Omega
1970s Omega Seamaster Cosmic (Ref. 166.022) "Turler" Dial
Omega has had its share of home runs over the decades to be sure, but every so often a model will unexplainably slip through the cracks and off the radars of collectors. Our eyes become so glued to the big names that we miss some incredibly unique things. And while the Seamaster is a big name, the "Cosmic" sub-model has been criminally overlooked. The Cosmic comes in a variety of case shapes and fantastic dial combinations, making it a diverse family that deserves its time in the sun.
This particualr piece is co-signed by Turler, a Zurich-based jeweler. The brand was established in 1883 by brothers Jean Henri and César Alexander Turler, who made a name for themselves by offering their customers the newest and most exclusive Swiss watch brands at the time, including Omega, Longines, IWC, Vacheron Constantin and Blancpain. After establishing themselves as one of the top retailers in Zurich, Switzerland, and with the prestige the Turler name carried, they started to co-sign the dials of some of the watches they offered, similar to the other well-respected retailers at the time. These Turler co-signed watches produced throughout the 20th century are now desired by collectors alike for their rarity and the provenance they carry.
Stock # | OMSMCOT-3 | |
Brand | Omega | |
Style | Seamaster Cosmic | |
Model | 166.022 | |
Serial | N/A | |
Size | Men's | |
Material | Stainless Steel | |
Dial | Silver "Turler" | |
Millimeters | 35 | |
Bracelet | Omega Stainless Steel Bracelet |
CASE & BRACELET
The stainless steel case has been lightly polished and shows minor signs of age. The caseback is clean with minor marks and deep, easily legible engravings. One of our favorite parts are the fitted end links connecting the case and the original signed Omega 1040 brick-link bracelet with 539 end pieces that shows some stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4 inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The dial is a beautiful cream color with black inlaid stainless steel hour markers. The tonal outer track features intact and lightly aged tritium markers, a matching feature to the tritium-filled steel hands. Finally, the Turler brand signature is in bold black text near the top of the dial, just under the Omega brand.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time, previous service history is unknown.