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In the world of vintage watches, the word ‘quartz’ can be divisive. But to dismiss it is to ignore one of the most dynamic, innovative, and frankly, disruptive periods in 20th-century horology. This was not the era of cheap, disposable movements; this was the space race, fought on the microscopic level of oscillating crystals. And in that race, Omega was an undisputed titan. To us, watches like this Megaquartz aren’t just an alternative to mechanical—they are a testament to a time when accuracy was the new luxury.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a paradigm shift. The development of the quartz wristwatch set off an arms race to create the most precise and reliable timekeepers on the planet. Far from being a victim, Omega was a key player, investing heavily to produce some of the finest quartz movements ever conceived. The “Megaquartz” line was their flagship, a proud declaration of technological superiority. At its heart was the Caliber 1310, one of Omega’s first and most significant in-house quartz movements. Beating at a frequency of 32,768 Hz (32 KHz)—which would become the global industry standard—it was incredibly accurate. More than that, it was sophisticated, featuring an independent quick-set hour hand that allowed for changing time zones without stopping the watch, a high-end feature that demonstrates the quality Omega was engineering into these pieces.
This particular Reference 196.0037 is pure, unadulterated 1970s design, and we absolutely love it for that. It features a fantastic, chunky stainless steel case with a seamless integrated bracelet that gives it tremendous wrist presence. The finishing is key here—a beautiful, vertically brushed pattern that flows from the case through the entire bracelet. The dial is a study in functional elegance: a clean silver sunburst surface, applied block indices, and that stunning, applied red Omega logo that just pops. The proud “Megaquartz 32 KHz” text isn’t just branding; it’s a badge of honor from a fascinating moment in time.
As a vintage piece, this example is a true survivor. The case is incredibly sharp, retaining its original brushed finish and crisp chamfers—hallmarks of a watch that has been cherished and not over-polished. The dial is exceptionally clean, and the integrated bracelet is in excellent shape. It represents a time capsule from the dawn of the quartz era, preserved in fantastic, ready-to-wear condition.
