Omega De Ville 551.038 (1960-1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic ladies' De Ville presents a striking faceted crystal that beautifully complements its exceptionally clean grey dial. The distinctive geometry of the crystal plays with light across the dial surface, creating a sophisticated visual presence that highlights the well-preserved applied indices and vertical brushing. Brand: Omega Model: De Ville Reference Number: 551.038 Movement: Automatic Caliber 661 Dial: Grey with vertical brushing and applied silver-tone indices Case Size: 18 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1960s Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +2+5s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean grey dial features a striking vertical brushing effect, complemented by crisp white printed text. Applied silver-tone indices remain in excellent condition, matching the well-preserved silver-tone baton hands, which display clean surfaces with no visible oxidation or corrosion. The entire dial and handset combination is beautifully preserved, showing no visible spotting or moisture damage, offering a highly refined aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 18 mm stainless steel case features an elegant integrated lug design. It displays honest wear consistent with age, including moderate scratches and handling marks on the polished surfaces, while the caseback shows typical wear and surface scratches. The watch is fitted with a distinctive faceted crystal that adds considerable character, showing some light surface scratches and scuffs visible under direct light. A knurled, signed crown with a clear Omega logo in relief completes the case profile, showing light wear on its outer edges. Movement Inside beats the Omega Caliber 661 automatic movement, clearly engraved with OMEGA WATCH Co, SWISS, TWENTY-FOUR 24 JEWELS, and ADJUSTED TWO (2) POSITIONS. The copper-colored plating is bright and clean, with the rotor and bridges showing clean finishing. There is no visible corrosion, oxidation, or damaged screw heads present on the assessable surfaces. Recording +2+5s/day on the timegrapher, the movement is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct stainless steel mesh bracelet that suits the vintage character of the timepiece perfectly. The bracelet appears structurally sound, showing normal signs of use consistent with its age. Condition Good vintage condition. The movement, supported by the recorded timegrapher result, is performing very strongly. Visually, the watch presents beautifully with an exceptionally clean dial and handset. The case and caseback display honest moderate scratches and handling marks on the polished surfaces, while the faceted crystal shows light scuffs under direct light. The period correct mesh bracelet remains structurally sound with normal wear. Dimensions The case measures 18 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This De Ville stands out through its highly attractive grey brushed dial and the distinctive faceted crystal that enhances its entire profile. Combined with the remarkably strong performance of the Omega Caliber 661 automatic movement, it represents a charming and highly capable vintage ladies' timepiece. History The Omega De Ville reference 551.038, cataloged as ST 551.0038 in the brand's archives, was introduced to the international collection in 1968. Designed with a petite 18 mm stainless steel case, this elegant ladies' model was powered by a compact automatic mechanical movement, specifically utilizing the caliber 661 or 663. The model line represents Omega's dedication to creating refined, stylish dress watches that maintained the brand's high standards for mechanical watchmaking in a significantly smaller format. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-DVX-0019