The world began to turn to quartz-powered wristwatches in the 1970s due to their accuracy, quartz simplified the creation of watches by replacing complex movements and machinery which not only made timepieces more affordable but also made them more accurate.

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Of course, the large Swiss brands which had previously dominated the industry hadn't much choice but to get on board the quartz train and Omega was no exception, subsequently producing their own line.

By 1974, the brand had introduced the Omega Marine Chronometer, a megaquartz powered wristwatch that undertook 63 days of testing to become the first wristwatch ever certified as a Marine Chronometer

What’s On Offer

This Seamaster 'Mariner II, with dual model ref. 196.0055 / 396.0841, is a cracking example of an early quartz watch by the industry giants and features quintessential Omega details - the matt black dial with crisp white accents. The angular steel and gold tank case was probably a curveball for the brand at the time, but it worked and remains a good looking piece of kit - that bezel is in 14k gold and offers a stylish two-tone design along with the "QUARTZ" plaque below six o'clock on the case. 

The applied hour markers are in great condition as are the syringe minute and pencil hour hands. The signatures and minute markers are still crisp and jump from the black dial, and the date at 3 o'clock adds to functionality. This watch is in excellent condition and it's cool retro styling and dimensions offer a contemporary wearing watch with a long bloodline from one of the most iconic watch brands in the business. What's not to love?

Additional information

Made from

Case: Gold and stainless steel

Dial: Black Baton

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: Gold and Stainless Steel

Technical specifications

Winding: n/a

Movement type: Quartz

Calibre: 1320

Jewels: 15j

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve: n/a

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference Number: 196.0055 / 396.0841

Date of issue: c.1974

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width:

Lug width:

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