Calibre 342 — the first Omega Seamaster calibre

In brief

Every Seamaster traces back to this movement. On paper the 342 is a routine member of the 28.1 mm bumper series — 17 jewels, 19,800 vph — but it is the calibre Omega chose for the first watch to carry the name.

Short history

Released in 1949, the 342 holds a place of its own in the bumper family because Omega picked it for the first Seamaster. The brand went on developing that line for decades, until it became one of its best-known collections.

Why it matters

Being the calibre inside the first Omega Seamaster gives the 342 a place of its own in the brand's history: the starting point of one of the longest-running and most recognised collections in the whole Omega catalogue.

Watches that used it

• Omega Seamaster (first generation)