Omega Seamaster 200 ST "SHOM" 166.0177 automatic 42 mm circa 1970's with Watch Certificate

The little story

Who better than Omega to sum up the history of this very special reference 166.0177?

"In the 1960s and 1970s, Omega produced some of the finest underwater watches. While the title "Seamaster Professional" has adorned many legendary dive watches, nicknames have always been part of the brand's heritage: the Seamaster 300, the Seamaster 600 "PloProf", for "PLOngeur PROfessionnel", the Seamaster 1000, nicknamed "Grande" because of its shape and water resistance to 1,000 meters, all the way up to the Seamaster Automatic 120M "Big Blue" chronograph. While most of these models are equipped with Omega's signature oval case of the "pilot" line, one of the most illustrious members of this line has a surprisingly angular case: the Seamaster 200, nicknamed "SHOM" by collectors. Launched under the reference 166.0177, this model powered by Omega's caliber 1012 made its debut at Baselworld in 1973. In addition to its case made from a single block of Swedish steel by Piquerez, it was equipped with a black dial with high-visibility indexes, glaive hands, and was water-resistant to 200 meters, which was indicated on the dial.

Popular with divers, the model received a new nickname six years later, around 1979. The Service hydrographique et océanographique de la marine (SHOM), a French governmental institution dedicated to the study of the oceans and the publication of maritime charts, had expressed an interest in diving watches. SHOM was so competent that it was also responsible for approving the various pieces of equipment used by all French maritime entities and institutions. After studying the market, and no doubt in order to adhere to a very precise set of specifications, the SHOM contacted Omega with the aim of acquiring the Seamaster 200. The company delivered directly to the service a batch of watches to be used for its official missions. The watches were signed and engraved with the words "SHOM" on the case back to distinguish them from the classic models sold on the market at the time. Thus was born the Seamaster "SHOM".

But the popularity of the model goes even further: after its selection by the SHOM, the Seamaster 200 was also adopted by the French Navy and another batch of watches was supplied to military diving units. Like all watches approved by government institutions, they were marked "MN 79", engraved on the back. A dated and signed recognition by the French Navy that offers the Seamaster 200 a new springboard to fame."

Let's get to know each other

There are two models of Seamaster 200 "SHOM": the original one from the 1970s, produced in about 12,000 pieces, and others nicknamed "Watch&Co", assembled with Omega aftermarket parts in an effort to resemble the original. The one we are presenting today is a "real" SHOM from the 1970s!

Recognizable with its angular one-piece case made by Piquerez in Swedish steel, this 42 mm watch ticks all the boxes of the toolwatch: an ultra legible matte black dial with tritium markers, large sword hands, an acrylic diving bezel, a "Shark" mesh bracelet and a logo with diver engraved on the case back!

This watch is powered by the Omega caliber 1012, offering a fast two-way date and a 42-hour power reserve. The watch is in nice condition, with good angles, but has a scratch on the glass.

The package

This Omega in very good condition will be delivered with a LEPAGE case and its Watch Certificate Black. This watch of collection was authenticated and controlled by our watchmakers and profits as such from the guarantee Lepage Vintage 1 year.

Watch Certificate

For total transparency, this Seamaster 200 "SHOM" is accompanied by a Watch Certificate, the passport of the watch. It is a document signed by our specialists and by an independent expert recognized at the European level and cannot be forged. It takes the form of a steel card issued when the watch is purchased. This card allows access at any time to a detailed certificate with 53 control points and high definition photos taken in our watchmaking workshop.

Click here to access the Watch Certificate for this watch

A word from an Omega expert

"Beautiful Omega Seamaster 200 so-called SHOM from the 1970s. This watch is original and did not come from the Watch&Co factories. It passed through the hands of the Omega workshops, surely in the 1980s, hence its tritium which has not had time to fade. During this service, the dial, the hands and the bezel have been changed with Omega service parts. This watch remains rare, 95% of the models on the market today are reassemblies. It is loaded with history and today we can say that it is a true toolwatch."