1970s Tungsten Seamaster

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jamesl0928

·Jul 5, 2020

Looking at a watch up for auction, it’s an interesting 1970 Seamaster in a mammoth 44mm case. Anyone familiar with this watch and it’s collectibility?

Overall watch looks in pretty good shape but there are some knicks in the case. Worth throwing a dart on?

 

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Benbradstock

·Jul 5, 2020

Interesting, seen plenty of Rados of the same time period in tungsten, but not Omega.

 

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wilderbeast

·Jul 5, 2020

Although 44mm would be a bit large for me personally, I love the chunky nature and design of these early 70s pieces. 565 is a workhorse calibre that performs well and is easily serviced and the watch looks very presentable as a daily wearer with what is quite a modern size. If you like it and the price is right, then go for it. You will need to factor in the cost of service for this as well, if you’re going to wear it regularly.

I’m afraid I can’t comment on collectibility or value, but I doubt there’s a massive market for these.

Happy hunting!

 

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cristos71

·Jul 5, 2020

In the 1970's Omega released the 'Hard Metal' collection, this is one of those. The most well known and collectable of this collection are the chronograph models with ref. 145.023, better known as the Anakin and Darth Vader.

I don't find the 166.078 a particularly attractive watch and certainly not if it has case damage. The tungsten case finish is extremely good for being scratch resistant but with that comes it's Achile's heel of being prone to chipping after high impacts. If buying one of these always go for one with a case so close to perfect as possible as they cannot be improved later on if chipped.

 

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nkhandekar

·Jul 6, 2020

The hands and indices are pretty rough and the lume is missing on the dial. However, the dial paint is very intact, which makes me think it has been redialed. That being said, it is a very cool watch and one in better condition would be a great addition.

 

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Ravineman

·Jul 6, 2020

Looks good from far, but it's far from good.

 

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Gruesome

·Jul 6, 2020

Is this tungsten, or tungsten carbide?

 

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asrnj77

·Jul 7, 2020

I believe Tungsten weighs more than lead and almost twice the weight of steel. At 44mm and what looks to be 18mm thick, you’ll have one Popeye arm after wearing that for a while

 

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Gruesome

·Jul 7, 2020

Tungsten carbide is not that much lighter. 15 vs 19 g/cm^3, or something like that. Platinum is similar in density, I think, and so is gold. Steel is 7 or 8 g/cm^3. So, what is this watch case made of? Metal or ceramic (carbide)?
Edit: In 2017, Christies https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/omega-a-lot-of-two-stainless-steel-6102796-details.aspx called it a steel watch with a tungsten coating. It's starting to sound worse and worse...

Edited: Jul 7, 2020

 

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Tiny Iota

·Jul 7, 2020

I thought “Acier Inoxydable” meant stainless steel. Live and learn.

 

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Gruesome

·Jul 7, 2020

Somebody lost the tungsten case back already - maybe it was carbide, and they dropped it...

 

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SkunkPrince

·Jul 7, 2020

Near as I can tell it's a stainless steel alloy that contains tungsten. Not solid tungsten nor carbide.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten_steel

There's so much case in that case, one could send it to Omega for refinishing!