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

 

This is a really cool watch, congrats. It reminds me a lot of one i had a couple of years ago, the ref 166.089. Omega really made a lot of different versions thoughout the years.

 

I had to look up the 166.089 you mentioned. Omega has a nice image of it in their vintage archives. That's a beauty. It appears to be very similar, maybe the tail ends tuck in a bit more sharply. Almost identical really, and with essentially the same movement. I will start doing some digging to see if there are any available.

 

And yours is shiny, mine wasn't, was not polished. Omegaforums mentioned some similar watches, i guess you saw that. I guess yours is a chronometre, mine wasn't. Dial looks quite the same except the printing on it. Case is polished vs non-polished. Guess mine was not that expensive as yours back then.

Have fun with the watch, its a good-looker.

 

I am having fun with it...becoming a weekly wearer. Not sure mine is polished, more like somewhat worn. I can still see the edges of the finish, and don't see any degradation from a buffer. I found most of the 166.089 that were available. I think that it is more rare than the 168.034, and it is typically selling for a little more than mine also. The case is slightly different, having a sharp turn in at the ends, and it is about a half mm wider. From the Omega site, it would seem that it may have only been available on a leather strap, but I don't know that for sure. For me the chronometre aspect is nice, but doesn't seem to make up for the rarity of the 166.089. Might be one of those that you might have been better off holding on to. In the moment, who can predict which Omegas will be the rarest?? I am on the hunt for one now, I actually like the case slightly more than the 168.034. The TM outfit in N. Dakota have a totally refinished one, with a gold sparkle dial, available on the bay for 1500US. They certainly do nice work!

 

Cool watches and they do wear very big.

Similar to a 166.065 I used to have.

 

Heyy, the moment is back - can we start getting some of these beauts logged over on this thread?

 

good point. just made a contribution

 

you captured the sparkle element perfectly

 

Oof, it wasn't my intention to make you feel like you should buy another watch, but i guess thats the addiction to having watches. I sold mine 2 years ago for 500 euro's here in the Netherlands, so the 1500US seems fairly high.

 

Made me laugh! Trust me, I don't need any encouragement to buy another watch---particularly such an interesting Omega. Wish I had known about this reference a couple of years ago smile).

 

I gave my 166.064, cal 752, away to encourage a young friend in his watch-interest (as a graduation gift). It succeeded.

 

A very noble gesture! I must say, that looks to be as close to perfect as I can imagine