Omega - De Ville - No reserve price - 161.022 - Men - 1968

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The late 1960s represented a golden era for Omega dress watches, a period where the brand fully established the De Ville collection as a standalone symbol of sophisticated, understated elegance. This particular timepiece is a superb representation of mid-century geometric design, featuring a distinctively proportioned square case that houses one of Omega's most impressive technical achievements of the era, the ultra-thin Caliber 711 automatic movement. Combining a highly refined aesthetic with reliable mechanical pedigree, this watch offers a compelling opportunity for collectors seeking a versatile vintage dress piece with undeniable wrist presence. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 161.022 Serial Number: 26508132 Movement: Automatic Caliber 711, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with black printed Roman numerals, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The dial of this De Ville is a masterclass in minimalist design, presenting a radiant silver surface elevated by a highly refined sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully across its square profile. The typography is executed in a crisp, black serif font, featuring elongated Roman numerals that stretch elegantly toward the center, perfectly complementing the geometry of the case. The printed Omega logo, automatic script, and De Ville text remain sharp, fully intact, and free of degradation. Upon close inspection, the dial is remarkably well-preserved, showing virtually no spotting, moisture damage, or discoloration, presenting a stunningly clean and fresh appearance. The time is indicated by a pair of slender, black stick hands that contrast perfectly against the bright silver background, ensuring excellent legibility without the need for luminous material, preserving the formal dress nature of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a striking square architecture with a prominent, laterally brushed front fascia that frames the dial with architectural precision. This brushed finish transitions sharply into smoothly polished case flanks, demonstrating excellent preservation of the original factory geometry and lug profile. The case shows honest, light surface wear and fine handling marks consistent with careful vintage use, but remains free of deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The original knurled crown, proudly bearing the embossed Omega logo, sits neatly against the case side. The watch is fitted with a clear crystal that subtlely follows the lines of the case, offering an unobstructed and distortion-free view of the immaculate dial beneath. The inner caseback clearly displays the Omega factory engravings and the reference number 161.022. Movement Powering this refined dress watch is the Omega Caliber 711, an impressive ultra-thin automatic movement that allowed for the sleek profile of this square case. The copper-toned plates and rotor are visually magnificent, presenting a clean and well-maintained appearance. Close inspection of the movement reveals crisp engravings, noting the 24 jewels, adjustment to two positions, and the serial number 26508132, which accurately dates the production of this watch to approximately 1968. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show the movement running at +10 to +12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is currently mounted on a handsome, dark brown leather strap featuring a classic crocodile grain pattern. The strap is accented with heavy, contrasting white stitching that adds a touch of casual versatility to the otherwise formal watch head. It is secured with a polished stainless steel pin buckle, offering a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition This Omega De Ville is presented in excellent vintage condition. The absolute highlight of this timepiece is the dial, which has survived the decades in near-mint condition, free from the typical aging and spotting found on watches of this era. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and distinct contrasts between its brushed and polished surfaces, displaying only normal, expected signs of gentle wear. The movement is remarkably clean and running with robust health. Dimensions The case measures 30 mm across, excluding the signed crown. It is important to note that due to the square geometry and corner-to-corner distance, the watch wears with significantly more surface area and wrist presence than a traditional round watch of the same diameter, offering a classic and elegant profile. Remarks Square-cased dress watches from the 1960s possess a unique charm that continues to resonate with modern collectors. This Omega De Ville stands out not only for its striking aesthetic and ultra-thin mechanical caliber but primarily for the exceptional preservation of its sunburst Roman dial. It is a highly wearable, sophisticated timepiece that seamlessly bridges the gap between formal attire and smart-casual settings. History Originally introduced as part of the Seamaster line, the De Ville name became a standalone collection in 1967, allowing Omega to focus entirely on elegant, urban dress watches without the constraints of the Seamaster's sporting heritage. The De Ville line quickly became synonymous with refined design, varied case shapes, and slim profiles, often utilizing Omega's finest and thinnest calibers. This 1968 example perfectly encapsulates the early, pure vision of the independent De Ville collection, representing an era when Omega's design language was at its most sophisticated and diverse. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ODV-0039