THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 166.0251
YEAR: 1978
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
The Seamaster name carries serious weight in the Omega back catalogue. The most famous is undoubtedly the SM300—their flagship diver line, first released in 1957. A decade later, the brand introduced the Seamaster 120 line as a “comfortable and affordable” alternative to its larger siblings. The first Seamaster 120, ref. 135.027, features a slim 37mm case that wears similarly to a Rolex Small Crown.
Over the next 17 years, Omega released around a dozen Seamaster 120 variants with distinct case shapes, dial designs, and bracelet configurations. Among these, the non-identical twins—ref. 165.0250 and 165.0251—are probably our favourites. The 165.0250, often nicknamed the “Baby Ploprof,” features a C-shaped case and shark-mesh bracelet—an icon we always try to have in stock.
The current example, ref. 165.0251, is rarer and arguably the most interesting iteration of the Seamaster 120 family. Introduced in 1978, it features a 40mm tonneau-shaped case with integrated bracelet (challenge: name two other somewhat-famous '70s integrated bracelet sports watches...), bold brushed surfaces, and twisted lugs. And what we have here is an absolute pearler.
The original matte black dial and acrylic bezel insert are both in fantastic condition. The tritium lume on the markers and hands has aged to a rich, creamy patina—they glow brightly under UV before fading slowly, just as they should. The case has been polished in the past, but no more than once or twice, and still retains much of its factory finish. The integrated 1321/295 bracelet has minimal stretch and wears incredibly comfortably on the wrist. It retains all of its links and will fit up to a 19.5cm wrist.
Inside, the cal. 1010 automatic movement remains in excellent health, running at +2 s/d, 288 amplitude, with a beat error of 0.2 ms. This is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in vintage Omegas—the integrated bracelet design is superbly proportioned and wears beautifully, all while offering seriously good value.