1973 Omega Seamaster Chronograph 176.007

Among 1970s sports chronographs, few watches stir as much deep-dive debate as the transitional variants of the Lemania-powered Calibre 1040 family. While traditional literature assigns the multi-colored blue "Yachting" dial exclusively to the cushion-cased Reference 176.010, serious archival research—originally pioneered by the legendary calibre1040 project—uncovered a legendary secret: a tiny factory batch of Reference 176.007 timepieces natively fitted with the Yachting dial.

This particular piece, hailing from movement serial 36,271,567, sits squarely in the center of that celebrated 36.26M–36.27M production window (circa 1973).

What makes this transitional execution so correct is its native factory pairing: the deeply saturated midnight-blue Yachting dial set against the crisp, integrated white inner Tachymeter bezel ring of the 176.007 case. Under standard indoor lighting, the dial presents an intense, almost ink-black matte tone—only to reveal its rich navy soleil finish and vibrant 24-hour sub-register when hit by direct sunlight.

Design & Aesthetics

Case Architecture: Classic 1970s tonneau/cushion case (38.5mm) featuring factory radial sunburst brushing on the top facet, framed by sharp, mirror-polished bevels.

The Midnight "Yachting" Dial: A deep, optical-illusion midnight navy dial featuring the light-blue and black 24-hour indicator at 9 o'clock, grey 12-hour sub-dial at 6 o'clock, and the distinct orange central minute-recorder hand.  The "Yachting" dial features black numbering on each of the applied minute markers. 

CONDITION:

Overall Condition: Excellent

Dial & Hands: Original Singer-made T-Swiss-T dial; original Tritium plots are intact with uniform cream aging. Original hands retain matching lume density which has darkened over time.

Case: Exceptionally sharp. Preserves original factory radial brushing on top with defined profile edges.  The case-back engraving appears to have been professonally restored. 

Movement: Calibre 1040 automatic chronograph has been fully serviced by our Watchmaker. It is running strongly and keeping accurate time for its age, with all chronograph functions resetting crisply to zero.

Crystal: Original (acrylic) plexiglass with one small surface scratch.

Bracelet: Original bracelet with correct endlinks; minimal stretch

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 38.5mm (excluding crown); 42mm lug to lug; 15.5mm thickness (12mm excl. the domed plexi)

Material: Stainless steel

Crystal: Original plexiglass with Omega logo etched at center.

Movement: Omega Cal. 1040 Automatic chronograph, 22 jewels, 28,800 vph, integrated 24-hr day/night indicator

Bracelet: Omega stainless steel no. 1170 with 653 end links (Approximate max wrist size 7.3in)