This Omega Seamaster ref. ST 176.007 has an undeniable 1970s vibe, both inside and out. The funk is loud and clear due to the tonneau-shaped steel case, the beautiful blue dial, and the use of Omega's first automatic chronograph movement, caliber 1040.
The ref. ST176.007 replaced the preceding ref. ST 176.001 in 1972 and remained in production until around 1976, a fairly short run. The reference was offered in a stainless steel case, a gold-plated case, or a full 18k gold case. The steel version was offered in two dial color variations, in blue and silver, while the gold-plated and full gold versions were offered in gold or brown dials. The case was produced by case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez SA (aka EPSA), famous for their water-tight dive watch cases issued to many Swiss watchmakers, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and countless other prominent Swiss watch firms.
What's interesting is that some of the the Seamasters and the Speedmasters were fitted with the Omega caliber 1040, which was the brand's first automatic chronograph movement. This workhorse movement was based on a movement produced by Lemania (caliber 1340), originally developed by Raoul-Henri Erard. The copper-colored movement had a frequency of 28,800 vph and came with a date and a 24-hour indicator.
Information:
Reference: 176.007
Year: 1970
Serial: 31,64X,XXX
Strap: 1170 clasp code paired with 653 end links
Dial: Tritium - turned into a perfect beige patina
Hands: Tritium - beige patina
Case Size: 40mm x 15mm Thickness
Lug Width: 22mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel - Unpolished
Movement: Omega 1040 - Automatic - Running (-2 s/d 257 amp) - Serviced 6/24
Functions: Time, inner tachymeter scale, a date window at three, registers – including a 24-hour AM/PM indicator – at six and nine o'clock, and an airplane tip on the central chronograph minutes hand.
Accessories: N/A
Crystal: Plexiglass
Bracelet size: 7.5”
Condition: Great Vintage condition
Case is unpolished and very little wear with a couple marks pictured. Bracelet has minimal stretch and has light normal wear. Dial and hands are in incredible shape with lume intact. Watch was serviced in June 2024 with paperwork included.
