The Alveoles name is not a Seamaster model we have heard of before, but they do remind us of certain other watches. Model reference 396.0908
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being in 1979. According to the Omega website this was launched in the 1980 International collection and ran for three years.
CONDITION
Until we put the reference number into the Omega website we had never heard of the Alveoles model. The name doesn’t features on the watch, just Seamaster 120M, so maybe we should move on from the name. The bracelet has more than a little of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, except on the far more expensive Royal Oak the links are 18k gold and not plated. Other Omega watches of the time used similar bracelets, as did the Bulova ‘Royal Oak’ that now fetch comparative fortunes. These look-a-likey bracelets all popped up around the same time, and then all stopped suddenly, so we guess a cease and desist order from Audemars Piguet landed on a few chief executives desks! Other Omega that use the same design are the Mayol dive watches, which regularly fetch £3-4,000. We have found an example of the same Alveoles reference we have here that sold at Bonhams in 2021 for £1,275.
The dial and hands are very good on this example, as is the glass. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath, and is long enough for most wrists. The movement is Omega’s 1342 calibre, a sophisticated quartz movement with 13 jewels and quick set hour which adjusts separately to the minute hand for ease of time changes when travelling. We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The case has a little wear to the gold plated bezel, and the original crown has lost its gold plating completely but is still functional – this is vital and shown in the video.
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 40.5 mm
Width without crown 37.0 mm
Lug to lug length 40.9 mm
Case Thickness 8.7 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 188 mm.
All sizes are approximate.
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.
