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Omega 6312
Last updated: June 16, 2025
Omega 6312 Description
The Omega Reference 6312 denotes a family of automatic wristwatches produced primarily in the mid-to-late 1960s, with documented examples ranging from approximately 1964 to 1968. These watches are characterized by their automatic movements featuring a date complication (specifically identified Calibers 560 and 563) {} and typically housed in gold-toned cases (often gold-filled or gold-plated) measuring around 34mm in diameter {}. The significance of this reference, particularly variants like KM 6312 and KL 6312, is strongly linked to Omega’s “US Collection,” suggesting they were tailored for the American market {}. While some sources tentatively link the number to the Seamaster line {}, its primary identity appears tied to the US Collection and its specific reference number. Variations exist in reference prefixes (KM, KL), movements (Cal. 560 vs. 563), case materials, and dial aesthetics, reflecting either market segmentation or chronological evolution during its production period {}.
Specifications
| Reference Number(s) | 6312 (Base), KM 6312, KL 6312 |
| Production Year(s) | c. 1964 – 1968 |
| Collection/Market | US Collection (KM/KL variants); Seamaster (Tentative, less certain) |
| Movement Caliber(s) | Omega Caliber 560 (Automatic, Date); Omega Caliber 563 (Automatic, Date) |
| Case Material(s) | Gold-filled (KM/KL variants); Gold-plated (KL variant); Yellow Gold (Seamaster variant noted) |
| Case Diameter | ~34mm (excluding crown) |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~41.2mm (KL 6312 example) |
| Lug Width | 18mm (KL 6312 example) |
| Case Back Type | Screw-in (KM 6312 specified) |
| Crystal | Acrylic (Plexiglass) (Implied standard for era) |
| Water Resistance | Not specified / “No” (for KM 6312) |
(Note: Dimensions and materials can vary based on specific variant (KM/KL) and source. Official Omega data for KM 6312 lacks dimensions.)
Variations and Key Features
The Omega 6312 reference encompasses several variations, primarily distinguished by prefixes, movements, and potentially aesthetic details.
Case:
- Shape: Standard round case shape, typical for the era.
- Materials: Predominantly gold-toned.
- Gold-filled: Common for KM and KL variants, suited for the US market
- Gold-plated: Also noted for a KL variant
- Solid Yellow Gold: Mentioned in association with a potential “Seamaster 6312”
- Construction: A screw-in case back is specified for the KM 6312, suggesting better sealing than press-in backs
- Size: Consistently around 34mm diameter, standard for the 1960s. Lug width noted as 18mm
Dial and Hands:
- KM 6312: Described with “index” hour markers featuring luminous dots and “stick” hands. The lume suggests a functional aspect.
- KL 6312 / Seamaster 6312: Descriptions point towards potentially dressier styles, mentioning textured finishes, linen dials, and gold-tone indexes. Hand styles for these variants are not specified beyond being gold-toned.
- Common Features: All variants would feature a date window, consistent with the Cal. 560 and 563 movements
Movement:
- Caliber 563: Officially linked to the KM 6312 reference, dating to 1968
- Caliber 560: Associated in secondary sources with the KL 6312 and the potential “Seamaster 6312,” with dates around 1964-1965.
- Type: Both are automatic (mechanical) movements with date complications. Specific differences (jewel count, etc.) are not detailed in the provided snippets.
Reference Prefixes:
- KM & KL: These prefixes appear linked to the 6312 base number and are associated with the “US Collection”. The difference between KM and KL is not explained in the sources but likely correlates with the movement (563 vs. 560) and production year (1968 vs. 1964/65).
Additional Information
US Collection Context: The strong association of the KM 6312 and KL 6312 with Omega’s “US Collection” is a key piece of context {}. This indicates these models were specifically produced or adapted for the American market, influencing material choices like gold-filling, which was popular and cost-effective in the US at the time.
Seamaster Ambiguity: One source links the 6312 number to the Seamaster line {}. However, this conflicts with the official “US Collection” data for the KM/KL variants and involves different caliber/year details {}. While a Seamaster variant using the 6312 base might exist, the evidence within these documents more strongly supports the US Collection association for the core KM/KL 6312 references.
Collectibility: As a vintage Omega from the 1960s featuring a reliable automatic movement, the 6312 holds appeal for collectors. Its value would depend heavily on the specific variant (KM vs. KL, Caliber 560 vs. 563), case material (solid gold being more valuable than filled/plated), and overall condition and originality. The US market focus might make it slightly less common in other regions. Identifying the specific caliber and confirming the reference prefix is essential when evaluating an Omega 6312.
