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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch

Omega Seamaster Memomatic Reference 166.072

Partially verified

This Omega Seamaster Memomatic wristwatch, reference 166.072, is dated by the seller to circa 1970 using movement serial number 3133xxxx. It features a cushion-shaped stainless steel case measuring just over 40 mm across excluding the crown, retaining brushed sunburst and polished surfaces with light wear. The two-tone grey and black dial features twin revolving central discs with orange markers to indicate the alarm by hour and minute, a date aperture at 6 o'clock, luminescent hands, and an orange center seconds hand. Fitted to an Omega stainless steel bracelet reference 1170 with 618 end links, the seller reports it is powered by an automatic 19-jewel Omega Calibre 980 movement.

Dial and case view of the Omega Seamaster Memomatic ref. 166.072 on steel bracelet
Dial and case view of the Omega Seamaster Memomatic ref. 166.072 on steel bracelet — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Alarm wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
166.072
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws0474
Source-reported date
c. 1970
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3133xxxx

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 External Construction

The Seamaster Memomatic reference 166.072 features a cushion-shaped stainless steel case that measures just over 40 mm in width, excluding the crown. The case retains a combination of satin sunburst and polished finishes, with visible marks and scratches reported by the seller.

The watch features a winding crown, an alarm pusher on the lower flank, and a recessed quickset date pusher at 3 o'clock. The seller reports the hesalite crystal lacks an Omega marking, indicating it is likely a replacement.

Evidence for this section
  • “measuring just over 40mm in width excluding the crown.”
  • “The steel case is still detailed with the original combination of satin and polished finishes”
  • “There are odd marks and scratches that are commensurate with age”
  • “The armoured hesalite crystal is not original to the watch as far as we are aware as there is no Omega marking.”

Dial and Alarm Function

The dial is a two-tone grey and black design featuring a matte chapter ring and applied baton indices with luminescent tips. It includes twin revolving central discs with orange markers to indicate alarm settings by hour and minute, alongside an orange center seconds hand and a date aperture at 6 o'clock.

The seller describes the dial condition as original, noting an even patina to the tritium and retained color in the orange accents.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original two tone grey and black dial comprises, a matte chapter ring, applied white baton numerals with luminescent tips”
  • “twin inner matte grey revolving discs for hour and minute alarm indication”
  • “All the orange markers/accents on the dial along with the centre second hand still retain there bright colour.”

Mechanism and Bracelet

The timepiece is powered by an automatic 19-jewel Omega Calibre 980 movement, which the seller states is based on the Lemania 2980 calibre. This movement utilizes a single automatic rotor for both timekeeping and alarm functions.

The watch is mounted on an Omega-signed stainless steel bracelet, reference 1170 with 618 end pieces.

Evidence for this section
  • “original 19 jewel Omega automatic Calibre 980 movement is based on the the Lemania 2980 movement”
  • “The original steel Omega signed bracelet reference, 1170 with 618 end pieces”

Open research questions

  • Verify the production window of Omega movement serial 3133xxxx.
  • Confirm standard markings for period-correct hesalite crystals for reference 166.072.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega Seamaster Memomatic Reference 166.072
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference166.072“Omega Seamaster Memomatic - Reference 166.072”
Date attributionc.1970“This particular watch, we have dated to c.1970 using the movement number 3133xxxx.”
Case dimensionsjust over 40mm in width excluding the crown“measuring just over 40mm in width excluding the crown.”
Movement calibreOmega Calibre 980“original 19 jewel Omega automatic Calibre 980 movement is based on the the Lemania 2980 movement”
Braceletreference 1170 with 618 end pieces“original steel Omega signed bracelet reference, 1170 with 618 end pieces”
Date Attributionc. 1970“This particular watch, we have dated to c.1970 using the movement number 3133xxxx.”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped stainless steel case with radial satin finish on top and polished bevels.
  • Two-tone black and grey dial with applied baton indices and outer minute track.
  • Central revolving grey discs with orange triangle and double-line alarm pointers.
  • Vibrant orange central sweep seconds hand.
  • Date window positioned at 6 o'clock.
  • Winding crown and alarm pusher on lower case flank with an additional quickset date pusher at 3 o'clock.
  • Stainless steel multi-link bracelet with fitted solid end links.

Research qualifications

  • The source notes the hesalite crystal is likely a replacement due to the lack of an Omega logo.
  • Internal movement condition and serial number are not visible in the photograph and rely on source reporting.

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

Consulted source

Omega Seamaster Memomatic - Reference 166.072 ***SOLD*** – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 7a57174a7d

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