Omega - De Ville - 166.0161 - Men - 1973

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This distinct Omega De Ville from 1973 offers a vibrant departure from the traditional silver dials of the era, featuring a striking deep blue dial with a vertical brushed texture. Paired with its original stainless steel bracelet and powered by the high-beat Caliber 1012, this timepiece represents the elegant transition of the De Ville line into the 1970s. Its classic 35mm proportion and robust stainless steel construction make it a versatile choice for the vintage enthusiast looking for a watch with genuine character and history. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 166.0161 Serial Number: 36707047 Movement: Omega Caliber 1012 Automatic Dial: Deep blue vertical brushed Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age, particularly on the dial which displays visible patina and aging, contributing to a unique vintage aesthetic. The movement is performing reliably. Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this watch is the deep blue dial, which features a subtle vertical brushed finish that catches the light dynamically. The dial shows evident signs of vintage aging and patina, with spotting and texture changes visible across the surface, giving the watch a true lived-in vintage appeal. It features applied silver baton hour markers with white inserts and a framed date window at the 3 o'clock position. The original silver stick hands are intact, displaying oxidation consistent with the age of the piece. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 35mm in diameter and retains its classic round shape with modest lugs. The case surfaces show normal wear marks, scuffs, and scratches typical of a watch that has been enjoyed for five decades, yet the edges remain defined. The crown is original and signed with the Omega logo. The crystal is clear with minor handling marks but allows for excellent legibility of the blue dial beneath. Movement Powering the watch is the Omega Caliber 1012, a robust automatic movement known for its reliability and high-beat frequency. The movement features a quick-set date function for practical daily use. The serial number 36707047 dates the production of this mechanism to 1973. Current testing shows the watch running at +12s to +18s/day, which indicates a healthy movement running within acceptable vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Omega stainless steel brick-link style bracelet, reference 1037 with 570 end links. The bracelet is comfortable and flexible, showing stretch and surface wear consistent with the case. It features a signed Omega folding clasp and accommodates a wrist size of approximately 18cm. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. The case and bracelet show wear and scratches commensurate with its age and use. The dial presents significant patina and aging spots, which is common for colored dials from this period and adds to the individual character of the watch. The movement is clean and functioning well, keeping good time for a vintage mechanical piece. Dimensions The case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the winding crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a balanced fit on a variety of wrist sizes, while the slim profile allows it to slide easily under a shirt cuff. Remarks This 1973 Omega De Ville is a charming example of 1970s watch design, combining a pop of color with robust engineering. The combination of the reference 166.0161 case and the blue dial is highly collectible, offering a less common alternative to the standard dress watches of the period. History The De Ville collection began as a sub-range within the Seamaster line before becoming a standalone collection in 1967. By the 1970s, the De Ville had established itself as Omega's premier line for elegant, urban timepieces, focusing on sophisticated aesthetics and slimmer profiles. This specific era marked a high point in Omega's mechanical watchmaking before the quartz crisis fully took hold, making models like this Caliber 1012 highly desirable for their blend of traditional mechanics and retro style. / Second Vintage SKU: OME1HOERYW000