Grand Seamaster 1000m (166.093) - Rare Right-Hand Crown? Single-Family Provenance (Australia to Thailand)

Hello everyone,

I am seeking the community's expertise regarding a watch that has been in my wife's family for 50 years. It was purchased new in Australia in the mid-1970s by my father-in-law. Since then, it has sat untouched in a drawer for decades.

I am a professional trumpet player (60 years performing!) currently based in Thailand, and I am trying to learn the true history of this piece before deciding its future.

The Details:

• Reference: 166.093 'The Grand'.
• Configuration: Right-hand crown (Destro style).
• Provenance: Purchased new in Australia. My father-in-law always maintained that he was told there were 'only a very few made' when he bought it.
• Condition: Original, unpolished case. The dial shows characteristic 'bubbling'. The crown is currently disconnected, and the watch is unserviced.

The Mystery:I’ve had initial feedback that these were only officially issued as left-hand crown models. However, given the 50-year history and the 'one of a few' story from Australia, I am wondering if this could be a rare 'Pre-Series' prototype or a special delivery.

I've included a close-up of the crown notch machining and the caseback. I'm curious if any Australian members or scholars of 'The Grand' have seen another original right-hand example like this.

Thank you for your help!

Hi Jim, regarding opening the watch—I am very hesitant to do that. It has remained sealed for 50 years, and I’m concerned about compromising the integrity or the original gaskets before I truly know what I have.

I'd prefer to see how much we can determine through the 'external' evidence first. My father-in-law was quite certain about the 'one of a few' story when he bought it in Australia, and the machining on the crown notch seems so purposeful.

Are there any other external markers—like the font on the date wheel or specific caseback details—that I can photograph for you without opening it?

Update: I’ve just managed to get some clear shots of the clasp now that I'm home. It is indeed a genuine Omega 1247/237 mesh bracelet. It's great to see that the entire watch has remained as a complete Omega package for all these years!