Using Omega’s first in house quartz movement, this 1973 model was rightly proud to be called simply Quartz. Model reference 196.0065.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1973.
CONDITION
On Christmas Day 1969 Seiko launched the first quartz regulated wristwatch, the Astron. The Swiss were already working on a combined quartz movement, the Beta 21, and Omega were one of the pioneers using this movement (alongside Piaget, Rolex, Patek Philippe, IWC and many more). Girard-Perregaux added their own development by increasing the frequency from 8,192 to 32,768 Hz, and in these hectic early development years Omega went on their own too, combining the higher frequency 32,768Hz (which is the norm still today) and their own developments. These included day and date, with a separate pusher for advancing the date at 4. There is also a pusher at 2 for fine setting the seconds hand. You can also advance the hour hand independently to the minute hand for quick time zone changes. This is all high specification even now, 50+ years on. Everything is working and the only negative is the coil cover, which is often missing, has broken fixings so will be included in the package but not fitted (we could glue it on and not tell anyone, but then you might damage the watch if you ever needed to remove it). We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The dial is very clean and the signed acrylic crystal is crack free. The case is good, and the leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
Please see the HD video for more detail. All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned. We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.
SIZE
Width with crown 39.9 mm
Width without crown 37.5 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 41.0 mm
Case Thickness 12.2 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses. If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries. Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us. Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.