Omega Seamaster 300 Reference 165.024 41mm 1960s

Omega Seamaster 300 Reference 165.024

Introduction

Produced during the mid to late 1960s, the Omega Seamaster 300 reference 165.024 represents one of the most enduring expressions of Omega’s professional dive-watch engineering. This generation of Seamaster 300 models refined the pioneering design language first introduced by Omega in the 1950s and consolidated it into a clear, functional watch built for underwater utility. Fitted here on the stainless steel 1171 slash 1 bracelet, the reference demonstrates the intersection of mid century tool watch practicality and Omega’s growing expertise in robust sports-watch cases, high visibility dials and dependable automatic movements.

History of the Seamaster Line

Omega launched the Seamaster family in 1948 to celebrate the brand’s centenary. Although the earliest versions served more as robust everyday watches rather than dedicated diving instruments, Omega quickly built the line into a key part of its technical identity. By the late 1950s, recreational and professional diving had grown significantly, creating demand for watches capable of operating at depth. In 1957 Omega released the first Seamaster 300, reference CK2913, as part of the now famous Trilogy that also included the Speedmaster and Railmaster. The number 300 referred to its intended depth capability, positioning Omega firmly within the technical dive-watch category.

During the early 1960s Omega refined the architecture of the Seamaster family’s professional models. The design evolved from straight lugs and broad arrow hands to more modern lyre lug cases, higher visibility hands and clearer bezels. These changes responded to feedback from divers, military users and field researchers. The Seamaster 300 gradually became a genuine tool watch, intended to withstand underwater environments and deliver immediate legibility in low light conditions. This continual refinement set the stage for the arrival of the 165.024.

Position of the 165.024 in Omega’s Timeline

The reference 165.024 was introduced as part of the second major generation of Seamaster 300 divers. Compared with earlier models, the 165.024 included several crucial updates. The case grew larger and more ergonomic, with integrated crown guards to protect the winding crown during underwater use. Omega designed this case to deliver durability in challenging environments, reflecting the increased expectations placed on professional dive watches during the 1960s.

The 165.024 also marked a shift toward a more modern aesthetic. The use of a highly legible dial with large hour markers, bold minute track and wide sword hands represented a departure from the broad arrow and dauphine style hands seen in earlier Seamaster 300 models. This design placed clarity above stylistic flourish, signalling Omega’s intention to build a watch that prioritised underwater legibility and robust performance. The model was produced in both date and no date variants, with this reference representing the no date configuration.

With its large tritium coated hands, matte black dial and robust screw back case, the 165.024 became one of the most recognisable professional Omega divers of the period and remains one of the defining examples of the Seamaster 300 line.

Dial and Design Characteristics

High Visibility Dial

The dial of the 165.024 was engineered with clarity in mind. The matte black surface reduces reflections, improving legibility in direct sunlight and underwater. Large luminous markers are positioned clearly at each hour, reinforced by a strong minute track around the edge of the dial. The distinctive use of deep, rectangular plots filled with tritium helped divers interpret elapsed time quickly even in low visibility settings.

Sword Hands

One of the most distinguishing features of the 165.024 is the set of wide sword style hour and minute hands. Omega implemented these hands to maximise visibility and ensure the difference between the hour and minute indications remained clear in murky water. The second hand carries a prominent luminous tip, allowing the user to verify that the watch is running at a glance, an essential feature for diving safety.

Rotating Bezel

The rotating bezel on the 165.024 is a defining functional element, designed to provide immediate and reliable tracking of elapsed time underwater. This example features a bakelite bezel insert, a material used by Omega on earlier and mid-period Seamaster 300 production before the transition to aluminium. The bakelite construction gives the bezel a distinctive glossy appearance and a slightly domed surface, allowing the numerals and minute markers to sit beneath a clear protective layer. The deep printing, high contrast scale and prominent triangle at the zero position ensure the bezel remains highly legible in a range of lighting conditions. The serrated edge provides grip even when handled with wet hands or gloves, reflecting Omega’s focus on practical usability. The use of bakelite adds both period correctness and visual character, marking this configuration as one of the more historically interesting variations within the 165.024 lineage.

