page transition image
Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Omega Marine CK 679 – Stainless Steel Off-White Dial

Details

Before dive watches knew what they were

Long before dive watches became standardized, Omega was already experimenting. This Omega Marine dates to the early 1930s and represents the first commercially available dive watch, predating the conventions that would later define the category. Its now-famous double-case construction feels unusual today, but at the time it was a genuine technical breakthrough.

This wasn’t about style. It was about seeing how far a wristwatch could be pushed.

Why the Marine matters

Introduced in 1932, the Omega Marine was designed with a two-part case sealed using cork — a rudimentary but effective solution that allowed the watch to achieve true water resistance. In 1936, Omega tested the Marine in Lake Geneva to 73 meters, and in 1937 exceeded that in controlled laboratory testing to 135 meters (443 feet). At the time, nothing else on the market came close.

The design was eventually replaced by more practical waterproofing systems, but that’s exactly what makes the Marine compelling today. It’s a snapshot of experimental watchmaking, a moment when brands like Omega were taking real risks, long before best practices existed.

A well preserved historical piece

The stainless steel double case remains in very strong condition. The outer case shows light wear consistent with age, while retaining its original fastening latch, which remains intact and functional. The inner case presents similarly well, with no notable deterioration.

Both mineral glass crystals are clean and free of cracks, and the inner crown is believed to be original. The cream dial has aged evenly, developing a deep, warm patina that suits the watch’s character perfectly. The original blued hands show light oxidation at the center post, consistent with age, but remain well preserved overall. The watch is currently keeping good time after passing it by our test bench. 

A milestone, not a novelty.

This isn’t a dive watch you buy for the beach. It’s a watch you buy because it changed the trajectory of watchmaking. The Omega Marine offers a rare window into a period when innovation was exploratory, solutions were mechanical, and nothing was yet standardized

Key Specs

Piece Name: Omega Marine CK 679

Reference: CK 679

Model: Marine

Year: 1935

Movement: Manual wind

Case Size: 28 × 32.5 mm

Bezel: Stainless steel

Bracelet: AM band and buckle

Dial: Off-white

History

Omega was founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. What began as a small workshop assembling pocket watches grew steadily as Brandt’s sons expanded production and centralized operations in Biel. In 1894, the company introduced the “Omega” caliber, a movement built with standardized, interchangeable parts that made servicing far more efficient. The success of that caliber was so significant that the company eventually adopted Omega as its official name.


In the early 20th century, Omega built its reputation on precision timekeeping. The brand became deeply involved in observatory trials and international sporting events, ultimately serving as official timekeeper for the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Accuracy was not just a slogan. Omega movements consistently performed at a high level in chronometry competitions, reinforcing the brand’s technical credibility during an era when mechanical precision was everything.


The postwar decades were especially important. In 1952, Omega introduced the Constellation line, focused on chronometer-certified performance in refined cases. A few years later came the Seamaster 300 and the Speedmaster, both launched in 1957 as part of a trio of professional tool watches. While the Omega Speedmaster Professional would later gain global recognition through its association with NASA and the Apollo missions, Omega’s broader catalog during this period reflected a balance between technical durability and clean mid-century design.


Through the quartz crisis of the 1970s and into the modern era, Omega adapted rather than retreated. The brand participated in the development of early Swiss quartz movements, experimented with bold case shapes and integrated bracelets, and later invested heavily in mechanical innovation. The introduction of the Co-Axial escapement in the late 1990s, developed by George Daniels and industrialized by Omega, marked a renewed emphasis on mechanical longevity and reduced friction within the movement.


Today, Omega remains one of Switzerland’s largest and most recognized watch manufacturers, operating under the Swatch Group while maintaining substantial in-house production. From dress watches to dive watches and chronographs, the catalog spans a wide range, but the underlying theme is consistent: reliability backed by real technical development. For collectors, vintage Omega offers depth across decades, whether in understated chronometers, classic Seamasters, or early Speedmasters that helped define an era of exploration.

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!