Heritage Narrative

In 1974, Omega introduced the Seamaster Mariner 1 as its first serial-production quartz dive watch with a depth rating of 120 m. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s Marine Chronometer and the era’s fascination with bold, integrated-case sports watches, the Mariner 1’s angular “port-hole” styling quickly garnered attention. Positioned as an accessible counterpart to the ultra-accurate Marine Chronometer, this reference shared both a tonneau form and Megaquartz innovation—featuring the reliable Calibre 1310, renowned for its ±5 seconds-per-month accuracy and hacking seconds. Today, collectors prize Reference 196.0054 for its stainless-steel facets, integrated bracelet, and day-date matte-black dial accented with tritium lume—hallmarks of 1970s tool-watch design.

Technical Specifications

Reference:

196.0054 / 396.0840

Year:

circa 1975

Movement:

Omega Megaquartz Calibre 1310 (32 kHz, ±5 s/month accuracy, hacking seconds, day-date)

Case Dimensions:

38.5 mm width × 41.5 mm height × 11.5 mm thick, stainless steel; screw-back with Seamaster logo

Crystal:
Original-spec mineral glass

Dial / Hands:

Matte-black dial with steel baton markers and tritium lume; polished pencil handset with red-tipped seconds

Bezel:

Fixed, polished-edge tonneau bezel integrated into the case

Bracelet / Clasp:

Omega stainless-steel bracelet ref. 1268/241 with folding clasp

Water Resistance:

120 m / 400 ft (factory rating)

Condition & InclusionsOverall Grade:

Good—sharp case facets with light, even wear; original dial with appealing tritium patina

Service Status:

Fully overhauled in 2025 with new battery, gasket replacements, and successful pressure test (documentation included)

Set:

Watch, original Omega bracelet, and Heritage Timepieces certificate of authenticity