1972 Omega Seamaster Automatic 176.005 “TV Case”

A showstopper, with a distinctive case and stunning silver dial!

The Omega Seamaster reference 176.005 presents a captivating timepiece from the 1970s era. Falling within the Seamaster lineage, it intriguingly combines design elements reminiscent of Speedmaster models like the Mark III and Flightmaster models. Notably, it features a distinct secondary hour hand and a robust steel case with hooded lugs.

Powered by the Omega caliber 1040, distinguished by its copper-colored finish, this timepiece marks the brand's inaugural automatic chronograph movement, also utilized in iconic Omega models of its time, including Speedmasters.

Originally showcased in advertisements and catalogs in 1974 and 1975, this watch boasts a sizable 43mm steel case with a square crystal reminiscent of a TV screen, housing a recessed silver dial with a deeply sloped rehaut featuring tachymeter printing. With a commanding presence on the wrist akin to other oversized models of its era like the PloProf 600, Big Blue, or Flightmaster, it offers the added functionality of Omega's Calibre 1040 central minutes automatic chronograph mechanism, distinguished by its characteristic "airplane" hand.

The dial is a beautiful brushed silver, with striking light turquoise blue accents on the sub seconds, 12 hour counter and central minute counter.  The dial has considerable depth, with the Tachymeter scale printed on the vertical side of the dial!

The chronograph is a 12h chronograph with only one sub-dial for the hours, both the chronograph minutes and seconds hands are on the main dial. The second sub-dial is the running seconds and day/night indicator. The light blue chronograph hands stands out from the black time hands making reading the chronograph easy.

Condition:

Overall, this example is in overall excellent condition with only some light scratches visible on the case and case-back.

The case has retains its original factory finish with a combination of brushed, radial and mirrored surfaces.  The logo on the back is sharp and clear. The dial is a beautiful brushed silver with no visible imperfections. The lume is fully intact with minimal degradation and even glow under UV light. The handset is consistent with other examples of the same reference.

The movement has checked by our watchmaker.  All functions work correctly, the stopwatch resets crisply and the movement keeps time well for its age, losing just 2 seconds per day with an amplitude of 253.

*Note: There is scratch on the glass that will be polished out prior to shipping.

Specifications:

Reference: 176.005

Year: 1972

Movement No: 35076xxx

Dimensions: 42mm x 48mm; 15mm thickness

Crystal: Mineral glass

Lume: Yes, tritium

Caliber: Omega self-winding caliber 1040

Bracelet/Strap: Matching blue calfskin strap

Lug Width: 20mm

Box/Papers: No