Omega Seamaster Quartz 196.0217 - Caliber 1332, 1980, NOS
The gold-toned dial of this Seamaster reveals a fine-grained texture as the light shifts. While the surface appears calm when viewed head-on, it comes alive with subtle glimmers the moment the watch is tilted. The faceted hour markers surrounding the dial also catch the light, shifting between brightness and shadow with every movement. It is this interplay the way the textured background and the sharp, angular surfaces react differently to light that defines the aesthetic of the 196.0217.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As this item is shipped from within the European Union, you will not be liable for any customs duties within the EU.**
The slender, raised hour markers leave much of the dial’s surface open. Dark strips running along the gold-toned hour and minute hands provide contrast against the warm-toned background, ensuring excellent legibility. A slim central seconds hand extends outward to reach the minute track, which is marked by rectangular divisions. Small triangular markers at each hour position add a rhythmic quality to the dial, while the date window is neatly integrated between the markers at the 3 o'clock position. The Omega signature appears at the top, with the "Seamaster" script and the "Quartz" designation positioned below.
The refined craftsmanship of the dial extends to the area surrounding the crystal. Concentric, stepped lines along the bezel accentuate the round form of the case. The transition between the polished bezel and the satin-finished surfaces of the case is particularly striking when viewed from the side. With a diameter of 34 mm, the gold-plated case featuring sharp, distinct lugs sits with a balanced, understated presence on the wrist. Beneath this classic exterior lies a movement from a significant era in Omega’s history of quartz watchmaking. Calibre 1332, developed in 1979 and referred to in Omega’s records as the "Léopard Extraplat" is an ultra-thin quartz movement. It incorporates hours, minutes, central seconds, and a date display within a 17-jewel construction measuring just 2.90 mm in thickness. Its quartz oscillator, operating at a frequency of 32,768 Hz, bridges the gap between electronic timekeeping and the jeweled mechanical components of traditional horology. This particular Seamaster, dating to 1980, represents an early example of this calibre.
The operation of the 1332 also features a unique detail: while the crown is used to set the hour and date, the minutes and seconds are adjusted via a small, recessed pusher located on the side of the case at the 2 o'clock position. The ability to move the hour hand independently of the minutes and seconds makes transitioning between time zones particularly convenient. Positioned almost flush with the side of the case, this pusher ensures that the clean lines of the watch remain undisturbed when viewed from the front.
The steel case back features a directional brushed finish, centered around a medallion depicting the seahorse (Hippocampus) the iconic symbol of the Omega Seamaster collection. An Omega-signed crown, a gold-tone buckle, and a black, cross-textured strap complete the watch’s classic aesthetic. The contrast between the gold-toned case and the black strap further accentuates the warm tones of the dial.
This specific piece is an Omega Seamaster in "New Old Stock" (NOS) condition, having remained unused since 1980. The sharp lines of the case, the original surface finishing, and the clean dial have been well-preserved. The watch comes with its red Omega presentation box.
Final Thoughts
The Omega Seamaster Quartz 196.0217 combines the ultra-thin "Léopard" movement with a classic Seamaster design. This 1980, unworn example retains all the characteristic details of the era from the finely grained dial and stepped bezel to the original case finishes.
The item you are viewing was manufactured in 1980.
PROFESSIONALLY FULLY SERVICED.
The movement has been completely disassembled; every component has been cleaned, lubricated, and precisely adjusted to ensure flawless operation. (It will not require further servicing for three years, provided it is not subjected to adverse conditions.)
Condition: Tested; all functions are in full working order.
