THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 166.027
YEAR: 1968
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 37MM
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Following the success of the Seamaster 300, Omega introduced the Seamaster 120 in 1967 as a more wearable and affordable alternative. With a slim 37mm case and aluminium bezel, the SM120 wears beautifully on the wrist—reminiscent of early Rolex Submariners.

The present example, ref. 166.027, features a gorgeous matte black dial with a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Now 57 years old, the watch is in fantastic condition. The dial has developed a tropicalised patina, with the lume aging to a rich, creamy hue. The original aluminium insert has retained most of its colour, nicely complementing the watch. The pip is a later replacement. The sleek 37mm, no-crown-guard case has seen the polishing wheel before but remains very strong.

It comes on the original 1125/617 bracelet, which shows some stretch. The watch has recently been checked over and is running very well at -1 s/d, 280 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.2 ms.

These late ’60s SM120s really are a joy to wear—super slim and effortlessly handsome on the wrist.