What are we looking at?

An OMEGA Seamaster chronograph ref. 145.016-68 from approximately 1968/69, with a reverse panda dial and a light blue central chronograph hand.

The three light-coloured registers stand out against the dark dial, framed by a matching light tachymeter scale. Over time, those lighter areas have taken on a warm cream tone, while the dark surface has developed a distinctive mottled patina.

Then there’s the blue hand. It’s a small detail, but it changes the feel of the whole watch. This colour can be found on some examples of the reference, and it looks particularly good against the aged dial.

At 38 mm, the steel case keeps everything nicely proportioned. Inside is the OMEGA Calibre 861, serviced on this example.

What do we need to know?

The dial has pronounced, uneven patina, with pale speckling and mottling across the dark surface. It is clearly visible and very much part of this watch’s appearance. The cream-coloured registers and outer scale add warmth, while the blue chronograph hand provides an unexpected bit of colour.

I particularly like the contrast between that aged surface and the clean geometry of the case. The case remains sharp, with defined edges and visible brushing, although it does show signs of wear.

The Calibre 861 has been serviced, and the watch comes fitted with our Desert Drift strap. Its sandy tone picks up the lighter areas of the dial without distracting from them.

A fairly restrained chronograph, until someone in the hands department reached for the blue.