Omega - De Ville - No reserve price - 166.053 - Men - 1969

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage A captivating example of late-1960s Omega design, this De Ville presents a masterclass in retro-chic elegance. With its distinctive cushion-shaped case and matching brick-link bracelet, this timepiece captures the bold yet refined aesthetic of the era. The presence of the robust Caliber 752 movement and a beautifully preserved sunburst dial make this an exceptional find for collectors seeking a character-rich, daily-wearable vintage Omega. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 166.053 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 752, 24 Jewels Dial: Sunburst silver dial with applied faceted black-insert indices, presenting an exceptionally clean surface Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated (20 microns) with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an outstandingly preserved dial and honest wear to the gold-plated case and bracelet Dial and Hands The focal point of this timepiece is its beautifully preserved sunburst silver dial, which radiates a refined elegance. The dial features applied faceted square indices, each detailed with black inserts that perfectly match the central baton hands. The typography, including the serif Omega logo and sans-serif De Ville text, remains crisp and fully intact. A framed day-date aperture at the three o'clock position adds practical functionality. Upon close inspection, the dial is remarkably clean, showing virtually no spotting, moisture stains, or significant discoloration, maintaining a bright and highly attractive vintage presence. Case and Crystal The 36 mm cushion-shaped case is crafted from 20-micron gold-plated stainless steel, exhibiting a strong and distinct retro profile. The upper surfaces of the case retain their factory radial brushing, contrasting handsomely with the polished flanks. The original Omega-signed crown is present and well-defined. The stainless steel caseback features correct factory engravings, including the Tool 106 marking, and shows light surface scratches and minor tool marks consistent with honest use. The watch is fitted with a clear domed acrylic crystal that offers an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Powering this De Ville is the robust Omega Caliber 752, a 24-jewel automatic movement renowned for its reliability and featuring Omega's signature copper-toned plating. Close inspection of the movement reveals clean bridges and a well-preserved rotor, with a serial number in the 29-million range dating production to approximately 1969. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results indicate +6+8s/day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is paired with its original Omega gold-plated stainless steel brick-link bracelet, a highly desirable and period-correct accessory. The folding clasp is prominently stamped with the Omega logo on the exterior and features correct inner engravings, including the reference 1040 and the 20-micron plating designation. The endlinks are clearly stamped 639. The bracelet shows honest signs of vintage wear, including visible plating loss and surface scratches on the high-contact areas of the links and clasp, comfortably accommodating a wrist size of up to 17.5 cm. Condition Graded in excellent vintage condition, this Omega De Ville perfectly balances outstanding dial preservation with honest exterior wear. The dial and hands are near flawless, standing out as the highlight of the piece. The gold-plated case retains sharp lines and clear brushing, with only light handling marks and minor edge wear. The original bracelet displays expected plating fade but remains structurally sound and highly wearable. Dimensions The case measures 36 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The matching original bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of up to 17.5 cm. Remarks This Omega De Ville is a superb representation of late-1960s watchmaking, offering a compelling blend of elegant design and dependable mechanics. The flawless sunburst dial combined with the distinctive cushion case and original brick-link bracelet creates a striking presence on the wrist. It is a highly collectible and thoroughly enjoyable vintage timepiece for the discerning enthusiast. History The Omega De Ville line officially became a standalone collection in 1967, having previously been a sub-model within the Seamaster family. Conceived as a more urban, elegant alternative to Omega's dedicated tool watches, the De Ville quickly became celebrated for its sophisticated design language and varied case shapes. During the late 1960s and 1970s, the collection embraced bold geometric forms, perfectly capturing the stylistic zeitgeist of the era while maintaining Omega's high standards of mechanical excellence. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ODX-0014