Omega Seamaster 176.007 Silver & Blue - Airplane Hand

This Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronograph reference 176.007 from the early 1970s is a fascinating example of Omega’s particularly creative and technically innovative period at the beginning of the decade. With its distinctive 39 mm stainless-steel case, silver-colored dial, contrasting blue tachymeter ring, and vivid blue chronograph hands, it has an unmistakably sporty aesthetic that remains as distinctive today as it is timeless.

Reference 176.007 was introduced in the early 1970s and belongs to the first generation of Omega automatic chronographs. Its tonneau-shaped stainless-steel case perfectly reflects the design language of the era: broad surfaces, short integrated lugs, and substantial chronograph pushers give the watch an impressive presence on the wrist. With a diameter of 39 mm, its proportions remain remarkably comfortable and modern even by today’s standards.

Particularly noteworthy is the very well-preserved condition of the case. Despite visible and authentic signs of wear, the original contours and surfaces have been beautifully retained. The original brushed finish on the upper surface remains clearly visible, as does the distinct transition to the polished case flanks. In our opinion, the case has never been polished and therefore retains a particularly honest and original vintage character.

The original silver-colored dial forms an exceptionally attractive combination with the blue inner tachymeter ring. Its radially brushed surface changes character depending on the light and provides a beautiful contrast to the vivid blue accents. Particularly distinctive is the light-blue central chronograph minute hand, whose counterweight is shaped like a stylized airplane – an unusual and instantly recognizable detail of this generation of Seamaster chronographs. The elapsed minutes are indicated by this central hand, while the centrally mounted chronograph seconds hand records the seconds. The date is positioned at 3 o’clock, the chronograph’s 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, while the subdial at 9 o’clock combines the running seconds with an additional 24-hour indication. The “T SWISS MADE T” signature at the lower edge of the dial confirms the use of tritium luminous material.

Inside the watch is the Omega caliber 1040, one of the most historically significant automatic chronograph movements used by the brand. Based on the Lemania 1340, it was the first automatic chronograph caliber to be used by Omega in serial production. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and is particularly notable for its unusual chronograph display. Unlike conventional chronographs, the elapsed minutes are not displayed on a separate 30-minute subdial but by an additional central hand. Together with the central chronograph seconds hand, this provides a particularly intuitive way of reading the elapsed time.

The screw-down stainless-steel caseback features the characteristic Seamaster Hippocampus emblem on the outside. The inside bears the original Omega markings as well as the reference number 176.007. The movement serial number in the 36-million range dates this example to the early 1970s and corresponds perfectly with the production period of the reference.

The watch is completed by its original Omega stainless-steel bracelet with the correct 653 end links. This combination represents the correct period configuration for reference 176.007 and further underlines the pleasing originality of this example.

Overall, this is a highly charismatic early Omega automatic chronograph that impresses not only with its unmistakable 1970s design but also occupies an important technical place in the history of the brand. In particular, the attractive silver-and-blue dial configuration, the innovative caliber 1040, and the very well-preserved case, make this Seamaster 176.007 a particularly interesting vintage sports chronograph.

Condition Report
Dial: original silver-colored dial in excellent condition - blue inner tachymeter ring - original tritium luminous material in hands and hour markers - signed "OMEGA AUTOMATIC Seamaster" and "T SWISS MADE T".

Case: very good condition - worn, but in our opinion unpolished - original brushed finish on the upper surface beautifully preserved - light signs of wear - original Seamaster caseback with well-preserved Hippocampus emblem - correct original Omega crown and chronograph pushers - correct reference engraving "176.007" on the inside of the caseback.

Movement: automatic Omega caliber 1040 with quick-set date - chronograph starts, stops, and resets perfectly - timegrapher readings: rate -5 s/day, beat error: 0.0 ms, amplitude: 307°.

Bracelet: original Omega stainless-steel bracelet ref. 1170 - correct 653 end links - original Omega folding clasp - light signs of wear - bracelet adjustable between 16,9 - 19 cm.

Movement number: 36259xxx

Int.Exe.: 11214