Hidden Treasure: The Seamaster Born Without a Bezel
Unmistakably unique—and unlike anything else in the vintage Seamaster lineup—the often-overlooked Omega Seamaster 166.067 (with date), featured in our upcoming Autumn Majestic – Day 4 auction exemplifies some of the brand’s finest mid-century engineering and design.
This reference in particular stands out not only for its dependable technical performance but also for its distinctive case architecture and an understated, yet undeniably striking, aesthetic.
When collectors think of the iconic Omega Seamaster, they often picture rugged dive watches or the refined Seamaster De Ville. Yet, nestled between these two ends of the spectrum lies a lesser-known treasure—the Omega Seamaster references 166.067 and 165.067. These late-1960s timepieces are affectionately referred to as “the Seamaster born without a bezel.”
The Omega Seamaster ref. 166.067 was introduced circa 1969 and produced into the early 1970s. This era was a transitional period in watch design, as Omega moved from the classic round styles of the 1960s to more modern geometries of the 1970s.
Reference 166.067, the date version released in 1969, powered by the Omega Calibre 565 movement. Case material: 10k gold-capped with stainless steel back.
Lot 4234: The Seamaster 166.067 embodies this transition with its beautifully shaped case and champagne dial, bridging the gap between the mid-century aesthetic and the emerging angular designs of the 1970s.
As part of Omega’s celebrated Seamaster line, the 166.067 was marketed as a versatile, everyday water-resistant watch—originally rated to approximately 60 meters—rather than a professional diver’s instrument. By the 1960s, the Seamaster collection had already become a symbol of “everyday luxury,” and this model perfectly embodied that ideal, offering a refined blend of modern design, robust Swiss engineering, and accessible elegance at a competitive price point for its era.
Production of the 166.067 appears to have been limited to only a few years (circa 1969–71), as indicated by available examples. It was offered alongside its no-date sibling (ref. 165.067 with caliber 552) and a day-date variant (refs. 166.032/168.023 housing the caliber 752) in Omega’s catalog.
By the mid-1970s, Omega’s focus shifted toward new designs (such as the Seamaster Cosmic and later quartz models), making the 166.067 a relatively short-lived reference. Today, its mid-century/1970s crossover design and solid mechanics make it an interesting piece of Omega’s history from the eve of the quartz crisis.
In a 2022 article on the Omega Forums, collector @dsio dives deep into these references’ understated brilliance. Unlike traditional Seamasters, these models feature a sleek, cushion-shaped case with a barely-there bezel, letting the wide champainge dial dominate the design. The effect? A clean, open aesthetic that feels surprisingly modern for a watch made over 50 years ago.
The Calibre 565 is an excellent find, with 24 jewels, and sitting at the apex of Omega’s highly regarded 500 series.
Powered by Omega’s robust Caliber 565 (for the 166.067, with date) these watches were built for reliability. The 36mm gold-capped cases wear large for the time, and the sharp lug lines and sunburst dials give them a sporty-meets-dressy versatility.
While they flew under the radar for decades, these Seamasters are finally earning attention for their distinctive style, rock-solid movements, and affordability in the vintage market. As the article puts it, “they represent some of the best of Omega’s features and technology of the era in a compellingly priced package.”
In our upcoming Autumn Majestic Auction, two remarkable vintage Omegas will be offered:
Lot 4234: A classic Omega Seamaster 166.067, admired for its refined case and timeless charm.
Lot 4036: A vintage Seamaster chronograph, powered by the same legendary movement found in Omega’s iconic Speedmaster “Moonwatch.”
Both represent the pinnacle of Omega’s mid-century craftsmanship—each with its own unique place in horological history.
Don’t Miss Your Chance To Own
Time is ticking. Don’t let this extraordinary piece of history pass you by. This rare and exceptional vintage Omega Seamaster will be offered on Day 4 during our upcoming auction November 9th, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM EST.
Phone bidding and in-person registrations are limited—secure today by calling 207-354-8141 or by submitting a Phone/Absentee Bid Form.
For questions on bidding, visit our How to Bid page, or please contact us directly.
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