Omega - De Ville - No reserve price - 166.033 - Men - 1969

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Omega De Ville emerged in the 1960s as a masterclass in mid-century horological elegance, originally born as a refined dress-watch offshoot of the robust Seamaster line before earning its own standalone collection in 1967. This particular example perfectly encapsulates the era's sophisticated urban aesthetic, pairing a beautifully balanced dial with a robust automatic caliber. Anchored by its original bracelet, this timepiece offers collectors a highly versatile and exquisitely preserved slice of Omega’s golden era of design. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 166.033 Serial Number: 28950764 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 565, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied black-inlaid baton indices, remarkably clean condition Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: Circa 1969 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a stunningly preserved dial Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is a striking study in minimalist elegance, reflecting light beautifully across its finely textured metallic surface. It is adorned with applied, faceted baton indices that feature distinct black inserts, providing excellent legibility and a sharp visual contrast. The applied Omega logo sits proudly at twelve o'clock, above crisp, perfectly preserved black typography reading "OMEGA AUTOMATIC" in a mix of serif and sans-serif fonts, with "DE VILLE" positioned on the lower half. A cleanly framed, stepped date window is located at the three o'clock position. The matching polished stick hands carry the same black inlay as the indices, tying the design together flawlessly. Upon close inspection, the dial is in exceptional condition, remaining incredibly clean and free of any notable spots, stains, moisture marks, or discoloration. The sunburst finish remains factory-fresh in its appearance. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a timeless round profile with elegantly proportioned, straight lugs and a smooth polished bezel. The case lines remain sharp and well-defined, transitioning cleanly between the brushed and polished surfaces. The watch is fitted with its correct, original scalloped crown, distinctly signed with the Omega logo. The solid caseback is clearly engraved with "WATERPROOF 166033 - TOOL 106" on the exterior, denoting its front-loading unishell design architecture, while the interior is properly stamped with Omega factory markings. The watch is topped with a domed acrylic crystal that notably features the original, tiny Omega logo etched precisely into its center, a wonderful detail highly prized by collectors. The case exhibits honest, light surface scratches and minor handling marks consistent with careful vintage wear, but displays no deep gouges or heavy impacts. Movement Powering this De Ville is the highly regarded Omega Caliber 565, a 24-jewel automatic movement known for its robust architecture and quickset date functionality. The movement displays Omega’s signature copper-toned finishing, which remains bright and visually exceptionally clean. The caliber engraving and the serial number 28950764 are clearly stamped on the bridges, accurately dating the production of this timepiece to approximately 1969. The movement is equipped with a swan-neck regulator for precise adjustment. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of +15 to +20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is presented on its original Omega stainless steel bracelet, a highly sought-after accessory that elevates the vintage character of the timepiece. The folding clasp features a crisp, raised Omega logo. The bracelet shows a beautiful, even polish with light surface scuffing and moderate stretch consistent with its age, providing an incredibly comfortable and fluid drape on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial is the undisputed highlight, exhibiting near-mint preservation with a flawless sunburst texture and pristine applied furniture. The case retains strong geometry with normal, age-appropriate surface wear. The original signed crystal and signed crown remain intact, and the movement is exceptionally clean and running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks Finding a late-1960s Omega De Ville with a dial this pristine and its original bracelet intact is becoming increasingly difficult. The presence of the etched Omega crystal and the beautifully preserved Caliber 565 movement make this an outstanding acquisition for both seasoned Omega enthusiasts and those looking for a perfect, timeless vintage dress watch. History Omega introduced the De Ville name in 1960 as a sophisticated subset of the Seamaster line, intended to offer the same legendary reliability in a more refined, elegant package suited for city life rather than diving. By 1967, the De Ville had become so successful that Omega launched it as its own independent collection. It quickly became the brand's most diverse and popular line, celebrated for its clean aesthetics, varied case shapes, and award-winning designs. The De Ville represented the pinnacle of mid-century Swiss dress watch design, seamlessly blending horological innovation with enduring style. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-ADV-0005