Omega Seamaster, Ref. 166.0204, Cal. 1010, Men’s Automatic Vintage Watch, 1979

Omega Seamaster 1979 — First Impression - 166.0204

The Omega Seamaster Ref. 166.0204 from 1979 is a quintessential late-70s Swiss dress watch that blends minimalism and elegance. Its gold-plated tonneau case and vertically brushed champagne dial give it a warm and understated look, while the automatic Cal. 1010 ensures precise timekeeping. The watch measures 35 mm in diameter, a versatile size that wears comfortably on modern wrists yet retains vintage charm. This model exemplifies Omega’s ability to produce sophisticated mechanical wristwatches that are both practical and collectible today.

Omega Seamaster - Vertical Brushed Champagne Dial

The dial of this Seamaster stands out with its vertical brushed champagne finish, giving a subtle texture that plays beautifully with light. Applied gold-tone baton indices and a printed minute track add to the dial’s refined symmetry. The framed date window at 3 o’clock integrates seamlessly into the design, enhancing daily usability while keeping the overall layout balanced.

Seamaster 166.0204 - Hands

This model features gold-tone baton hour and minute hands with onyx-style black inserts, improving legibility against the light dial. The thin central seconds hand sweeps smoothly thanks to the high-beat Cal. 1010 movement, underlining Omega’s dedication to precision timekeeping during the 1970s.

Omega Seamaster 166.0204 - Gold-Plated Tonneau Case

The tonneau-shaped case is gold-plated and combines brushed top surfaces with polished bezel edges, a hallmark of late-70s Omega design. At 35 mm in diameter, it offers a perfect balance between vintage proportions and modern wearability. The case retains its sharp edges and original profile, indicating careful preservation over the years.

Seamaster 166.0204 - Crown

The original signed Omega crown at 3 o’clock is fully functional, allowing smooth winding and quick date setting. Its presence adds to the originality and collector value of this watch.

Omega Seamaster Leather Strap

The watch is paired with a brown leather strap that complements the warmth of the gold case. While not the original Omega strap, it enhances the classic dress watch aesthetic and offers comfortable daily wear.

Automatic Caliber 1010 — Swiss Precision

At the heart of this Seamaster is Omega’s in-house Cal. 1010 automatic movement. This high-beat (28,800 A/h) caliber features quickset date, bidirectional winding, and is known for its durability and ease of servicing. The movement has been fully serviced and regulated, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.

Heritage of the Omega Seamaster in the 1970s

The Seamaster line of the late 1970s represented Omega’s transition into bold, modern case designs while maintaining mechanical excellence. The tonneau shape and vertically brushed dial reflect the design language of the decade, appealing to collectors who appreciate the unique aesthetics of this era. This reference stands as a testament to Omega’s mastery of both style and engineering.

Omega Seamaster — Condition, Originality, and Warranty

This example remains in excellent vintage condition, with a sharp case, original signed crown, and all-original dial and hands. The watch has been fully serviced and is running accurately. It comes with a 12-month mechanical warranty and worldwide shipping.

Explore more from our Omega vintage watches collection including other gold-tone Seamaster references or discover our full range of classic dress watches from the 1970s.