Omega Seamaster Black Tulip (Ref. 196.0249) (33 × 35 mm, Quartz) - Very Rare

The Omega Seamaster Black Tulip (Ref. 196.0249) was released in the early 1980s, a period when Omega was experimenting with new case materials and designs. What makes it truly special is its monobloc black ceramic case—a bold choice at a time when most luxury watches were made of steel or gold. The case measures about 33 × 35 mm, with a fully integrated bracelet featuring ceramic inlays between polished stainless-steel links, giving it a sleek, futuristic look that stood out from anything else Omega—or most brands—were doing then.

The watch runs on the Omega Calibre 1430 quartz movement, which was part of Omega’s push for precision and slimness during the quartz boom. The dial is deep black with a mirror-like gloss, minimal hour markers, and the classic Ω logo at 12 o’clock, creating a clean, almost architectural design language. The watch’s nickname “Black Tulip” comes from its glossy black surface and the way light plays across its curved ceramic body, resembling the petals of a dark tulip.

Because ceramic was difficult to work with at the time, production numbers were extremely low—some sources estimate around 300 pieces—making it one of the rarest Omega models of its era. Many examples didn’t survive intact because ceramic, while scratch-resistant, is also brittle; this makes well-preserved models extremely hard to find today. Collectors prize it for representing Omega’s early use of high-tech materials long before ceramics became common in watchmaking, placing it alongside other pioneering designs like Rado’s DiaStar or IWC’s Da Vinci Ceramic.