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gmmy775
·While spending a couple hours scouring the web for an excellent and affordable Omega ref. 168.022 with a “sparkle dial”, I come across this handsome watch, the reference 168.034, also a “sparkle”, with a chronometer movement. This model was totally off my radar, and this led to a bit more research. Finally, convinced that this was the real deal I pulled the trigger. A few minutes later I also ordered a bracelet I felt would complement it. I knew from the configuration that locating the correct Omega one was going to take a minute, and I wanted to wear it. It arrived a couple of days later from Japan looking better than the photos.
The bracelet from Alabama didn’t arrive until Monday. I have been sporting it since.
In the process of trying to locate the correct bracelet I was linked to the excellent write-up of this reference by Ashley Budgen: https://stories.omegaforums.net/seamaster-c-case-561-752-166-064-166-065/ . This confirmed the information on the correct 604 end pieces and 1170 bracelet that I had already been given. Then the search was in earnest, and I learned a hard fact about more obscure Omega case shapes---these pieces are hard to find, and pricey. I did find the end pieces from a seller in the UK for about US100. I immediately purchased them, as I figured they would be the hardest part to find. Then I found a couple of the bracelets. One was only partial, with missing and broken components…and it was still over $300. Since I have an 215mm wrist I knew that it was going to be a chore to get a setup that would fit me. I did find several more 1170 bracelets, one in the OF sales forum, and others on the Bay. They were all over $700, and went up to over a thousand. And I still wasn’t sure that they would fit. So, when I got the end pieces I decided to see if I could find a nice, similar, modern bracelet that would fit the ends. I ordered five different ones, and of those only one was close enough (.8 mm center link difference) that I was happy with the result. Actually, it is probably a superior bracelet to the old-school 1170, and it fits like it was made for me. I had told myself that I wouldn't post it here until I had the correct bracelet, but reality interceded. This is how I am riding with it until the time that a full original comes along at a price that I think is reasonable.
There are times you just have to wear a watch to know how much it suits your style. This was just such an occasion. The case shape makes it appear appreciably larger than the modest 38mm would suggest. Unless I have them side-by-side, this timepiece appears to cover as much “wrist estate” as my SMP 300 or Speedy Pro do. I do wear a number of 33-36mm watches, but with an 8+” wrist I have to admit that larger watches look better on me.
I also got to fill a gap in my assortment of classic Omega movements. I do have a Dynamic with a cal. 752, but this is the caliber 751 that is usually in just a very few models of Constellation line. Personally, I appreciate it more for being in a Seamaster than I would if it was powering a Constellation.
Right out of the box it had a respectable showing on my timegrapher, but it will of course get a doctor’s visit before getting any kind of regular wear. The pursuit of the perfect 168.022 to be continued…
Spec Sheet:
Omega Seamaster “Sparkle Dial” ref. 168.034 auto cal. 751 ss
Case shape: Modified Tonneau
Case width: 38.05mm w/o crown widest/27.95mm narrowest
Case length: 42.05mm
Case thickness: 12.55mm w/crystal in watch
Crown: 4.90Dia mm; signed; push/pull
Crystal diameter: 33.05mm, in case
Lug width: 22.15mm
Case material: stainless steel
Crystal material: Hesalite, signed
Caseback diameter: 34.60mm
Caseback features: Center medallion with raised Hippocampus, with Seamaster above and the Omega symbol below.
Inside Caseback thread O.D.: 31.35mm
Inside Caseback inscription: Omega symbol above “Omega Watch Co”, inside a triangle; Fab. Suisse; Swiss Made; Brevet; Swiss Cross; 472716; Acier Inoxydable; 168.034; Stylized Hardhat. In ink: “20” and “8”, with “T” above and “S” below, in circle.
Movement: Omega cal. 751; 24 jewels; 19600 bph; 49 degree lift angle; adjustments, five positions and temperature. Chronometer rated. Day/Date complication.
Engraving on movement: On Rotor: Omega Watch Co, above a circle. On Bridges: Twenty-Four 24 Jewels; “751” below Omega symbol with a “1” inside it; 31216531. Moderately decorated with nice copper plating.
