OMEGA Seamaster Ref. 176.005 "Jedi" NOS
Brand: Omega
Year: 1975
Model: Seamaster "Jedi"
Reference: 176.005
Material: steel
Movement: automatic 1040
Case diameter without crown: 42 mm
Bracelet/Strap: original Omega leather strap in unworn condition with original steel buckle
Service-history: unknown, running well and all functions in working order
What you should know: rare Omega "Jedi" in fantastic NOS condition, untouched
OMEGA Seamaster Ref. 176.005 "Jedi"
Here we have beautiful OMEGA Seamaster Ref. 176.005 "Jedi", a wonderful example of a rare and unique 70s timepiece. The speciality of this watch is that it is in absolute pristine NOS condition. It got the nickname "Jedi". But why ? The Omega Seamaster Jedi (145.0024) together with the Seamaster “Darth Vader (145.0023)” and Seamaster “Anakin Skywalker (145.0023)” models were given these nick names by the late great Chuck Maddox, a watch collector and expert of vintage (Omega) chronographs. But what happened in 2007? Well, this was the year Antiquorum a Swiss-based auction house of significant vintage timepieces held an auction called OmegaMania. A Lot #139 was the Omega Seamaster 145.0024 which according to Antiquorum was a “…Fine and very rare, water-resistant, stainless steel gentleman’s wristwatch with round button chronograph…” but they did not mention anything about it being the Jedi. If you turned the pages of the catalog to lot #152 you found the afore mentioned Omega Seamaster 176.0005 as “SO-CALLED JEDI Omega, Seamaster, Automatic…”. Who, why and how made such a mistake is unknown but this caused the misunderstanding regarding the nickname – and correct reference – of the Jedi. Since then people started to refer to the 176.0005 as the Omega Seamaster Jedi. If you want to learn more about this story click here. The beautiful vintage watch comes with a TV shaped case measuring 42mm, and is constructed of stainless steel with lovely sunray finishing. It offers a fairly wide-set bezel that gives this watch a nice presence. The dial is allover in clean condition with no signs of use. The simple Omega-logo alongside the indexes and beautiful hands are harmonious and well balanced. The dial features 2 subregister. The crown is original with the appropriate Omega-logo. This vintage watch is powered by a Lemania cal. 1340 also known as the Omega cal. 1040, running strong and keeping time well. The watch comes with an unworn leather strap with the original Omega buckle in stainless steel. This OMEGA Seamaster Ref. 176.005 "Jedi" features everything you would be looking for in a vintage chronograph. It’s a true WRISTCLASSIC with perfect proportions, timeless styling, and a great reference to the Star Wars world.
Omega was founded in 1848 in La Chaux-de-Fonds by Louis Brandt. Out of this small watch manufacture grew a large company: In 1894, the famous 19-ligne pocket watch movement was developed and named “Omega”. Omega, as the final letter of the Greek alphabet, stands for the ultimate level in perfection and quality. In the 1930 the company entered into collaboration with the S.S.I.H. (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère). Out of this collaboration the Swatch Group developed. Today, Omega is the flagship of this huge company. In 1932, Omega entered its partnership with the Olympics which continues till today. When in 1969 Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin accomplished the first moon landing there were equipped by Omega with the Speedmaster, and this so-called „Moonwatch“ is still regarded as one of the most significant watches in history.
Why buy a vintage watch?
There are many great reasons to buy a vintage watch. Every watch we sell here at WRISTCLASSICS has its own story. Over the years, with every scratch, dent and aging of the dial, they have become unique timepieces of their own. This exact watch you are looking at now, once brought a lot of joy to the first owner with the purchase years ago. And now many years later this vintage watch will bring the same joy to your life. With buying a vintage watch you are showing your commitment to protecting the enviroment, instead of supporting the mass production of modern fashion watches.
I hope this helps you with your decision of buying a vintage watch here at WRISTCLASSICS.