Omega Seamaster, Ref. 196.0078, Cal. 1342, Men’s Quartz Analog Vintage Watch

Vintage Omega Seamaster dress watch from 1978 with a vertical brushed silver dial, men’s quartz analog movement Cal. 1342 and refined original signed crown, fully serviced and for sale.

Omega Seamaster 1978 — First impression - 196.0078

The Omega Seamaster Ref. 196.0078 from 1978 is a quintessential late-1970s dress watch that blends timeless minimalism with technical precision. This 36 mm stainless steel timepiece features a vertically brushed silver dial with applied hour markers and framed date window at 3 o’clock, complemented by the slim case profile typical of the quartz era. The watch houses Omega’s Swiss-made Cal. 1342 quartz movement, known for its reliability and accuracy. Fully serviced and in excellent condition, this Seamaster exemplifies the refined aesthetics and innovation of Omega’s late-70s production.

Omega Seamaster - Vertical Brushed Dial

The silver dial displays a beautiful vertical brush finish that plays with light in a subtle, elegant way. Applied black-filled baton indices provide legibility, with discreet lume dots on the outer minute track. The “Omega Quartz” and “Seamaster” inscriptions are crisply printed, and the date window is highlighted with a polished metal frame for a balanced, symmetrical appearance.

Seamaster 196.0078 - Hands

The handset consists of slim black stick hands with luminous inserts on hour and minute hands, paired with a needle-like central seconds hand. The contrast against the light dial ensures excellent readability while maintaining the understated dress watch style.

Omega Seamaster 196.0078 - Slim Stainless Steel Case

The 36 mm stainless steel case features a brushed finish on the top surfaces and a polished bezel that frames the dial. Its rounded profile and short, semi-integrated lugs create a compact, comfortable wear on the wrist. The case back is screw-in, ensuring solid construction and protection for the movement.

Seamaster 196.0078 - Crown

The watch is fitted with its original Omega-signed crown, small and polished, ensuring easy operation without disturbing the clean silhouette of the case. The crown’s signed detail is an appreciated mark of authenticity for collectors.

Omega Seamaster Leather Strap

This example is presented on a high-quality black leather strap with fine grain texture, which complements the watch’s refined aesthetic. While not the original bracelet, it enhances comfort and suits a variety of wrist sizes.

Movement — Omega Caliber 1342

Inside beats the Omega Cal. 1342 quartz movement, a robust Swiss-made caliber introduced in the late 1970s. Operating at 32 kHz, it delivers precise timekeeping and low-maintenance reliability. The movement has been fully serviced, with fresh battery and seals, making it ready for years of use.

Heritage of the Omega Seamaster in the Late 1970s

The late 1970s represented a transformative era for Omega, as the brand embraced quartz technology while maintaining the design codes of Swiss watchmaking tradition. The Seamaster line, historically associated with robust tool watches, expanded to include refined dress models like this one, appealing to a clientele seeking both precision and elegance during the Quartz Revolution.

Omega Seamaster — Condition, Originality & Trust

This watch is in excellent vintage condition, with a sharp case profile and well-preserved dial. It retains all original components including case, dial, hands, and signed crown. Fully serviced and covered by a 12-month warranty, it is a ready-to-wear vintage Omega for the discerning collector. Worldwide shipping available — browse our Omega vintage collection to compare other references or explore more quartz analog vintage watches from the 1970s.

Technical Details