Case Architecture

Professional Dive Case

The 165.024 case represents a major evolution in the Seamaster 300 design lineage. Measuring approximately 41 millimetres, the case features Omega’s lyre lugs, which introduce a distinctive twist to the case shape. The inclusion of crown guards helped protect the winding crown from impact, a practical improvement over earlier Seamaster cases. With a screw back design, the watch was constructed to deliver significant robustness.

Crystal, Crown and Back

The hesalite crystal was chosen for its resistance to shattering and its ease of maintenance. The screw back case confirmed that this model was designed for genuine underwater use, and the Naïad style crown was part of Omega’s effort to maintain water resistance under pressure. Each component had a specific purpose oriented toward durability and dive functionality.

Stainless Steel 1171 Slash 1 Bracelet

The watch is fitted here on the stainless steel 1171 slash 1 bracelet, a bracelet widely associated with Omega’s sports models from the late 1960s through the 1970s. The 1171 slash 1 provides a lighter, more flexible wearing experience compared with the earlier flat link bracelets, and its rounded links give it a soft wrist presence. The clasp design and construction maintain the practical character expected of a mid century professional Omega bracelet. The pairing of the 165.024 with the 1171 slash 1 creates a cohesive look that reflects the period correct design language of Omega’s tool watches.

Movement: Calibre 552

The reference 165.024 uses Omega’s calibre 552, a highly respected automatic movement of the era. The 552 was part of Omega’s 550 series of movements, known for their reliability, stability and robust construction. This movement features automatic winding, central seconds and a balance frequency that contributed to strong timekeeping performance. The calibre 552 was used in several of Omega’s professional models during the 1960s and is regarded as one of the company’s most dependable movements. Its stability, serviceability and durable architecture made it an excellent choice for the challenging conditions in which Seamaster 300 watches were expected to operate.

The Seamaster 300 in the Context of the 1960s

The 1960s marked a transformative era in the development of professional tool watches. Diving became increasingly mainstream, fuelled by scientific exploration and recreational diving. At the same time, military organisations across the world sought reliable underwater timing instruments. Omega’s work during this period resulted in watches that delivered the visibility, durability and accuracy necessary for demanding underwater environments.

The reference 165.024 reflects Omega’s response to these evolving needs. It built upon the foundation of the original 1957 Seamaster 300 but integrated improvements informed by practical use. This included clarity of the dial layout, improved bezel functionality, stronger case construction and upgraded luminous materials. In this sense, the 165.024 captures the shift from early dive watches to fully developed, professional grade instruments.

Broader Importance of the 165.024

The reference 165.024 represents a key moment in the history of Omega’s dive watch production. It brings together elements that would shape the wider Seamaster identity for decades. The sword hand design, the strong marker layout, the curved lug case and the boldly marked bezel all contributed to a recognisable and functional aesthetic. These design traits influenced later models and remain echoed in contemporary Omega dive watches.

This reference also stands as an example of mid century engineering, combining a robust movement with a practical and legible display. It demonstrates how Omega balanced design evolution with technical capability during a period when dive watches were no longer niche instruments but viewed as essential equipment for a variety of underwater activities.

Final Thoughts

The Omega Seamaster 300 reference 165.024 is one of the defining models in the development of the Seamaster line. Its robust 41 millimetre case, sword hands, matte black dial and rotating bezel represent a mature and practical design informed by real world diving needs. The inclusion of the stainless steel 1171 slash 1 bracelet adds a period correct and historically cohesive element that fits the watch’s identity as a mid century professional tool watch. Driven by the calibre 552, the reference 165.024 demonstrates the reliability and mechanical strength associated with Omega during the 1960s. Today it stands as an important representation of Omega’s achievements in the field of dive watch design and a significant chapter in the ongoing history of the Seamaster family.

Case is in good vintage condition with visible scratches consistent with age. Signs of light polish, but case is in good condition overall.

Dial is nice condition gilt dial. Hands in good condition overall. The second handlume  is cracked.