This Calypso is one of the harder vintage Omega Seamasters to find in good condition, and they are popular. Model reference 196.0230.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this movement to being made in 1980. The official launch of this model was in 1981, and to the best of our knowledge the Calypso came with the later 1337 movement. This is either a very early watch, or has had a movement swap at some point. We do have evidence of other Seamaster models from this time that had either the 1332 or the 1337 movement fitted from new.
CONDITION
We don’t know why this is referred to as the Calypso, but Omega use the term on their website so who are we to argue! This slim divers watch was not a big commercial success, meaning numbers are now limited. You can say the same with many 80’s Seamaster models, and it you look at the prices these fetch along with the Mayol or Nimitz dive watches you will see that demand does seem to outstrip supply. This one may or may not have had a bracelet fitted when new – not all did, and some case designs could only use a bracelet whereas this has conventional 20mm lugs. Inside the stainless steel case is Omega’s calibre 1332, a 17 jewel quartz movement built for quality rather than to a price. To adjust the hour hand you pull out the crown – the hour hand moves independently to the minutes and second hand to make moving across timezones very easy. The movement was deemed so accurate that to adjust the minutes and hours you have to use the pusher at 2. We will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred – a black rubber strap would tone down the appearance a lot, but it is easier to find a black strap rather than one like this.
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 41.1 mm
Width without crown 39.0 mm
Between lugs 20 mm
Lug to lug length 44.9 mm
Case Thickness 8.3 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.