Omega Genève 166.07 (1968)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinguished 1968 Omega Genève is a quintessential example of mid-century Swiss elegance and engineering. Powered by the legendary Caliber 552 automatic movement, this timepiece embodies the refined aesthetic that established the Genève line as a pillar of Omega's success in the 1960s. Its warm champagne dial, combined with a classic gold-plated case, offers a sophisticated wrist presence that appeals to both seasoned collectors and those seeking a stylish entry into the world of vintage horology. Brand: Omega Model: Genève Reference Number: 166.070 Serial Number: 27502803 Movement: Omega Caliber 552 Automatic Dial: Champagne sunburst with applied indices Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold Plated (20 Microns) / Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest and attractive appearance with visible signs of aging on the dial and case that confirm its history, while the movement performs reliably with strong amplitude. Dial and Hands The watch features a classic champagne dial with a subtle sunburst finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied gold-tone baton indices featuring black inlays, which match the stick-style hands for excellent legibility. The dial shows evident signs of age, characterized by scattered patina and spotting throughout the surface, giving the piece a genuine vintage character. The tritium lume plots are present at the outer edge of the markers, signed "T SWISS MADE T" at the bottom. Case and Crystal The 35mm case is finished with 20-micron gold plating, as stamped on the inside of the caseback. The case retains its classic shape with straight lugs, showing normal surface scratches and wear consistent with a watch of this era. The original Omega-signed crown is present. The stainless steel screw-down caseback features the "Waterproof" engraving, though it has softened slightly over time, and shows scratches from past opening attempts. The crystal is clear and presents well. Movement At the heart of this timepiece beats the renowned Omega Caliber 552, a copper-colored automatic movement with 24 jewels. This caliber is widely respected for its durability and precision. The movement is clean and running within vintage tolerances. Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of approximately -5 to -9 seconds per day with strong amplitude, signaling a healthy mechanical state. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring an alligator-style grain pattern. It is secured by a generic gold-tone pin buckle that complements the case finish, making it ready to wear immediately. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. It wears its history openly, with visible patina on the dial and scratches on the gold-plated case and steel caseback. These elements contribute to an honest, unpolished aesthetic that many collectors appreciate. The mechanical condition is excellent for its age, functioning reliably. Dimensions The case measures 35 mm in diameter excluding the crown, a classic size that sits comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes. The lug width accommodates standard straps, allowing for easy customization if desired. Remarks This Omega Genève Reference 166.070 is a stylish representative of late 1960s dress watches. The combination of the reliable Caliber 552 and the iconic gold-tone design makes it a versatile accessory suitable for both formal occasions and daily wear. History The Omega Genève line was created in 1953 to celebrate Omega's success in the chronometer competitions held at the Geneva Observatory. By the late 1960s, the collection had evolved into the brand's core range of dress watches, offering high-quality movements and elegant designs. This specific example from 1968 highlights the transition era of Omega, utilizing one of their most successful full-rotor automatic movements before the quartz crisis transformed the industry. / Second Vintage SKU: OME139TS7E000