1966 OMEGA Seamaster 300 Automatic IDF Pilot Watch 165.024 ST

empressissi™ is pleased to offer this fantastic and extremely rare OMEGA Seamaster 300 IDF pilot service watch from 1966. The Seamaster 300 model was highly coveted upon its creation for its water-resistance and style. It was chosen by many of the world’s most celebrated explorers including Jacques-Yves Cousteau as well as military diving units such as the British Special Boat Service.

This watch belonged to a local gentleman who is no longer alive but his wife claimed he received this watch once he became a pilot in the Israeli airforce. Later on, this officer fought in both Six days war and Yom Kippur as a jet pilot. It was not clear to us if the office received the watch as a service watch by the IDF or simply as a present by someone else, for the completion of the course.

We therefore contacted the Omega heritage department and achieved am extract from the archives for the watch which tells us it was indeed delivered to 'Israel' however, no further information was available. We contacted Omega in Switzerland again to find out if this watch was indeed delivered to the ministry of defense but sadly Omega said they lack further information and cannot deny nor confirm this detail.

The watch is working well and keeping good Omega time as expected. We are aware Omega collectors want it all original so apart of cleaning it on the exterior from debris with a damp cloth, no further action has been taken, the watch is all original, including the bracelet.

This watch houses a quality Omega 552 gilt finished movement in automatic wind, running on 24 jewels and features sweep seconds. It is one of the best Omega calibers ever made to date. It is working well and keeping good time. The movement is cased in a large all stainless steel iconic 'Seamaster' case in great condition for its age, especially considering the fact it participated in two iconic wars, with several edge dings, nothing detracting or unusual for the age with near mint original Hesalite crystal and original waterproof crown, all signed properly.

The bezel is an original Omega of the earlier models of Seamaster and features some damage. It turns around smoothly in both directions.

The dial of this watch is all original and in finely aged condition with an original set of hands.

This large and impressive Omega watch measures 42mm side to side (excluding crown) and 47mm from top lug to bottom lug.

Attached to this watch is its original, functional and in great overall used condition stainless steel bracelet with an Omega clasp marked 1506 and end links marked '16'. Will fit a wrist of up to 195mm comfortably.

This watch comes with the Extract from the Archives document we obtained from Omega.