There are various standalone threads on these less commonly seen black dialed variants so let's create a reference thread for them all. They are usually marked Seamaster 600, Seamaster, or Geneve, although some seem to simply be marked Omega. Usual References are: 135.011 - manual, no date with cal 601. 34mm diameter. 136.011 - manual, with date with cal 611. 34mm diameter. 165.002 - auto, no date with cal 552. 34mm diameter. 166.002 - auto, with date with cal 562. 34mm diameter. Less frequently seen references: 131.019 - manual, no date with cal 601. I haven't seen one of these in the flesh but have seen a couple of examples on the web and in period adverts. I believe this reference is correct but it's a smaller size at 31mm diameter. 135.012 - manual, no date with cal 601. There are one or two examples of these on the internet. As the last digit is arbitrary at this time period, these could well be correct, they may have been using similar casebacksfrom the factory or they could have been swapped later in life. As far as I'm aware there are three main types of these: 1. The true Seamaster 300 companion and probably the rarest. Pic from OF. The mimic the dial from the SM300 dive watch, with large lume plots at each hour marker, large white Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 12 and 9 and usually a thick white seconds hand with lume. 2.’Seamaster Companion' or 'military dial'. These are similar to the true companion dials shown above, but they lack the arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 and usually have standard steel hands. Although still uncommon they are easier to find than the true companion dials. This example arrived with me this morning and I've been looking for one for a while. Reference 135.011 with cal. 601. The crown is wrong and the lume is terrible. I'll leave it as is for a while but I'm strongly considering getting the lume redone. I just love the look of these and they look excellent on a flat link or 9 link bead of rice. 3. Seamaster/Geneve technic dials. Although not common in comparison to the white/silver dialed versions, these are the most commonly seen variants in the 'companion/technic' range. They are also the ones that exhibit the most variety in dial detailing. These are great watches to collect as good examples are not easy to find and they have great dials with the red touches giving a wonderful look. There are several variations of the Technic style dials; -Dial: The main colour colour is either black or white. Black dials tends to have lumed hour markers, white dials tend to have black hour markers. -Crosshair: Generally a red crosshair is present. Unlike earlier Omega’s, the rule that the crosshair should continue through the text does not apply. In this case the red crosshair stops short of the text and logo at both the bottom and top half of the dial. -Models: Are seen marked Seamaster, Seamaster 600 or Geneve. -Hands: can be steel or rarely, white. -Omega logo: In red and both the flat foot and modern version of the logo are seen. -Minute Track - three variations are seen: -Single minute track, hashes only at each minute. -Single minute track, hashes both at each minute and 0.2 sec increments. -Double minute track, hashes only at each minute, but with a second minute track inside the main one. -12 o’clock marker: Generally two versions, either two dashes or a dash and two dots (similar to a Speedmaster). Both versions are lumed. Technic dial features: Example 1. New Omega logo, single minute track with no incremental markings, red crosshair, dashes at 12 o’clock marker, steel hands. 2. Old Omega logo, double minute track, red crosshair, dashes at 12 o’clock marker, steel hands. 3. New Omega logo, single minute track with 0.2 sec increments, red crosshair, dash and dots at 12 o’clock marker, white hands. This is my old 165.002 which I greatly regret selling. View attachment 662178 4. Speedmaster Companion I’ve never actually owned a Speedmaster companion dial, but from observation (and as you would expect) they mimic the Speedmaster dials, with lumed hour markers, minute markers with 0.2 sec increments, dash and dots at 12 and can be found both with and without crosshair. Unlike (most) speedmasters, the dial body isn’t black but blue or blue/grey. Unlike the Technic dials which are found in manual and automatic references, the Speedmaster companions are only found in automatic ref 165.002 and 166.002. So, let's see yours!
In the flesh the green, mouldy lume on my 135.011 really looks terrible. I’ve been in touch with Mr Hyman who’s going to give it the special treatment. Here’s a quick before shot. I’ll post an update once it returns. Any other members with these technic/sports Seamaster?
Well this has certainly improved matters. At the top is a before shot, with the original, mouldy looking lume. This wasn't doing the watch any justice so off it went for a relume. And here's the result. To my eye it looks immeasurably better. Yes, it's no longer original, but this is a prime example of how a good relume can improve a watch.
Nice thread! I have always been fascinated by these seemasters. Especially by the technic dials, a wonderful balance of colors and lines. I have been observing many dial variations of both the companion and the technic dials, I hope we will manage to recollect most of them here for future reference. Here is my 135.011, cal 601, black technic dial with tritium hour indexes, double minute indexes and red cross-hairs. I am in love with tis watch.
Here’s mine, Geneve, 136.011. Lovely dial, seems original to me. However, been always a little sceptical about the originality. Seamaster, 165.002. Sunburst dial.
135.017 Seamaster Cosmic. I think this watch dial qualifies as technical. Also, in the flesh, this dial is turning to a dark chocolate.
I just picked this 165.002 up, seems kind of uncommon and very similar to pennsyl936, although I can't tell if they have a gray or black dial.
Holy Cow ! I think I've just found my favorite thread yet !!! I'd be very proud to have any of the above.. Thanks all for sharing. Tom
Great thread..I've wanted a technical for a long time...I especially like the ones with the red crosshairs, inner chapter ring and red logo...Sadly prices have jumped around 100% in 3 years and I'd have to sell off something else to get one!.....Thanks for sharing..Very classy watches..
Just won an auction for this one : I'll report back with some pictures, but I think it is OK. The serial is from around 1967. Somewhere else on the forum I found this page from AJTT, saying those watches were banded Genève from 1967. I'll see when I have it if it really needs a relume like the one from @Davidt . I was searching for a technical dial for some time now, missed a few. It is missing its 558 endlinks, but I wonder if it will look better on a JB champion / omega bracelet I already have. I like the 60x series : nice little movement, bombproof, accurate and somewhat pretty.