1972 Omega Electronic f300Hz Seamaster Diver 41.5mm 198.0016

Here we have a 1972 Omega Electronic F300 Seamaster Diver 41.5mm (Ref. 198.0016), a true milestone in horological history that beautifully captures Omega's bold technological leap of the early 1970s. Affectionately nicknamed the “Hummer” by vintage enthusiasts, this distinctive transitional-era tool watch represents a perfect intersection of space-age electronics and robust, professional maritime styling. The 41.5mm 316L stainless steel case introduces a wonderfully substantial, tonneau-shaped profile that captures the decade's brutalist, architectural design language. With a compact lug-to-lug footprint of 46mm and a svelte case thickness of 12mm, its short, integrated geometry delivers an incredibly flat, balanced, ergonomic wrist presence despite its commanding visual size. The brushed steel case shoulders flow elegantly into a bidirectional rotating dive bakelite bezel featuring a classic black elapsed-time tracking insert. A signed, fluted screw-in crown pairs with a heavy-duty screw-down case back—deeply embossed with the iconic Seamaster Seahorse medallion. A flush-fitting crystal protects a striking, high-contrast dial layout. Framed by a white minute track, the dial features applied block baton indices and matching luminescent hands, anchored by a vibrant red central sweep-second hand that injects a dynamic pop of athletic colour across the canvas. Balancing daily practicality with visual symmetry, a clean date window sits neatly positioned at the 3 o'clock mark. The defining jewel of this reference is its revolutionary internal engine. Beneath the dial lies the chronometer-certified Tuning Fork Omega Cal. 1250 movement, masterfully built using 12 jewels and licensed Bulova technology. Operating at a constant frequency of 300 Hz, this advanced electronic movement completely bypasses the traditional ticking of standard calibres to deliver a hypnotic, perfectly seamless sweep of the seconds hand. Emitting a gentle, signature humming sound that gives the watch its legendary nickname, this historical movement bridges the gap between pure mechanical soul and electronic accuracy. This rare vintage reference comes paired with an original 20mm stainless steel tapered-link bracelet secured by a signed foldover clasp; it will fit up to a 7.25-inch wrist, plus a generic 20mm strap.

This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and, therefore, comes with no original Omega box or paperwork. This rare vintage reference comes paired with an original 20mm stainless steel tapered-link bracelet secured by a signed foldover clasp; it will fit up to a 7.25-inch wrist, plus a generic 20mm rubber strap. The watch is from Circa. 1972, and is sold in worn, vintage condition. Overall, it is a well-enjoyed, original example, with the original date wheel included, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.

The design language of this Seamaster is just brilliant, bold, unapologetic and unmistakably 1970s in all the right ways. That chunky tonneau case, wide bezel, blocky dial and flash of red from the seconds hand could really only have come from this period, yet in my opinion it has aged incredibly well. It still looks distinctive and genuinely cool more than 50 years later. Add in the wonderfully quirky F300 “Hummer” movement, and you’ve got a vintage Omega packed with both visual and mechanical character. I would not think twice about adding this vintage gem to your collection today!

Reference : 198.0016
Movement : Tuning Fork Omega Cal. 1250
Age : Circa. 1972
Year : 1971
Case Size : 41.5mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug : 46mm
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Formerly known as the La Generale Watch Co. in 1848, it was founded by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds. When he died in 1879, his sons carried on his dream. In 1880, they moved to 96 Rue Jakob-Stampfli, where they remain today. The brothers produced their first mass-produced calibre, the Labrador, in 1885. Just a few years later, in 1892, they produced the first minute-repeater. In 1903, they renamed the company Omega until 1982, when they officially changed their name to Omega SA. During WW1, Omega watches were used as official timekeepers for the Royal Flying Corps and the US Army. In 1930, Omega and Tissot merged together to form Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère (SSIH). In 1931, another group was formed - Allgemeine Schweizerische Uhrenindustrie AG (ASUAG). Where SSIH was primarily French-speaking, ASUAG was founded by the more German-speaking members of the Swiss watch industry. In 1948, they introduced the first edition of one of its most symbolic watches: the Seamaster. Omega first introduced the Constellation in 1952. At the time, it was Omega's flagship timepiece. The first models had a Cal. 354 bumper movement in them. Later, in 1955, Omega introduced the Automatic Cal. 50x, followed in 1959 by the Cal.55x (no date) and 56x (date) versions. Many of the Constellations came with pie-pan dials, diamond indexes, and fancy lug configurations. All the gold Constellations of that time have the Observatory of Geneva's hand engraved on the back. The stainless steel and stainless steel/gold versions had a gold medallion on the back with the Observatory of Geneva. The eight stars above the Observatory stand for the many exploits of Omega in the world Chronometer competition. Celebrating the fact that all Constellations are Chronometer Certified. In 1962, when astronaut Wally Schirra wore a Speedmaster on his Mercury Sigma 7 Mission, making it the first Omega watch to enter space. After rigorous tests, NASA used Omega for all their Apollo missions, including the 1969 Moon landing of Apollo 11. Today, Omega is still the first choice of astronauts. In 1969, President Nixon famously said it was “too valuable” and turned down the first-ever all-gold Speedmaster Professional Deluxe. As a response to the ever-growing threat of electronic watches to the manufacturers of mechanical watches, Omega and many Swiss brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe formed Centre Electronique Horologer (CEH). Prototypes began to appear in 1967, and their production started in 1968. Then, in 1972, Omega introduced the reference 198.030, which included the Omega calibre 1250, a ‘tuning-fork electronic movement which was made under licence from Bulova. Later, we saw a merger of SSIH and ASUAG into SMH, or Société de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie. This merger took place in 1983. In 1992, the company acquired Blancpain, and in 1998, it officially branded itself from SMH to the Swatch Group. Then, in 1999, they purchased and integrated Breguet into the Swatch Group.