A very attractive and increasingly hard-to-find Omega Seamaster Automatic ref. 166.003 in stainless steel, featuring a rare original black dial with gilt Hands/Markers and date aperture at 3.
This is a particularly desirable example because this stunning black dial is original, which is a major plus in the vintage Omega world. Original black-dial Seamasters are notably scarcer than silver-dial equivalents, and many surviving examples have either aged heavily, been refinished, or deteriorated over time. A well looked after case with nice angles , Caseback shows a fresh and well-defined Seamaster hippocampus medallion, which is always a great detail on these
This watch has a fantastic look on the wrist: crisp stainless case lines, warm gilt markers/hands, and that classic mid-century Seamaster balance of elegance and everyday wearability.
The 34.5mm, stainless steel, screw-back case houses the reliable, Omega automatic caliber 565 The timeless design looks as good today as it would have in 1966
Extra Points
Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.
The watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with our 12 months, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is one of those watches that immediately feels “right” in the hand. The combination of the original black dial, gilt markers and hands, and the clean stainless Seamaster case gives it a really special presence that’s hard to capture in photos.
What I especially like about this one is its honesty — the case still has lovely clean lines, the hippocampus on the caseback is crisp, and the dial has that look collectors hope for: original, balanced, and full of character. Black dial vintage Omegas are getting genuinely hard to find in this sort of condition, and when they do turn up, they rarely have this much charm.
It’s a very wearable watch too — classic proportions, timeless styling, and the kind of piece that works just as well dressed up as it does casually. A proper vintage Seamaster that has survived well and still feels sharp today.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 2431####
Reference : 166.003
Movement : Cal 565 Age :1960/69 Specific Age :1966 Case Size : 34.5mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof service cover
1966 Omega Automatic Seamaster Calendar Model 166.003 with original matte black dial
