Omega. A fine and rare stainless steel automatic calendar bracelet watch Omega. Belle et rare mo...

Omega. A fine and rare stainless steel automatic calendar bracelet watch Omega. Belle et rare montre bracelet en acier avec date mouvement automatique Model: Seamaster 200 'SHOM' Reference: 166.0177 Date: Circa 1977 Movement: 23-jewel Cal.1012 automatic, No.40591800 Dial: Black, signed Case: Brushed and polished tonneau form, screw down back and crown, calibrated bi-directional bezel Strap/Bracelet: Fitted stainless steel Omega link, stamped 1162 Buckle/Clasp: Signed folding clasp Signed: Case, dial & movement Size: 43mm x 49mm Footnotes: In the 1960s and 1970s, Omega produced some of the finest underwater watches. While the title 'Seamaster Professional' has adorned many legendary dive watches, nicknames have always been part of the brand's heritage: the Seamaster 300, the Seamaster 600 'PloProf', for 'PLOngeur PROfessionnel', the Seamaster 1000, nicknamed 'Grande' because of its shape and water resistance to 1,000 meters, all the way up to the Seamaster Automatic 120M 'Big Blue' chronograph. While most of these models are equipped with Omega's signature oval case of the 'pilot' line, one of the most illustrious members of this line has a surprisingly angular case: the Seamaster 200, nicknamed 'SHOM' by collectors. Launched under the reference 166.0177, this model powered by Omega's caliber 1012 made its debut at Baselworld in 1973. In addition to its case made from a single block of Swedish steel by Piquerez, it was equipped with a black dial with high-visibility indexes, glaive hands, and was water-resistant to 200 meters, which was indicated on the dial. Popular with divers, the model received a new nickname six years later, around 1979. The Service hydrographique et océanographique de la marine (SHOM), a French governmental institution dedicated to the study of the oceans and the publication of maritime charts, had expressed an interest in diving watches. SHOM was so competent that it was also responsible for approving the various pieces of equipment used by all French maritime entities and institutions. After studying the market, and no doubt in order to adhere to a very precise set of specifications, the SHOM contacted Omega with the aim of acquiring the Seamaster 200. The company delivered directly to the service a batch of watches to be used for its official missions. The watches were signed and engraved with the words 'SHOM' on the case back to distinguish them from the classic models sold on the market at the time. Thus was born the Seamaster 'SHOM'. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing