Omega De Ville 511.166 (1968)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage Vintage ladies' timepieces from the mid-twentieth century represent a fascinating intersection of horology and fine jewelry, and this delicate Omega De Ville is a brilliant testament to that era of design. Characterized by an exquisite faceted crystal that catches the light from every angle, this watch functions perfectly as both a reliable timekeeper and an elegant statement piece. The intricate, stylized bracelet elevates the aesthetic, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of vintage cocktail watches and lovers of mid-century elegance. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 511.166 Serial Number: 27306053 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 484 Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 17 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with beautifully preserved dial and authentic case wear Dial and Hands The watch features a wonderfully preserved silver sunburst dial that remains remarkably bright and clean, showing virtually no spotting or heavy discoloration. The dial furniture consists of applied, faceted silver-tone baton indices that complement the intricate geometry of the crystal above them. Elegant black baton hands provide excellent contrast and legibility against the metallic sunburst finish. The typography is crisp and fully intact, featuring the printed Omega logo and name below the twelve o'clock position, the De Ville script above the six o'clock position, and the traditional Swiss Made designation tucked at the very bottom edge. Case and Crystal The petite 17mm stainless steel case displays a classic round profile with nicely integrated lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including superficial scratches and minor handling marks consistent with a vintage piece of this age, while maintaining its structural integrity. A standout feature of this timepiece is the striking faceted acrylic crystal, often referred to as a cut-glass style, which creates beautiful optical refractions over the dial. The watch is fitted with a well-proportioned, fluted stainless steel crown proudly bearing the embossed Omega symbol. The brushed stainless steel snap-on caseback shows typical light surface scratches and opens to reveal the crisp factory engravings on the inner caseback, including the Omega triangle and the reference number 511.166. Movement Powering this elegant timepiece is the Omega manual wind Caliber 484, a compact and highly respected movement designed specifically for ladies' watches. The movement features a beautiful copper-toned finish across its bridges and plates, characteristic of vintage Omega calibers. Close inspection reveals crisp factory engravings, including the Omega Watch Co signature, the seventeen jewels designation, the caliber 484 stamp, and the serial number 27306053. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher results indicate +70 to +78 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on a highly decorative, period correct stainless steel bracelet featuring an intricate pattern of stylized heart-shaped links interspersed with small gold-tone ball accents. This jewelry-style bracelet is secured by a folding clasp and includes a delicate safety chain for added security on the wrist. The bracelet shows normal vintage wear and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 16cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case and caseback show moderate, authentic surface scratches and handling marks typical of regular wear over the decades. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, retaining its vibrant sunburst texture with no visible damage or distracting blemishes. The faceted crystal remains in highly attractive condition, and the intricate bracelet retains its structural charm. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a delicate 17 mm in diameter, excluding the signed Omega crown. Remarks This Omega De Ville is a superb example of mid-century ladies' horology, blending reliable mechanical performance with the aesthetic grace of a fine bracelet. The light-catching crystal and intricate link design make it a captivating accessory for formal occasions or daily wear, offering a tangible connection to the golden age of elegant watchmaking. History The De Ville collection originally began as a subset of the famous Seamaster line before Omega established it as a standalone collection in 1967. Designed to offer a more refined, dress-oriented alternative to the robust sports models, the De Ville quickly became synonymous with elegance, sleek cases, and sophisticated dials. Ladies' De Ville models from the late 1960s are particularly beloved for their jewelry-like execution, often incorporating unique crystal designs and intricate bracelets that reflected the high-fashion sensibilities of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ODX-0052