I've always been into square/rectangular watches, and been trying to find a square Seamaster piece to represent that style within the Seamaster collection. I ran into this 166.0042, and read somewhere that this was the first square SM ever produced... is that true?

 

What kind of year is it? My guess is late 60's.

 

This is the Omega Vintage Database info on this watch:

Seamaster Compressor
Gents' Metal Bracelet
Dimensions: 33,5 x 33,5 mm
Reference
ST 166.0042
International collection
1968 - 1975
Movement
Type: Automatic (mechanical)
Caliber number: 565
Created in 1965
24 jewels
Central sweep-second hand
Functions
Date
Case
Stainless steel
Case back
Key-bolt compressor
Dial
Silvered or blue, with luminous metal "stick" hands and large luminous hour markers.
Crystal
Hesalite
Bracelet
Stainless steel (attached)
Water resistance
30 meters

 

I believe the Key bolt Compressor was the solution to the round O-ring problem, and it was introduced in this model.... this is why I'm thinking its the first SM that was square, but I was looking for any verified source of confirmation of this.

 

Very nice

This is the "dressier" more classic version released a couple of years after the initial sporty divers watch dial style above.... very elegant

 

For all interested, I found some great reading and info on this beauty here:

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2011/04/omega-seamaster-166042-compressor.html

and

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f102/o...-ref-166-042-ultimate-dress-watch-708400.html

 

Had no idea Omega released a Compressor cased watch. It is really great looking too!