Omega Seamaster ref. 396.0900 Plongeur de Luxe - The Jacques Mayol
Year: 1981.
Movement: Omega Quartz 1337 movement.
Case: 37.3mm. Ultra thin case at 8mm.
Dial: Black dial with gilt railtrack and Gilt Omega logo and Seamaster writing. Tritium markers and date at 3.
Bezel: Original bezel insert with tritium hour markers.
Crown: Original Omega crown.
Crystal: Mineral Crystal.
Bracelet: Original Integrated brushed steel bracelet with push button deployment.
Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
As with all watches bought from Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
Year: 1981.
Movement: Omega Quartz 1337 movement.
Case: 37.3mm. Ultra thin case at 8mm.
Dial: Black dial with gilt railtrack and Gilt Omega logo and Seamaster writing. Tritium markers and date at 3.
Bezel: Original bezel insert with tritium hour markers.
Crown: Original Omega crown.
Crystal: Mineral Crystal.
Bracelet: Original Integrated brushed steel bracelet with push button deployment.
Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
As with all watches bought from Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
Year: 1981.
Movement: Omega Quartz 1337 movement.
Case: 37.3mm. Ultra thin case at 8mm.
Dial: Black dial with gilt railtrack and Gilt Omega logo and Seamaster writing. Tritium markers and date at 3.
Bezel: Original bezel insert with tritium hour markers.
Crown: Original Omega crown.
Crystal: Mineral Crystal.
Bracelet: Original Integrated brushed steel bracelet with push button deployment.
Unless otherwise stated, it is common for vintage watches to not come with box and papers. In the rare example that a watch does come with box and papers it will be mentioned in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and purchase documentation.
As with all watches bought from Watts On Watches, this watch comes with a 12 month warranty.
Launched around 1980, the Omega Seamaster 120 Plongeur de Luxe (reference number 396.0900) marked the debut of the first quartz-powered Seamaster designed specifically for diving. This line of Seamaster watches, known for their high water resistance, was now distinctively categorized by their meter-rated diving capabilities. This model successfully combined elegance with practical diving features.
With a slim profile under 8mm and a seamlessly integrated bracelet with a concealed clasp, the watch was perfectly suited for pairing with formal attire. However, its functionality extended beyond aesthetics, as it was fully equipped for diving with a water resistance of 120 meters, a durable mineral crystal, and a bezel and dial featuring tritium illumination for visibility in low light conditions. The bezel’s square-toothed edge provided a secure grip, even when wearing gloves or with wet hands.
The bracelet’s innovative design included a dive suit extension within the clasp, allowing for an adjustable length in 5mm increments to a maximum of 25mm, accommodating dive suits with a circumference of up to 9 inches. The watch’s crown was safeguarded by protective guards, preventing any potential snags or damage during diving activities.
The bracelet’s craftsmanship closely resembled that of the Royal Oak, with each cross link finely beveled and horizontally brushed, contrasting with the vertical brushing of the connecting links, creating a visually striking texture.
The dial maintained simplicity, featuring a black background with the Omega logo and the Seamaster 120M Quartz inscription in gilt script. It was complemented by tritium-coated hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a minute track in gilt, along with hands reminiscent of those found on the Royal Oak.
To promote this new Seamaster model, Omega endorsed a record-breaking dive by the renowned freediver Jacques Mayol. Wearing the Seamaster 120, Mayol surpassed his own record by reaching a depth of 101 meters near Elba in November 1981. This remarkable achievement, along with his rivalry with Italian freediver Enzo Molinari, inspired the 1988 movie “The Big Blue,” directed by Luc Besson and featuring actors Jean-Marc Barr, Jean Reno, and Rosanna Arquette.