Rapper Marracash spotted wearing a Omega

Marracash, widely regarded as one of the most literate and critically acclaimed voices in Italian hip-hop, was recently spotted wearing a vintage Omega Seamaster Automatic Chronograph reference 176.007 with a striking blue dial — a choice that says as much about his aesthetic sensibility as his discography does about his artistry.

The Omega Seamaster ref. 176.007 was produced during the mid-to-late 1970s, a period when Omega was navigating the quartz crisis while still delivering mechanically serious timepieces. At its heart sits the caliber 1040, an automatic chronograph movement based on the Lemania 5100 architecture. This is a column-wheel, single-pusher-at-crown mechanism — technically distinct and far less common than the cam-operated Valjoux movements flooding the market at the same time. The 40mm stainless steel case carries an integrated bracelet design typical of the era, and the blue dial — with its contrasting subdials and applied indices — remains the configuration most coveted by collectors today.

The 176.007 occupies an interesting position in Omega's catalogue. It preceded the more famous Speedmaster derivatives and sat outside the mainstream Seamaster dive watch lineage, giving it a slightly orphaned status historically. That very obscurity now works in its favor: it attracts collectors who have moved past the obvious references and are digging deeper into the Omega archive. The column-wheel caliber 1040 adds genuine horological merit to what might otherwise be dismissed as a period curiosity.

Marracash — born Fabio Bartolo Rizzo — has built a reputation as one of Italy's most culturally conscious artists, with albums like Noi, Loro, Gli Altri and Persona earning him near-universal critical respect. His watch choice aligns with that image: no flashy complications, no modern hype piece, just a well-chosen vintage object with real mechanical depth.

On the grey market, the Omega Seamaster ref. 176.007 in blue dial configuration trades at accessible levels — typically around €2,500 to €3,500 depending on condition and originality of the dial. It remains one of the more attainable vintage Omega chronographs with a legitimate movement story, which makes Marracash's choice all the more considered.