shark-proof suit when diving!
One Inch (1") Bracelet Extension:
It is worth noting that in standard form, these mesh bracelets are best suited to those with slim wrists. Fortunately, there is a matching 1" bracelet extension available for this watch. This extension can be fitted on either side of the clasp and can also be daisy-chained, if need be. Because I'm a 'Muscular' type of guy (read as 'Big-Boned') this watch already has this extension attached to the bracelet. You may remove it if you like.
Comex Divers Extension:
Included with this watch, is the Comex diver's extension, referred to by Omega as “the offshore bracelet for waterproof watches“ (Ref-1247-1266/02). It is a flexible black Adiprene extension piece for the mesh bracelet that can be attached for length adjustment when used over a wet suit. This extension piece can very quickly, and simply, be sized to different lengths when preparing for a dive as it has ridges that can be pulled through the clasp and clamped tight.
All Original Omega Equipment:
Everything offered in this listing is original Omega equipment and everything carries the Omega logo (the bracelet & movement) and the Omega name (Comex diver's extension).
Watch summary:
- Ref #: 166.093
- Movement Calibre: 1012
- Movement Number (Ser#.) 36805811
- Made circa 1973
- Self winding automatic
- Water resistant to 1000 meters / 3,300 feet
- Stainless steel Unishell body
- Revolving black bezel with decompression timing/0-60 scale
- Crystal: sapphire/some scratches
- Dial: midnight blue
- Luminous white “baton” minute hand
- Luminous orange “lozenge” hour hand
- Luminous white second hand
- Bracelet: Stainless steel Omega 9(mesh)
- Crown at 3 o’clock. Changes the date and time, in excellent working order
- Body curved with “anti-slip” grooves on back
- Signed Dial, case and movement
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