The Omega Seamaster 1–100 series refers to some of the earliest and rarest references in the Seamaster line, introduced starting from 1948. These watches predate the now-familiar dive-oriented versions and were originally positioned as elegant, water-resistant dress watches. The Seamaster line was introduced to celebrate Omega's centennial and evolved from the company’s wartime military timepieces. Below is a summarized overview of Seamaster models roughly in the 1–100 reference range, which collectors often associate with the earliest generation.

Origins and Purpose

The original Seamaster watches were not dive watches in the modern sense. Instead, they were built for durability, water resistance, and daily elegance. The focus was on robust cases, early sealing techniques, and versatile design. Many models featured:

• Sub-seconds or central seconds dials

• Bumper or early automatic calibers like Cal. 342, 344, or manual-wind movements

• Snap-back or screw-back cases depending on model and market

• Gold-plated, stainless steel, or solid gold cases

Case Design and Water Resistance

These early Seamasters were typically rated for 30–60 meters, which was more than enough for daily use and occasional exposure to water. Omega used O-ring rubber gaskets, inspired by innovations in submarine hatch design from WWII, improving the seal between the caseback and case middle.

Several references in this range used monocoque cases (one-piece cases where the movement was accessed through the crystal) or two-piece water-resistant designs with reinforced backs and better-integrated crowns.

Example References (Seamaster 1–100 Range)

While not all references within “1–100” are explicitly documented under a clean numerical sequence (Omega's system included internal and market variations), the following are examples of early Seamaster watches commonly associated with this period:

• Ref. 2494: An early automatic Seamaster with bumper movement, typically 34mm, often in stainless steel or gold cap.

• Ref. 2577: Perhaps one of the most collectible early Seamasters, featuring a Cal. 352 or 354 automatic movement, with crosshair dials and beautiful applied markers.

• Ref. 2627: A triple-date Seamaster variant with a pointer date complication.

• Ref. 2767: Early 1950s chronometer-grade Seamaster, sometimes featuring waffle dials and chronometer-certified movements.

• Ref. 2757: Military-inspired Seamaster with broad arrow hands, often confused with RAF-issued watches but made for the civilian market.

Movements and Technology

Many of the earliest Seamaster watches (referring to numbers under 100 in the internal catalog) used:

• Bumper Automatics: Caliber 330–354. These used a half-rotor that bounced between springs—an early version of automatic winding.

• Manual-Wind Calibers: Cal. 265, 268, and later 30T2-derived movements.

• Chronometer-Certified Movements: Some versions in this early range carried chronometer certification, rare and highly valued today.

Dial and Aesthetic Variations

The aesthetic choices of early Seamasters were highly diverse. You’ll find:

• Applied gold markers

• Textured “waffle” or honeycomb dials

• Lume-filled dauphine or leaf hands

• Sub-seconds dials at 6 o’clock or center seconds

These watches had no rotating bezels, and the term “Professional” did not appear on the dial—unlike later Seamaster 300 or 600 dive watches.

Collector Appeal

The 1–100 series and other early Seamasters are appreciated for their:

• Vintage charm

• Mechanical simplicity and durability

• Classic proportions (often 34–36mm)

• Affordable entry point compared to Speedmasters or modern Seamasters

Well-preserved examples with original dials, crowns, and matching bracelets can command strong interest among vintage collectors.

Conclusion

The Omega Seamaster 1–100 range marks the foundation of Omega’s most successful sports and professional watch line. While not dive watches in the modern sense, these early models brought innovation in water resistance and everyday wearability. They reflect Omega’s transition from wartime robustness to peacetime refinement and helped define the brand’s identity in the mid-20th century.