Omega - De Ville - No reserve price - 166.0161 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Omega De Ville collection has long represented the pinnacle of the brand's sophisticated dress watch offerings, prioritizing elegance and refined proportions. Emerging as a standalone line in the late 1960s, the De Ville quickly became the choice for those seeking a distinguished timepiece that seamlessly transitioned from formal occasions to everyday wear. This particular example from the early 1970s perfectly encapsulates that design ethos, pairing a sleek stainless steel case with a beautifully textured dial and a robust, high-beat automatic movement. It is a quintessential vintage dress watch that offers immense charm and historical pedigree for the discerning collector. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 166.0161 Serial Number: 36230505 Movement: Omega Caliber 1012 automatic Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial with applied black-inlaid indices and minor age-consistent spotting Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with attractive preservation and honest wear. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking vertically brushed finish that catches the light beautifully, providing a dynamic backdrop for the applied furniture. Applied baton indices feature black central channels, matching the design of the stick hands to create a highly legible and cohesive aesthetic. An applied Omega logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while the printed typography remains crisp and fully intact. A stepped metallic frame borders the date aperture at the three o'clock position. The dial is marked with T SWISS MADE T at the bottom edge, indicating the presence of tritium luminous material. The original tritium plots at the tips of the hands and the outer minute markers have aged gracefully to a warm, creamy mustard tone. Close inspection reveals minor, scattered age-related spotting across the dial surface, presenting as honest vintage patina that adds character without detracting from the overall brilliant appearance of the watch. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case features a polished smooth bezel and straight, well-defined lugs that maintain their original architectural integrity. The case flanks and bezel display honest signs of wear, including light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with a gently worn vintage timepiece, but no deep gouges or structural damage. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that protects the dial and enhances its vintage profile. The solid caseback is adorned with the engraved Omega De Ville logo and features the instruction to remove the bezel with tool 106, indicating its specialized case construction. The original Omega-signed crown is present, showing standard wear in its fluted grooves while remaining fully operational. Movement Powering this timepiece is the copper-finished Omega Caliber 1012 automatic movement, a reliable and precise engine known for its durability. The movement is cleanly finished and clearly displays the serial number 36230505 engraved on the bridge, dating the production to approximately 1973. The caliber markings and Swiss signatures are crisp and highly visible. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results show +2 to +4 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct dark brown embossed leather strap featuring contrasting stitching. The strap provides a comfortable fit and complements the silver dial and stainless steel case perfectly, securing with a standard stainless steel pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally attractive with its vertical brushing, showing only minor age-consistent spotting that confirms its originality. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and sharp lug profiles, exhibiting normal handling wear. The movement is exceptionally clean and running with outstanding precision for its era. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown. Remarks Combining a textured silver dial with the reliability of a Caliber 1012 movement, this Omega De Ville is a superb example of 1970s watchmaking. Its versatile size and timeless styling make it a perfect daily wearer for the vintage enthusiast who appreciates subtle elegance and mechanical integrity. History Originally introduced as part of the Seamaster line in 1960, the De Ville became its own distinct collection in 1967. Omega created the De Ville to offer a more streamlined, elegant alternative to their robust sports models, focusing on sophisticated urban aesthetics. Throughout the 1970s, the De Ville line expanded to include a variety of case shapes and dial textures, consistently maintaining a reputation for refined design and reliable chronometric performance. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ODV-0077