An excellent alternative to a Datejust, this Seamaster is unusual in having solid gold bezel and links. Model reference 396.0896.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1979. You can see the steel version of this Seamaster on Omega’s own website here.
CONDITION
There is a good reason most late seventies and early eighties watches use gold plating. The price of gold had quadrupled between 1970 and 1980, and it was just not affordable for most people. But this Seamaster has solid gold bezel and link inserts, which is a big advantage as it will never wear through. The model to replace this, like this one we once had, reverted to gold plating, and you can see the wear just starting to appear. The bezel has a nice lined pattern to it too which does catch the light nicely. The movement is Omega’s calibre 1342, a seventeen jewel unit with independent hour hand to allow for quick time zone changes and a date. We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner, and this includes a reusable spacer to allow modern batteries to be used. Another advantage this watch has is a long bracelet, as with this type of integrated design you can not just swap a short bracelet for a leather strap. The bracelet has been cleaned in our ultrasonic bath.
This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.
This watch has been checked against the Watch Register and has not been reported as lost, stolen or implicated in fraud, and a copy of that certificate will also be included.
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 39.3 mm
Width without crown 36.6 mm
Lug to lug length 40.2 mm
Case Thickness 8.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 205 mm. The bracelet can be sized for you if you give us your wrist size when placing the order.
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.
