Vintage Omega Seamaster Chronograph 1971 Swiss Lemania Cal 1340 Blue 176.001

$3,495.00

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Omega turned out some great sports watches in the early ‘70s! Here is a 1971 Seamaster Chronograph, reference ST 176.001. This watch is not only cool because of its matte blue dial and curved, brushed steel, tonneau-shaped case but also for the movement that beats inside.

The Omega calibre 1040 that powers this Seamaster is a modified Lemania 1340, and is significant for several reasons. Introduced in 1970, the Lemania 1340 was the first automatic chronograph movement to run at 28,800 bph. Sure, the Zenith El Primero ran at 36,000, but 28,800 has become the most common oscillation rate for most watches in the past four decades, thanks to its balance of precision and service life.

The other unique feature of the Lemania 1340 was its use of a central minutes chronograph hand. As you can see in the photos, the minutes chrono hand lies under the seconds counter and distinguished by its “airplane” tip and orange color. This arrangement makes for quick, easy reading of the elapsed time. And if it looks familiar, it’s because the successor to the 1340 was the vaunted 5100 caliber found in so many Sinn’s, Heuer’s and Tutima’s of the 1970s. In fact, the 1340 became too expensive to manufacture in that new age of cheaper Japanese quartz watches and was retired in favor of the 5100, which introduced plastic parts to the movement.

While the Lemania 1340 was also used by fellow SSIH (forerunner of the Swatch Group) brand, Tissot, Omega made it their own 1040 calibre by adding a 24-hour indicator inside the running seconds subdial and increasing the jewel count from 17 to 22. Omega used this movement in several watches, including the Mark IV Speedmaster and the famous Seamaster 120, aka the “Big Blue” dive chronograph. Omega also modified the calibre 1040 to use in the 1973 Speedmaster 125, which made it the world’s first chronometer-certified chronograph. Later, after Lemania passed from the hands of SSIH to Heuer, and finally to Breguet, a version of the 1340 was used in the well known Breguet Type XXI chronograph.

This Seamaster chronograph was introduced in 1971 and sold until 1974 with a blue or silver dial. Given its short run, the ST 176.001 is not a common watch to find, but a favorite among lovers of vintage Omegas who love its distinctive ‘70s shape, the blue dial and that great movement.

 

Extraordinary Rare Vintage Omega Seamaster Chronograph Ref 176.001 Blue Dial Circa 1971! A true collectors watch in fantastic condition! All original dial, Movement, hands, crystal and case…bracelet is a brand new custom stainless steel bracelet. A great add to any Omega collection!

 

BRAND: Omega

MODEL: Seamaster Chronograph Ref 176.001

MOVEMENT: Swiss Automatic – Modified Lemania cal 1340

CASE: Stainless Steel

CROWN: Non Screw Down

SIZE: 39mm

LUGS: 22mm

DIAL: Blue dial with silver accents

BEZEL: non rotating 

CONDITION: Vintage – Excellent 

BOXES/PAPERS: Comes with Omega travel case

WATER RESISTANCE: – 100m – Vintage

STRAP/BRACELET: – Brand New Custom Stainless Steel bracelet with all links.

 

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