During the 1960s, Omega Seamasters featured classic round cases and minimalist dials. The emphasis was on elegance in preference to complexity. While stainless steel dominated the era, Omega offered silver or black dials featuring applied markers and sharp dauphine hands. This understated, gentlemanly design established the Seamaster as an all-occasion timepiece, complementing both formal suits and casual weekend attire. This versatility explains exactly why Set Back in Time hold vintage Seamasters in such high regard. This particular Omega Seamaster example features a 562 automatic, which is running well.
A brief history of the Seamaster
Omega introduced the Seamaster range in 1948 to celebrate the brand’s centenary. Designers drew direct inspiration from the rugged, reliable timepieces they had engineered for military service during the Second World War. These early models showcased significant technical advancements, most notably the innovative O-ring gasket, which established a new standard for civilian water resistance (Omega Seamaster at Chronopedia).
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Seamaster underwent a steady transformation as it moved away from its origins as a refined dress watch towards more specialised, “tool watch” designs. Omega reached a major milestone in 1957 with the launch of the Seamaster 300, a watch engineered specifically for professional divers. In 1958, the brand began engraving the iconic Hippocampus logo onto case backs to symbolise the watch’s aquatic prowess. By the end of this era, the Seamaster had successfully evolved from an elegant, water-resistant timepiece into a formidable ‘tool watch’.
Calibre 562
The movement is fully signed with the Omega name and the Omega serial number dates it back to 1964. The Omega 562 watch movement was in production from 1958 to 1967, with approximately 5,800,000 units manufactured during this period. The 561 variant of this calibre was chronometer certified by Omega. The movement features 24 jewels, a power reserve of 50 hours and a frequency of 19,800 vph. It has automatic winding, a sweep second hand, and a date function. The watch has an early form of quickset date where the hands are repeatedly moved backwards and forwards between 12 noon and 8.30 pm until the desired date is reached. The movement is equipped with Incabloc shock protection and a calendar complication (Omega calibre 562 at the Ranfft DB).
Case and dial
The watch measures 34mm in diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs. The case is stainless steel, and the front is in good condition. The screw-on case back has some scratches where a tool has slipped in the past. The case back has the Seamaster logo on the outside and the Omega triangular mark together with the case reference 166.003, which is correct for the calibre 562. The winding crown has the Omega logo. The lens is in good condition. The signed dial is in its original finish. There are a few marks across the dial. However, most vintage watch collectors would consider these flecks to be patina, not damage. It also includes central hours, central minutes, central sweeping seconds, and a date display at 3 o’clock. The watch features a new leather strap.
Summary
This is a good example of a versatile 1960s Seamaster. The flecks on the dial add character and charm. The calibre 562 is an excellent choice for watch collectors seeking an authentic vintage Omega experience, offering dependable performance. However, as with all vintage timepieces, planning and budgeting for a future service by a watchmaker is important.
Related content
Omega Seamaster history at the Gentlemen’s Journal.
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