Timegrapher 1900 readings: -6 to -8 seconds a day; 254 degrees of amplitude; 0.0 milliseconds of beat error; 49 degrees lift angle
The bracelet from Alabama didn’t arrive until Monday. I have been sporting it since.
In the process of trying to locate the correct bracelet I was linked to the excellent write-up of this reference by Ashley Budgen: https://stories.omegaforums.net/seamaster-c-case-561-752-166-064-166-065/ . This confirmed the information on the correct 604 end pieces and 1170 bracelet that I had already been given. Then the search was in earnest, and I learned a hard fact about more obscure Omega case shapes---these pieces are hard to find, and pricey. I did find the end pieces from a seller in the UK for about US100. I immediately purchased them, as I figured they would be the hardest part to find. Then I found a couple of the bracelets. One was only partial, with missing and broken components…and it was still over $300. Since I have an 215mm wrist I knew that it was going to be a chore to get a setup that would fit me. I did find several more 1170 bracelets, one in the OF sales forum, and others on the Bay. They were all over $700, and went up to over a thousand. And I still wasn’t sure that they would fit. So, when I got the end pieces I decided to see if I could find a nice, similar, modern bracelet that would fit the ends. I ordered five different ones, and of those only one was close enough (.8 mm center link difference) that I was happy with the result. Actually, it is probably a superior bracelet to the old-school 1170, and it fits like it was made for me. I had told myself that I wouldn't post it here until I had the correct bracelet, but reality interceded. This is how I am riding with it until the time that a full original comes along at a price that I think is reasonable.
There are times you just have to wear a watch to know how much it suits your style. This was just such an occasion. The case shape makes it appear appreciably larger than the modest 38mm would suggest. Unless I have them side-by-side, this timepiece appears to cover as much “wrist estate” as my SMP 300 or Speedy Pro do. I do wear a number of 33-36mm watches, but with an 8+” wrist I have to admit that larger watches look better on me.
I also got to fill a gap in my assortment of classic Omega movements. I do have a Dynamic with a cal. 752, but this is the caliber 751 that is usually in just a very few models of Constellation line. Personally, I appreciate it more for being in a Seamaster than I would if it was powering a Constellation.
Right out of the box it had a respectable showing on my timegrapher, but it will of course get a doctor’s visit before getting any kind of regular wear. The pursuit of the perfect 168.022 to be continued…
Spec Sheet:
Omega Seamaster “Sparkle Dial” ref. 168.034 auto cal. 751 ss
Case shape: Modified Tonneau
Case width: 38.05mm w/o crown widest/27.95mm narrowest
Case length: 42.05mm
Case thickness: 12.55mm w/crystal in watch
Crown: 4.90Dia mm; signed; push/pull
Crystal diameter: 33.05mm, in case
Lug width: 22.15mm
Case material: stainless steel
Crystal material: Hesalite, signed
Caseback diameter: 34.60mm
Caseback features: Center medallion with raised Hippocampus, with Seamaster above and the Omega symbol below.
Inside Caseback thread O.D.: 31.35mm
Inside Caseback inscription: Omega symbol above “Omega Watch Co”, inside a triangle; Fab. Suisse; Swiss Made; Brevet; Swiss Cross; 472716; Acier Inoxydable; 168.034; Stylized Hardhat. In ink: “20” and “8”, with “T” above and “S” below, in circle.
Movement: Omega cal. 751; 24 jewels; 19600 bph; 49 degree lift angle; adjustments, five positions and temperature. Chronometer rated. Day/Date complication.
Engraving on movement: On Rotor: Omega Watch Co, above a circle. On Bridges: Twenty-Four 24 Jewels; “751” below Omega symbol with a “1” inside it; 31216531. Moderately decorated with nice copper plating.
Timegrapher 1900 readings: -6 to -8 seconds a day; 254 degrees of amplitude; 0.0 milliseconds of beat error; 49 degrees lift angle
