General Description –
This reference was first, and short-lived. It is notable for the lack of tachymetre bezel. From reading old forum threads it seems that it took a while before the collecting community acknowledged the 176.001 as a production model with its own distinct case- some mistook it for a 176.007 missing a bezel, others thought it was a prototype.
The case is a bit of a hybrid between the 007 and 176.010 cases. The overall size and lack of edge bevels make it look like a 007, while the flat ring encircling the crystal looks like the 010 case. The 001 also houses a slightly smaller crystal than the 007 due to the lack of bezel.
The 001 is only available in stainless steel, and seems to have been available on a bracelet or strap. It was not depicted in any known ads or catalogs, which is curious given the fact that this was Omega’s first self-winding chronograph. That’s a big deal, and you’d think they’d want to promote that. It may be that Omega was producing watches before they began marketing them so that stock would be available to meet demand, and the conversion from 001 to 007 was an early course correction that happened before any marketing push.
Much more on 176.001’s role as the “first” of the cal. 1040 can be found here on my blog.
Specs
Caseback and Maker
For more information on casebacks, case manufacturers, and their maker’s marks, see the Caseback Collector’s Guide.
Maker: EPSA (diving bell symbol)
Caseback design: Circle surrounding lightly engraved SEAMASTER, Hippocampus logo, Omega symbol
Production Estimates, Dates & Serial Number Range
Despite the early transition to the 007, the 001 was still produced in decent numbers. I estimate that roughly 3,000 ST 176.001s were sold. The serial numbers represent most of the lowest I’ve observed, from 31,062,2XX through 31,649,9XX. I have seen a 001 with a movement starting with 35 million, but it’s probably a safe bet that the movement isn’t original to that case.
**For more recent 176.001 serial number data, head over to the interactive serial number chart and filter by reference.
Unfortunately, I have yet to see an Extract or auction listing with an exact production date for any 001, so it is tough to assign a date range. [EDIT September 2017: I have seen only one Extract for a 176.001 and it was dated March 16, 1972, which is just two days prior to the handwritten date on the early cal. 1040 Technical Guide suggests this model was discontinued.] There are clues pointing to the dates being early in the 1040 timeline. Much more here.
Collectors Should Look For
- A low serial number starting with 31. In fact, serial range is probably more important with this reference than any other cal. 1040 watch.
- Dial A1, A3, or B1. B2 has been seen but I suspect that to be a later service replacement. The rule of thumb is that a blue dial should have OSA text order. I have yet to see dial A6 on a 176.001 but it would be acceptable.
- The finishing of the case is important; the brushed top should be in a sunburst pattern radiating outward, and the transition from top to side of the case should be sharp. The transition from the flat part of the case top to the sunburst finish should be sharp as well. Both of these areas can be victims to over-polishing.
- Inner caseback should be inscribed 176.001 that has not been crossed out.
- Hands should be either standard stick or needle/syringe tip, but should show age or lume deterioration in most cases.
- There should be no tachymetre bezel.
From My Collection
176.001 ST – Seamaster Chronograph
This one came on a strap; here it shown borrowing the 1170 bracelet with 120 endlinks that came with my Seamaster 176.007.
The case is notable for the flat surface surrounding the crystal, and has a similar look to the Seamaster 145.029 which used the manual winding cal. 861. The sunburst finish of the case is still visible.
The crystal has a nice high, rounded dome to it. There is no timing bezel, but there is a mirror-polished reflective inner tension ring.
My example has the needle hands characteristic of early 1040s – note the unique leopard print patina on the luminous part of the minute hand. At least that suggests the hands are original! Mine has the silver A3 dial as well.
I have the Extract for this one, it was made March 16, 1972 and delivered to Switzerland. This makes this a late 176.001. Serial number is 31644XXX.
FURTHER READING:
176.001 is Omega’s first self-winding chronograph
A Journey Through Time: Doesn’t show a photo of ref. 176.001, mislabels three 176.007s as 176.001s