Omega Seamaster, Ref. 196.0251, Cal. 1430, Men’s Quartz Vintage Watch

Omega Seamaster 1980 — First impression - 196.0251

The Omega Seamaster Ref. 196.0251 is a sophisticated example of early 1980s Swiss watchmaking, designed for collectors who appreciate slim profiles and understated luxury. Its 33 mm stainless steel case is paired with a gold-tone bezel and a warm yellow dial, delivering a refined two-tone aesthetic. The watch houses Omega’s Cal. 1430 quartz movement, a highly reliable Swiss caliber ensuring precision timekeeping. This piece has been fully serviced and is in excellent working condition, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a vintage Omega that embodies the dress watch elegance of the era.

Omega Seamaster - Gold-Toned Dial

The dial features a warm yellow sunlit tone with a fine grain texture that gives depth and sophistication. Applied polished hour markers and a printed minute track provide legibility without clutter, while the framed date window at 3 o’clock balances the layout perfectly. “Seamaster Quartz” is printed crisply in black, staying true to Omega’s minimalist design codes of the period.

Seamaster 196.0251 - Hands

The polished baton hands reflect light elegantly and maintain excellent contrast against the dial. The central seconds hand sweeps with quiet precision, reinforcing the watch’s character as a refined time-only dress piece.

Omega Seamaster 196.0251 - Two-Tone Stainless Steel Case

The 33 mm case is crafted from stainless steel with polished surfaces that emphasize its dressy character. A yellow gold-tone bezel adds a subtle two-tone touch, lending additional warmth and visual distinction. At just 40 mm lug-to-lug, the watch wears comfortably on a range of wrist sizes and slips easily under a cuff.

Seamaster 196.0251 - Crown

The crown is the original Omega-signed piece, proportioned small to preserve the slim case profile. Its smooth action allows for easy time and date setting, a testament to Omega’s attention to detail in design and function.

Omega Seamaster Leather Strap

This watch is mounted on a dark brown leather strap that enhances its vintage dress appeal. While not the original Omega strap, it is supple and comfortable, complementing the two-tone case design perfectly.

Movement — Omega Caliber 1430

Powering this Seamaster is the Omega Cal. 1430 quartz movement, a Swiss-made caliber running at 32 kHz. Known for its robustness and precision, this movement represents Omega’s commitment to accuracy during the quartz era. Recently serviced, it is fully operational and ready for daily wear with minimal maintenance requirements.

Heritage of the Omega Seamaster in the 1980s

The 1980s was a defining period for Omega, as the brand merged quartz innovation with traditional Swiss watchmaking refinement. The Seamaster collection of this era introduced slim, elegant dress models that appealed to a clientele looking for precision and sophistication. This reference exemplifies the brand’s successful adaptation to changing tastes, offering timeless design that remains relevant to collectors today.

Omega Seamaster — Condition, Originality & Trust

This watch is in excellent vintage condition with a well-preserved dial, sharp case lines, and original signed crown. Fully serviced and delivered with a 12-month warranty, it represents a trustworthy entry into the world of collectible Omega dress watches. Worldwide shipping available — explore more Omega vintage watches from the 1980s in our collection or discover other collectible Swiss dress watches available today.

Technical Details