Omega

Hello everyone,

I’m hoping for some guidance from members with experience in vintage Omega tool watches.

I have an Omega Seamaster 1000m “Grand” (ref. 166.093) in destro/right hand configuration, with what appears to be its original Omega mesh bracelet. The watch was purchased new in Australia in the 1970s and has remained in the family since.

After sitting unused for many years, I am now in the process of carefully documenting the piece. Multiple collectors have advised me not to open or service the watch unnecessarily, as this model’s case construction (retaining ring/split stem) can be risky even for very experienced watchmakers. Omega here in Bangkok also declined to open it.

My questions are mainly about best practice, not value:

• Is it generally acceptable to keep these unopened for authentication by auction houses or specialists?
• Are there known specialists (Omega or independent) who are truly experienced with the Seamaster 1000m “Grand”, should inspection become necessary?
• Are there any tell-tale external details I should photograph or document to support originality without opening the case?

My priority is to preserve originality and avoid irreversible mistakes, and I would greatly appreciate any insights from those who have handled similar pieces.

Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.

I can’t answer your questions, but hopefully other members here have the experience and knowledge to help you.
It’s a great piece of history you have here.
Best regards,
Emmanuel

Thank you, Emmanual This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2026-01-30 13:22:11

. . . and one at OmegaMania.  No ownership experience to draw on, unfortunately.  

Thank you very much, Art — I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Your point about Omega service and the importance of having one’s wishes respected resonates strongly, and it aligns with the advice I’ve received elsewhere to proceed very cautiously. For now, I’m intentionally avoiding any intervention unless it becomes strictly necessary.

I’m grateful for your offer regarding a trusted watchmaker and for the practical warning about shipping risks — that’s extremely helpful context. At the moment, my focus remains on careful documentation and learning from those with hands-on experience with these watches.

Thank you again for the thoughtful guidance, and for taking the time to comment. This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2026-01-30 13:20:57

It's commendable that you are documenting the history of the piece and doing your best to retain its originality, the story on this reference is Legendary.

Have you considered watchmakers in Marseille who have experience working on Comex diving watches?

Thank you very much, I really appreciate that.
At this stage I’m deliberately avoiding any intervention. My priority is to document the watch as found and preserve its originality rather than rush into servicing.
I’m aware of the Marseille/Comex specialists and their experience with these tool watches, and if the watch ever needs mechanical attention, that level of historically informed expertise is exactly what I would look for. For now, though, I prefer to keep it untouched and continue research.
Many thanks again for the kind words. This message has been edited by India Whiskey Charlie on 2026-01-30 13:21:52

I’m still in the process of carefully documenting the watch as found: photographs, period references, and feedback from a few specialists. My intention is to build as complete and transparent a picture as possible before any decisions are made.
Once I have something more coherent to share, I’d be very happy to post an update here. The collective knowledge on this forum has already been incredibly helpful.
Thanks again for the encouragement, much appreciated.

As a few members asked about background, below is a short factual summary of what I’ve been able to document so far. This reflects the watch strictly “as found” and is still a work in progress. Omega Seamaster 1000m (ref. 166.093), mid-1970s – as found This Omega Seamaster 1000m has remained in the same family since new and is presented in fully as‑found condition.