Omega Seamaster 300 Military

The original 1957 Seamaster 300 was Omega's response to the Rolex Submariner.

Featuring a robust steel case with a 300-meter depth rating, a rotating bezel graduated with a dive-timing scale, and a metal bracelet with a diver's expansion mechanism, the early Seamaster 300 was not only a functional diver that would go on to see use in Her Majesty's Navy, but is also arguably one of the handsomest sports watch designs of the past century.

We’ve seen our fair share of Omega’s famed diver, but occasionally we cross paths with a Seamaster that’s truly special and breathtaking. Not only because of its disarming good looks, but because of its historical significance, military provenance, and unique story imbued into every bit of patina.

This piece, a Reference ST 165.024, is a military-issued Omega Seamaster dating back to 1968. Housed in a 41mm stainless steel case, it features the signature twisted lugs, a fully graduated, 60-click bezel; a signed, screw-down crown; and fixed spring bars — a design feature preferred by the Ministry of Defence — which combined with a one-piece nylon strap, significantly decreased the risk of losing the watch by eliminating spring bar failure. 

Presented with a period-correct configuration, its matte black dial features a ‘big triangle’ 12 o’clock marker, a matching ‘sword’ handset, a center mounted ‘spear’ seconds hand and a ‘Circle-T’ insignia denoting the use of tritium on the dial. The solid screw-caseback bears an engraved military code and the ‘broad arrow’ logo signifying that this piece was issued property of Her Majesty.

Accompanied by an array of documents confirming its authenticity, date of production, and provenance, this piece delivers with an extract from Omega’s archives, copies of the original Certificate of Service for the British Army, detailed military service records, and photographs of a Mr. Ian Banks, the gentleman to which the timepiece was issued to. Last but not least, this piece comes with a copy of a handwritten letter from the original owner’s son accounting his father’s remarkable journey. An excerpt reads:

“The Omega was given to him on going into Aden, my dad and it were there when Lieutenant Colonel Colin Mitchell (Mad Mitch) and pipers leading went into the Crater District with the pipers playing Scotland the Brave and their Regimental Charge Monymusk.

As my dad recalled at this sight the hairs on the back of kneck stood to Attention, Blood pumping hard - a sight to beholed.”

If that doesn’t give you chills, then we don’t know what will.

In fantastic condition, this piece is outfitted on a brand-new, military green Phoenix NATO strap with a ‘Phoenix’ signed pin buckle — an appropriate choice given that the strap manufacture was originally based in the UK and was 100% compliant with British MoD requirements. 

An incredible timepiece accompanied by a plethora of ephemera that would certainly have any watch enthusiast or history buff giddy with excitement, this Seamaster is not just a wristwatch — it’s a time capsule with an undeniable soul.

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today.

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn.

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.