With '70s Style & A Cult Movement---Omega Seamaster Chronograph

Omega switched out some good sports watches in early '70s, most of which we’ve featured on before. Today we’re demonstrating a 1973 Seamaster Chronograph, reference ST 176.001. This watch isn't just awesome due to its matte-blue dial and curved, brushed steel, tonneau-formed case, but in addition for the movement better than inside.

The Omega caliber 1040 that forces this Seamaster is really a modified Lemania 1340, and it is significant for many reasons. Introduced in 1970, the Lemania 1340 was the first automatic chronograph movement to operate at 28,800 bph. Sure, the Zenith El Primero went at 36,000, but 28,800 is just about the most typical oscillation rate for many watches previously 40 years, because of its balance of precision and repair existence.

Another unique feature of the Lemania 1340 was its utilization of a main minutes chronograph hand. As you can tell within the photos, the minutes chrono hand lies underneath the seconds counter and distinguished by its “airplane” tip and orange color. This arrangement creates quick, easy reading through of the passed time. 

And when it appears familiar, it’s since the successor towards the 1340 was the vaunted 5100 caliber present in a lot of Sinns, Heuers, and Tutimas of the seventies. Actually, the 1340 grew to become too costly to fabricate for the reason that modern of cheaper Japanese quartz watches and it was upon the market for of the 5100, which introduced plastic parts towards the movement.

As the Lemania 1340 seemed to be utilized by fellow SSIH (forerunner of the Swatch Group) brand, Tissot, Omega managed to get their very own 1040 caliber with the addition of a 24-hour indicator within the running seconds sub dial and growing the jewel count from 17 to 22. Omega used this movement in a number of watches, such as the Mark IV Speedmaster and also the famous Seamaster 120, also known as the “Big Blue” dive chronograph. 

Omega also modified the caliber 1040 to make use of within the 1973 Speedmaster 125, which managed to get the world’s first chronometer-licensed chronograph. Later, after Lemania passed in the hands of SSIH to Heuer, and lastly to Breguet, a version of the 1340 was utilized in the well-known Breguet Type XXI chronograph.

This Seamaster chronograph has been around since 1971 and offered until 1974, having a blue or silver dial. It may be had on the leather or Corfam strap, or even the steel bracelet the thing is pictured having a fold-over, Omega-signed clasp. Given its short term, the ST 176.001 isn't a common watch to locate, however a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage Omegas who love its distinctive '70s shape, nowhere dial which great movement.