1973 Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronograph Ref. ST 176.007
Why This Watch Matters This Omega Seamaster ref. ST 176.007 has an undeniable 1970s vibe, both inside and out. The funk is loud and clear due to the tonneau-shaped steel case, the beautiful blue dial, and the use of Omega's first automatic chronograph movement, caliber 1040. The Full Story The Omega Seamaster chronographs from the 1970s took a sharp turn away from the more classic monochrome designs of the 1950s and '60s to funkier looks with bolder cases and more colorful dial designs. The Seamaster shared this trend with the Speedmaster, which is typically thought to have started with the Speedmaster Mark III ref. ST 176.002. It featured a similar dial layout to today's watch, with an inner tachymeter scale, a date window at three, registers – including a 24-hour AM/PM indicator – at six and nine o'clock, and an airplane tip on the central chronograph minutes hand. The ref. ST176.007 replaced the preceding ref. ST 176.001 in 1972 and remained in production until around 1976, a fairly short run. The reference was offered in a stainless steel case, a gold-plated case, or a full 18k gold case. The steel version was offered in two dial color variations, in blue and silver, while the gold-plated and full gold versions were offered in gold or brown dials. The case was produced by case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (aka EPSA), famous for their water-tight dive watch cases issued to many Swiss watchmakers, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and countless other prominent Swiss watch firms. What's interesting is that some of the the Seamasters and the Speedmasters were fitted with t he Omega caliber 1040, which was the brand's first automatic chronograph movement. This workhorse movement was based on a movement produced by Lemania (caliber 1340), originally developed by Raoul-Henri Erard. The copper-colored movement had a frequency of 28,800 vph and came with a date and a 24-hour indicator. According to Omega, this Seamaster Chronograph was produced on December 12, 1973, and was delivered to the United States. The Fine Print Maker: Omega Model: Seamaster Chronograph Reference: ST 176.007 Year: 1973 Case No: N/A / Movement No: 35612331 Material: Stainless steel Dimensions: 40mm diameter; 15mm thickness Crystal: Plexiglass Lume: Yes, tritium Caliber: Omega self winding 1040 Bracelet/Strap: Omega stainless steel bracelet with No. 120 end-links Lug Width: 22mm Box/Papers: No What we Love and What You Should Know This Omega is in overall beautiful condition. The case and bracelet appear to have been polished and have scratches. Some of the original sunburst finish on the top of the case is still visible. The dial is in great condition with light patina. The hour markers have developed some patina. The lume plots on the dial are all intact, except for the three and four o'clock plots, those show signs of wear. The lume on the dial and hands have developed patina and are close to matching in color. The case, dial, movement, bracelet, crystal, and crown are all signed by the maker. The bracelet has some stretch and the buckle is stamped " 6-74," which makes sense for the 1973 production of this watch.
