Only Online Auction
Geneva, Dec 08, 2022
LOT 259
Omega
Ref. ST 196.00.52 /396.0839, quartz, analogue and electronic LCD digital, date, multi-functions; “Chrono-Quartz” “Montreal Olympic” “Seamaster”; stainless steel
CHF 1,000 - 2,000
EUR 1,050 - 2,100 / USD 1,100 - 2,200 / HKD 8,300 - 16,600
Stainless steel, quartz, oversized horizontal rectangular-shaped with rounded corners, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with case-back screwed by four screws (with Olympic Cross of Merit logo), analogue and electronic LCD anthracite dial with hour display on the right side, and, subsidiary seconds or chronograph apertures on the left side, with multi-functions, including:
· Date of the month (aperture at 3 o’clock)
· 1/100 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces) on two LCD digital displays
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: A |
Good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3* |
Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense |
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Omega, Bienne / Biel
Model “Chrono-Quartz” “Seamaster”
Reference ST 196.00.52 / 396.0839
Year circa 1976
Material stainless steel
Bracelet integrated stainless steel Omega bracelet with deployant clasp (Ref. ST 1277 / 212)
Length 180 mm. (approx.)
Caliber 1611, 32 KHz (high precision unit manufactured by SSIH), so-called “Albatros”
Dimensions 47 x 46.1 mm.
Weight 153.6 gr. (approx.)
Signature dial, case and movement
Notes
Omega, Ref. ST 196.00.52 / 396.0839
The “Seamaster” “Chrono-Quartz”, 32 KHz, was launched in 1976 at the Olympic Games of Montreal, Canada.
The “Chrono-Quartz” is regarded as the first hybrid electronic watch, having both an analogue display for the time functions and a double liquid crystal digital display (LCD) for the chronograph functions. The chronograph can measure to 1/100th of a second.
The case-back of the “Chrono-Quartz” bears both the “Seamaster” logo as well as the Olympic crest. It is the only watch to be powered by Omega’s in-house calibre 1611. At the time of introduction, its price was over twice that of a “Speedmaster Professional”.
--
Omega, Cal. 1611 (also termed “Albatros”)
The Omega’s calibre 1611 “Chrono-Quartz” is a remarkable movement.It was developed in-house by Omega and it is said that (pre-)production movements were ready in 1975, although it would not be commercially available until one year later. It was at the time one of the first “hybrid”, or analogue-digital, movements available; Zenith’s “Futur” was released slightly earlier.
The “Chrono-Quartz” movement more or less consists of two different movements which use one single quartz resonator. It's “Albatros” moniker is derived from the distinct shape of the clamp for the two batteries.
The digital displays can be used for timing or to display the running seconds. The analogue half is similar to other Omega quartz movements from the time; the minute-hand is advanced by pushing the crown, while the hour-hand can be adjusted in an hour increments by pulling and turning the crown.
This movement was notably only used in the 1976 Montreal Olympics “Chrono-Quartz”.