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Help Identifying and Extending Flat Link Bracelet (Stamped 198.0031) for Seamaster 166.028

finn_boett
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Hello everyone,

I recently bought my first vintage Omega - a (in my opinion) beautiful Seamaster 166.028 with the cal. 564 movement. I’ve been looking to buy an Omega for years, and a few weeks ago, I finally found the one.

Now to the reason for my post: the watch came on a flat link bracelet, a style I absolutely adore. However, I’m fairly certain this bracelet wasn’t originally paired with the watch from the factory. Still, I love the look of it and would like to wear it - but unfortunately, it’s missing nearly all of its extension links, leaving it far too short for my wrist.

The clasp is stamped “198.0031,” which struck me as a bit unusual since it doesn’t seem to follow the more common Omega bracelet numbering format. That said, I’ve found a few examples of this bracelet on reputable sites, which describe it as a genuine Omega product - though all listings are, sadly, sold out.

After spending quite some time digging through this forum, various eBay listings, and vintage watch websites, I couldn’t find much information about this particular bracelet, let alone any spare or extension links.

That’s why I decided to open this thread - in the hope that someone here might know more about this bracelet reference, or even have a lead on where to find some extra links.

Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated!

Best regards,
Finn

tempImage03J8CN.webp tempImageaeHfaW.webp
 
finn_boett
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SOG53 SOG53
https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-bracelet-endpiece-list.81618/ Cover Image
Thread 'Case-bracelet-endpiece list.' ·
This might be of use, that is if the photos come across ok and people can read them.
Case ref / bracelet ref / end pieces ref
michael e ·

Sorry I posted wrong link try this
Look at 166.0028 has 2 bracelets listed
Hey, thanks a lot for the super quick response!

I just had a look at the list, and when checking under the base reference 198.0031, both of the listed bracelets (1194/681and 1068/654) don’t really match the one I have.

When I look at the bracelets originally paired with my watch (166.028), one of them - the 1067/532 - looks remarkably similar to mine, although it has different stampings and the outer links are polished. That might just be due to wear and age over time. I assume a previous owner probably swapped the bracelet at some point for this rather mysterious 198.0031 reference.

I’m not sure if the extra links from other bracelets could be compatible, but even when looking for 1067 parts, I can’t seem to find any loose links - and if possible, I’d like to avoid buying a whole new bracelet just for that.

Here's one of the few listings I found for the 198.0031, though it didn’t really provide any new info either

I’m also open to trying aftermarket extra links, like the ones made for the 1035 (Uncle Straps), if anyone knows whether those could work or if there are better-fitting alternatives. I don’t plan to sell the watch in my lifetime, so I’m willing to sacrifice a bit of originality for wearability.
 
SOG53
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We like photos of watches- show us the watch- does it have the red sweep?
The bracelet you have is for another watch- whether you can find some endlinks that will work is entirely trial and error.

In the end you will probably be happier to hold out for a proper bracelet that fits

1069/524 is a great bracelet and quite widely available- the endlinks are still made avail from Omega about $35 each they are almost exactly like the vintage ones

here is a 1069 FS here (no connection to sale) from a trusted OF veteran
https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-1069-bracelet-no-endlinks.186293/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Omega 1069 Bracelet No Endlinks' ·
Vintage Omega 1069 bracelet. Commonly used on Seamaster 120’s, Seamaster 168.032/166.028, Sparkle dials etc when paired with 540/547 Endlinks. This one has been in my parts box for donkeys and I...
FS
£ 165
Davidt ·

and a few more photos of one I have
IMG_4733.webp IMG_4734.webp IMG_4735.webp
 
Lucasssssss
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It is unusual, but not unheard of that Omega stamped bracelets with the reference model of the watch they were suppose to go on. It happens more commonly with ladies models. I would imagine your bracelet was taken of a different watch.

How do the endlinks fit on the watch you have? I would imagine that spare links for the 1067 would fit on your bracelet if you wanted to extend it. If you have some callipers you can measure the bracelet centre links at the end, and see if they match with a 1067 to be sure.
 
finn_boett
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SOG53 SOG53
We like photos of watches- show us the watch- does it have the red sweep?
The bracelet you have is for another watch- whether you can find some endlinks that will work is entirely trial and error.

In the end you will probably be happier to hold out for a proper bracelet that fits

1069/524 is a great bracelet and quite widely available- the endlinks are still made avail from Omega about $35 each they are almost exactly like the vintage ones

here is a 1069 FS here (no connection to sale) from a trusted OF veteran

and a few more photos of one I have
IMG_4733.webp IMG_4734.webp IMG_4735.webp
Hey, thanks again for the reply!

Here are a few photos of the watch - it doesn’t have the red sweep.

The pictures of your 1069 bracelet look really nice, and I’ll definitely keep it in mind if I can’t find a 1067 for a reasonable price.

One of the reasons I’d like to stick with my current bracelet is that I actually have fitting endlinks for it, and I really like how it sits on the case. So ideally I’d like to find extension links for the 198.0031 before switching to something else.

Thanks again for your help - I really appreciate it!

tempImageAQCpSW.webp tempImageGW9tws.webp tempImageL5ntjf.webp
 
finn_boett
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Lucasssssss Lucasssssss
It is unusual, but not unheard of that Omega stamped bracelets with the reference model of the watch they were suppose to go on. It happens more commonly with ladies models. I would imagine your bracelet was taken of a different watch.

How do the endlinks fit on the watch you have? I would imagine that spare links for the 1067 would fit on your bracelet if you wanted to extend it. If you have some callipers you can measure the bracelet centre links at the end, and see if they match with a 1067 to be sure.
Hey, thanks a lot for your input!
I took a rough measurement with my calipers (they’re not super precise), and the center link width on my bracelet is about 10.0 mm.

I’ve also added a few pictures of my watch with the 198.0031 bracelet attached, taken from the original listing, so you can see how it fits with the end links - they actually sit quite flush.

If anyone happens to know the exact dimensions of the 1067 or 1035 center links (width, thickness, pin diameter, etc.), that would be super helpful for checking compatibility.

Thanks again for all the help!
- Finn

IMG_4926.webp
 
SOG53
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Nice watch! Looks like you have the Chronometer version which would be 168.022 with cal 564. They are double stamped inside Caseback
Enjoy your first Omega

You may like this overview video
 
finn_boett
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SOG53 SOG53
Nice watch! Looks like you have the Chronometer version which would be 168.022 with cal 564. They are double stamped inside Caseback
Enjoy your first Omega

You may like this overview video
Thank you, I will! 😀
 
finn_boett
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As a quick update, I contacted the Unclestraps team and asked for the centerlink dimensions. They confirmed that for both the 1035 extra link models, the center link is indeed 10mm. I will order them and report back once I fit them to the bracelet with pictures.
 
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