Omega - Genève - No reserve price - 161.003 - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A beautifully preserved Omega Genève reference 161.003, representing the golden era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. This elegant timepiece combines a refined minimalist aesthetic with a robust and highly regarded automatic caliber, making it a quintessential dress watch for the discerning collector. The warm tones of the gold-plated case perfectly frame the radiant silver sunburst dial, capturing the timeless sophistication that defines vintage Omega. Brand: Omega Model: Genève Reference Number: 161.003 Serial Number: 27129197 Movement: Automatic Caliber 552, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices and black inserts, exceptionally clean with minimal signs of age Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated Production Year: 1968 Condition: Excellent vintage condition, showcasing a pristine dial and honest wear to the gold-plated case. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The silver dial features a striking radial sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully, remaining in exceptionally clean condition with no visible moisture damage or heavy spotting. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices featuring central black inserts, matching the elegant gold-tone hands. The hands exhibit noticeable oxidation and age-consistent patina across their metallic surfaces, adding authentic vintage character. The applied Omega logo at twelve o'clock stands proud above the crisp, serif-style printed OMEGA AUTOMATIC text, with Genève elegantly scripted in the lower half. The outer minute track is sharply printed in black, and the dial is correctly signed SWISS MADE at the bottom edge. Case and Crystal The 34-millimeter gold-plated case presents an elegant profile with gracefully sweeping lugs and a smooth bezel. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including fine surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with its age. The gold plating remains largely intact across the midcase, while the exterior edges of the snap-on caseback display some visible plating wear and brassing. The interior of the caseback is crisply stamped with the Omega insignia, reference number 161.003, and EPSA hallmark, confirming the 20-micron plating for the midcase and 40-micron plating for the caseback. The watch is fitted with a clear, domed acrylic crystal that protects the dial without obstructing the view. A signed Omega crown completes the exterior configuration. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Omega Caliber 552, a beautifully copper-finished automatic movement featuring 24 jewels. Close inspection reveals crisp engravings, including the Omega logo, caliber number, and the serial number 27129197, which accurately dates the watch to 1968. The movement surfaces, rotor, and bridges are remarkably clean, displaying the classic brushed finish typical of Omega's high-grade mid-century calibers. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a deviation of +10 to +12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodilian grain and contrasting white perimeter stitching. It is secured with a classic gold-tone pin buckle that complements the tones of the case, providing a comfortable and stylish fit on the wrist. Condition This Omega Genève is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a primary value driver for this piece. The hands display visible, authentic oxidation. The gold-plated case and caseback show normal, age-appropriate wear, including minor surface marks and localized plating loss on the caseback perimeter. The movement is exceptionally clean and visually outstanding. Dimensions The watch measures 34 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This reference 161.003 is a testament to Omega's enduring design language during the late 1960s. The combination of the robust Caliber 552 and the striking silver sunburst dial makes this a highly wearable and collectible vintage dress watch. The exceptional preservation of the dial elevates its appeal for serious enthusiasts seeking a reliable and historic timepiece. History The Genève line was originally introduced by Omega in the 1950s to honor its highest-quality watches produced at the brand's Geneva workshops. By the 1960s and 1970s, the Genève collection had evolved to represent a broad and highly successful range of elegant, everyday timepieces. Benefiting from the same rigorous engineering and high-grade movements as the Seamaster and Constellation lines, the Genève models offered sophisticated styling with uncompromising mechanical integrity, securing their place as enduring favorites among vintage watch collectors today. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OGX-0008