Omega f300 Seamaster 120m Silver Dial (198.0005)

Like many other watch manufacturers in the 1970s, Omega employed the ESA 9162 (date only) and ESA 9164 (day and date) tuning fork movements in many of their watches.

The ESA 9162 / ESA 9184 movements are often considered the “Rolls Royce” of tuning fork movements. They were designed by Max Hetzel, who had previously worked for Bulova; he was also responsible for the Accutron 214.  In May 1972, ESA also released a chronograph version of these tuning fork movements; it was known as the ESA 9210 and was used in the Omega Speedsonic range of watches.

The Omega watches employing these tuning fork movements were usually referred to as the ‘Omega f300’ models reflecting the frequency of the tuning fork. The non-chronograph f300s must have been produced in the tens of thousands and are often seen on a popular auction site today.

Omega, like many other watch makers, allocated their own calibre numbers to these movements:

• Omega Calibre 1250 = ESA 9162 (date only)
• Omega Calibre 1255 = ESA 9210 (chronograph day and date)
• Omega Calibre 1260 = ESA 9164 (day and date)

ESA 9164

ESA 9162

The Omega version of these movements differ slightly from standard ESA 9162, 9164 and 9210 movements in having copper plated plates (see image on left) throughout the movement; all other watch manufacturers kept the ESA-supplied nickel plated plates (see image on right). However all the parts, including the plates, are fully inter-changeable.

Please use the menu above to explore the various Omega f300 models in the Constellation, Seamaster, De Ville, Geneve and Speedsonic range of watches.  I’ve also written a page about Omega case numbers and how to date your Omega f300 watch.  Finally, for those interested in what might go wrong with their f300, an “Issues” page.