Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military issue diver's watch

Omega Seamaster 300 W10 British Royal Army

Partially verified

This 1967 Omega Seamaster 300 is a military-issued timepiece, specifically the W10 model produced for the British Royal Army under the oversight of the British Ministry of Defense. It features a stainless steel case measuring 42mm with fixed strap bars and an Omega-signed flat foot crown. The watch is powered by the in-house Omega Calibre 552 automatic winding movement. The dial is matte black with tritium-lumed indices, paired with sword-shaped hands. The bezel is a bakelite luminous type, described as a flat 1 version. The case back is engraved with military contract information. It is presented on a grey nylon Phoenix NATO strap. The auction description notes the case retains original geometry and that the watch has been subject to minimal polishing.

Front view of the 1967 Omega Seamaster 300 W10 showing the matte black dial, sword hands, and bakelite bezel.
Front view of the 1967 Omega Seamaster 300 W10 showing the matte black dial, sword hands, and bakelite bezel. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military issue diver's watch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
165.024
Catalogue / lot identifier
OMSM300-W10
Source-reported date
1967
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
24XXXXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Specifications

The watch is housed in a 42mm stainless steel case characterized by fixed strap bars, which were a standard requirement for military applications to ensure the watch remained attached during combat conditions. The bezel is a bakelite 'flat 1' insert, which the source describes as being in good condition with a rich golden-brown patina on the luminous elements. The crystal, which bears the central Omega logo embellishment, shows evidence of age-related crazing.

The dial is a matte black configuration displaying tritium lume plots that have aged to dark orange and brown tones. The handset consists of sword-shaped markers, also filled with tritium, matching the dial’s patina. Unlike some British Royal Navy-issued models, this specific army-designated W10 example lacks the circle 'T' printing, as it was fitted with a standard dial variation. The case retains the original 'flat foot' winding crown signed by Omega.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original crystal shows significant crazing throughout and features the Omega logo embellishment at its center.”
  • “The original matte black dial remains in superb condition”
  • “The original tritium sword hands match the dial perfectly”

Military Provenance and Movement

This Omega Seamaster 300 was commissioned by the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) for use by the British Royal Army, where it was classified under the W10 designation. The timepiece was engineered to meet strict military specifications, emphasizing durability in environments of global conflict. The case back is marked with specific military contract engravings, which serve to identify its issued status within the British military hierarchy.

The watch is equipped with the in-house Omega Calibre 552 automatic winding movement. The watch is currently supplied with a grey nylon Phoenix NATO-style strap, consistent with the utility-focused nature of military-issued timepieces from this era.

Evidence for this section
  • “this unassuming example happens to be a part of one of the most prestigious family of timepieces, those issued by the British Ministry of Defense.”
  • “Omega created two very similar Seamaster 300 models for the MOD, one for the British Royal Navy, and the other for the British Royal Army which is also designated as the “W10” model.”

Condition Report

The auction description reports that the case is well-preserved, noting only minimal signs of previous polishing. The original angles and dimensions of the watch case remain present, with light wear from use. The fixed strap bars are identified as original and are noted to be in excellent condition. The case back retains its military contract number and serial, described as being in deep and crisp condition.

The tritium luminous material on both the dial and the sword hands shows no visible degradation when inspected under UV light. The bakelite bezel, while showing age, is free from cracks, and its patina provides a uniform appearance with the dial markers.

Evidence for this section
  • “The exceptionally well-preserved case exhibits minimal signs of previous polishing with the original case shape, angles, and dimensions fully present”
  • “The case back retains its original military engraved contract number and serial in crisp and deep condition.”
  • “The tritium lume plots have achieved a lovely patina consisting of dark orange and brown colors with almost no visible degradation present when inspected under UV light.”

Open research questions

  • What specific contract number is engraved on the case back of this individual specimen?
  • Does the movement serial number correlate with the production batch associated with the 1967 British Army order?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Seamaster 300 W10 British Royal Army
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerOmega“Brand Omega”
Reference165.024“Model 165.024”
Date1967“1967 Omega Seamaster 300 (Ref. 165.024) "W10 British Royal Army”
MovementOmega Calibre 552“in-house Omega Cal. 552 automatic winding movement”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
DialMatte Black“Dial Matte Black”
Serial Number24XXXXXX“Serial 24XXXXXX”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with tritium plots displaying dark orange-brown patina
  • Sword-shaped hour and minute hands with matching lume
  • Fixed strap bars visible between the lugs
  • Omega logo visible at the center of the crystal

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is partially redacted as 24XXXXXX in the source
  • The source notes the watch has minimal signs of previous polishing but does not provide complete service history

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی نظامی Omega Seamaster 300 رفرنس 165.024 ارتش بریتانیا W10

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b08784a327

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.