Omega De Ville Date "Tropical Olive" Automatic 166.0161 (circa 1970s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
De Villes are special in Omega’s history. Originally a sub-set of Seamasters, they became a standalone line as a home for technical milestones (eg. Omega’s first co-axial escapement and first anti-magnetic central tourbillon) as well as avant-garde design experiments. However, a handful of De Ville references retained more classical styling, using high quality calibres inside. This is one such example. What makes this piece special though is that tropical patina on the dial that has developed over half a century into an olive/brown hue depending on the light, with patterns that only the natural passage of time (a lot of it) can craft. Pleasing patina is something we really enjoy as no two patinated dials are ever the same, making each a piece unique, effectively. A very special piece indeed. Serviced and warrantied!

CONDITION:
8.5/10, with hairlines and micro-nicks consistent with age. Original Omega-signed crystal mostly clean with just a couple of fine lines. Indices and hands are clean. Tritium lume plots on the dial have made their way into the dial surface as is common, but are still present and respond to UV correctly for age. De Ville relief and engravings on the caseback sharp and deep. Original signed crown. New aftermarket strap and buckle. Movement is serviced with a 6-month warranty and returning over-spec power reserve, excellent amplitude, low beat error and accurate to ±5 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
35.2mm width excl. crown
42mm length incl. lugs
10.3mm thickness
18mm lug width
Visual dial width ~28.5mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Omega-signed Hesalite

CASE:
Steel

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
Aftermarket matte black padded croc-embossed with aftermarket buckle (16mm),

CALIBRE:
Omega Cal. 1012, 3-hander automatic with quickset date

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap and buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please read our “Terms of service” below. Thanks!