Omega De Ville 166 051 (1970-1979)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic 1970s Omega De Ville draws immediate attention with its exceptionally clean, vertically brushed silver dial. Housed in a distinctive tonneau-shaped case that retains its factory finishes, this timepiece presents a striking visual presence and strong mechanical performance. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 166 051 Movement: Automatic, Calibre 1002 Dial: Silver vertically brushed with applied black baton indices Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +10+13s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking vertical brushed texture and remains exceptionally clean and well-preserved, with no visible spotting or moisture damage. Applied black baton indices provide clear contrast, perfectly matching the black stick hands with their silver centers. A crisp date window sits at the 3 o'clock position, surrounded by sharp, clear printed text. The central sweeping seconds hand completes the display, and the entire handset remains in clean condition with no visible oxidation or damage. Case and Crystal The stainless steel tonneau-shaped case is presented in honest vintage condition, retaining its preserved factory finishes. The brushed upper surfaces transition cleanly to polished flanks, showing only light surface scratches and minor wear consistent with age. Its integrated case design naturally omits a distinct bezel, emphasizing the sleek geometry. The signed Omega crown features a knurled edge and shows light wear to its polished surface. On the reverse, the caseback engravings are shallow but legible, including the faintly visible 166 051 reference number. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches visible at certain angles. Movement This reference is powered by the automatic Omega Calibre 1002, featuring a quickset date function. The timegrapher records +10+13s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel folded link bracelet. The bracelet shows light stretch and moderate surface wear consistent with its age, accommodating a maximum wrist size of up to 19cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The tonneau case retains its distinct brushed and polished factory finishes, displaying light surface scratches and minor wear consistent with its age. The silver vertically brushed dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, free from visible spotting or moisture damage, accompanied by clean matching hands. The domed acrylic crystal exhibits light surface scratches visible at certain angles. The period-correct bracelet shows light stretch and moderate wear. Supported by the recorded timegrapher result, the movement is performing very strongly. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This De Ville offers a highly appealing combination of a beautifully preserved, vertically brushed dial and a distinctive tonneau case. Its strong timegrapher performance makes it an excellent choice for any enthusiast of 1970s mechanical timepieces. History The Omega De Ville line officially became a standalone collection in 1967, quickly establishing its own identity focused on elegant design and refined aesthetics. The reference 166 051 is notable for its unishell, front-loading case construction, which requires a specific watchmaker's instrument, indicated by the 'Tool 107' caseback engraving, to open. It utilizes the automatic Omega Calibre 1002, a reliable mechanism equipped with a quickset date function, representing a classic era of Omega's robust mid-century watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ADV-0009