Omega De Ville 511.166 (1970)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This captivating ladies' Omega De Ville seamlessly bridges the gap between haute horlogerie and fine jewelry. Characterized by its striking faceted crystal and a highly unusual tortoiseshell-patterned bangle bracelet, this timepiece is a testament to Omega's daring and elegant design language of the early 1970s. Perfectly proportioned for the wrist and boasting an exceptional level of preservation, it offers collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to acquire a vintage dress watch that doubles as a statement accessory. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 511.166 Serial Number: 32247980 Movement: Manual wind, Caliber 485, 17 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with printed black baton indices, exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 17 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an immaculate dial and beautifully preserved crystal Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in minimalist mid-century design, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light. It is appointed with slender, black printed baton hour markers that provide excellent contrast for legibility despite the diminutive size of the watch. The typography is crisp and perfectly preserved, with the classic Omega logo and sans-serif "DE VILLE" text remaining sharp and fully intact. A visual inspection confirms that the dial is in stunningly clean condition, showing no visible spots, stains, moisture marks, or discoloration. The matching black baton hands are equally pristine, completing the elegant and highly legible display. Case and Crystal The petite 17 mm stainless steel case is brilliantly designed to integrate seamlessly into the bangle bracelet, creating a continuous flow around the wrist. The case flanks and lugs exhibit sharp lines and honest, light signs of wear consistent with careful use, maintaining their structural integrity and original profile. The standout feature of this case is undoubtedly the dramatic faceted crystal. Cut with diamond-like edges, the crystal creates a mesmerizing optical effect around the perimeter of the dial and remains remarkably well-preserved, free from heavy scratches or noticeable chips. The original Omega-signed crown is present and features sharp knurling. The brushed stainless steel snap-on caseback is clean and clearly stamped on the interior with the reference number 511.166. Movement Powering this elegant timepiece is the Omega Caliber 485, a finely finished manual-wind movement featuring 17 jewels. The movement displays Omega's signature copper-toned plating, which remains vibrant and visually excellent. Close inspection reveals the caliber marking 485 and the serial number 32247980, securely dating the production to approximately 1970. The movement is remarkably clean, showing no signs of moisture intrusion or careless handling. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of -40 to -45 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a spectacular period rigid bangle bracelet made from a smooth, tortoiseshell-patterned resin or acrylic. This rich, translucent brown and amber material is secured to the case via stainless steel hinged elements that feature decorative riveting. The bracelet includes a delicate stainless steel safety chain for added security on the wrist. The tortoiseshell segments are glossy and well-preserved, showing only superficial micro-scratches from normal wear. Condition This Omega De Ville is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, retaining a fresh and vibrant appearance. The faceted crystal, often a casualty of wear on such models, is in fantastic shape and elevates the entire aesthetic of the watch. The stainless steel case and unique bangle bracelet show only light, superficial handling marks, with no deep gouges or structural damage. The movement is clean and visually highly attractive. Dimensions The case measures 17 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. Remarks It is exceedingly rare to find a vintage ladies' Omega that combines such an avant-garde bracelet design with a perfectly preserved dial and faceted crystal. This De Ville is a highly collectible piece of 1970s fashion history that remains incredibly stylish and wearable today. History The De Ville collection was introduced by Omega in the 1960s, originally as a subset of the Seamaster line before becoming a standalone family in 1967. It was created to house Omega's most elegant, refined, and fashion-forward designs, leaving the Seamaster to focus on sporting pursuits. Throughout the 1970s, the De Ville line became a canvas for Omega's designers to experiment with unique case shapes, exotic materials, and jewelry-inspired forms, perfectly capturing the bold and expressive spirit of the era. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-DVX-0023