1965 Omega Seamaster Automatic Gold-Plated (Ref. 165.002) "Coca-Cola Service Award"

The Speedmaster may be the watch that helped make Omega a household name, and ultimately took the brand to the Moon, but the Seamaster predates it by nearly a decade and carries an equally compelling legacy of its own.

Introduced in 1948 to commemorate Omega’s centennial, the Seamaster quickly became one of the brand’s most successful collections. Originally conceived as a versatile, water-resistant wristwatch suitable for both everyday wear and more demanding conditions, it has remained a cornerstone of the Omega catalog ever since and is today the longest-running collection in the brand’s history.

Dating to 1965, this Seamaster ref. 165.002 represents the more refined side of the collection, with its classically proportioned gold-plated case, clean dial, and automatic movement. This particular example is made especially interesting by its provenance: the watch was presented by Coca-Cola Ltd. to an employee in recognition of 25 years of service.

Corporate service watches occupy a fascinating niche within vintage collecting, combining the history of the watch itself with that of the company and individual behind it. Coca-Cola has a particularly rich tradition of presenting watches to longtime employees, making this well-preserved Seamaster an appealing intersection of two of the 20th century’s most recognizable brands, and a tangible reminder of an era when a fine Swiss watch marked a quarter-century of dedication.