Omega De Ville 555.003 (1970)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This elegant ladies' timepiece perfectly encapsulates the refined sophistication that defined Omega's dress watches during the mid-twentieth century. Combining a remarkably diminutive case with a fully realized automatic movement, it stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to both aesthetic grace and mechanical excellence in women's horology. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 555.003 Serial Number: 31029106 Movement: Omega Caliber 661, Automatic, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and black accents, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 20 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with outstanding dial preservation Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver sunburst dial that catches the light dynamically, radiating outward from the center pinion. It is adorned with an applied silver-tone Omega logo and applied faceted baton hour markers, which are detailed with black central inserts to enhance contrast and legibility. The matching black baton hands provide a striking visual balance against the bright dial surface. Under close inspection, the dial remains in exceptionally clean condition, completely free of moisture damage, spotting, or the heavy patina often found on watches of this age. The factory printing, including "OMEGA AUTOMATIC", "DE VILLE", and the "SWISS MADE" designation at the bottom, is crisp, intact, and perfectly preserved. Case and Crystal The 20 mm stainless steel case is elegantly proportioned, featuring a smooth polished bezel and highly distinctive, sharply angled straight lugs. The transition between the case flanks and the lug facets remains well-defined, showing only honest, light surface scratches consistent with careful vintage wear. The watch is fitted with its original scalloped Omega-signed crown, which remains sharp and easy to operate. A domed crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly and offering an unobstructed view of the pristine display beneath. The snap-on caseback is cleanly finished, with the interior properly stamped with Omega factory markings and the 555.003 reference number. Movement Powering this petite timepiece is the impressive Omega Caliber 661, a copper-finished automatic movement featuring 24 jewels and adjusted to two positions. To engineer a self-winding caliber of this quality into such a compact footprint highlights Omega's mechanical prowess of the era. The movement is visually clean and well-preserved, bearing the serial number 31029106, which dates its production to approximately 1970. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +34s to +38s/day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period-correct stainless steel fine mesh bracelet, manufactured in Italy by Elmitex. The intricate woven design of the bracelet perfectly complements the mid-century aesthetic of the De Ville case, offering a seamless and comfortable fit on the wrist. The clasp and sliding mechanism remain in excellent structural condition, accommodating a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Condition This timepiece is presented in excellent vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains its factory proportions and sharp lug profiles, exhibiting only minor, superficial handling marks. The dial is a true highlight, remaining strikingly clean and fresh, free from any distracting blemishes or deterioration. The mechanical components are equally well-preserved, making this a highly attractive and ready-to-wear collector's piece. Dimensions The case measures 20 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The included mesh bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 18 cm. Remarks Finding a ladies' vintage Omega with a fully automatic movement in such remarkably clean condition is a rare pleasure. The combination of the sharp, faceted lugs, the pristine sunburst dial, and the high-jewel mechanical caliber makes this De Ville a standout example of classic 1970s elegance. It is a sophisticated accessory that sacrifices nothing in terms of serious watchmaking. History The De Ville collection originally began its life as a subset of the Seamaster line before Omega wisely established it as a standalone family in 1967. Designed to offer a more refined, urban, and dress-oriented alternative to the brand's robust sports models, the De Ville quickly became synonymous with timeless elegance. For its ladies' models, Omega refused to compromise on mechanics, developing incredibly compact automatic movements like the Caliber 661 to ensure their female clientele received the same level of horological innovation as their male counterparts. This particular example perfectly embodies that golden era of sophisticated, uncompromising design. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OAD-0004