Calibre 1010 — the base of the 1970s automatic family

In brief

Omega's automatic range for the 1970s starts here. The 1010 grew out of the 550/560 series with a higher frequency for better accuracy — 17 jewels, a date, no chronometer certificate — and it drove a large share of the Seamaster and De Ville watches of the decade.

Short history

Launched in 1972, it raised the beat to 28,800 vph from the rates Omega had used through the 1960s. Two further calibres were built on the same base: the 1011, certified as a chronometer, and the 1012, the 23-jewel version that became the most widespread of the series. It arrived while Omega was answering the rise of quartz with good mechanical watches priced below its top-tier pieces.

Why it matters

A sturdy, well-made automatic that tends to be undervalued next to the collector-favourite 55x/56x. It is one of the best ways into a decent vintage Omega automatic without paying the premium the sought-after references command.

Watches that used it

• De Ville and Seamaster automatics of the 1970s