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1973 OMEGA DE VILLE Vintage Mens Automatic Smoked Sapphire Watch - Stainless Steel
Gorgeous Restored Condition - Like a Gerald Genta Design - 1 Year Warranty
Today's offering showcases this gorgeous restored example of one of Omega's classic automatic vintage De Ville watches with beautiful Smoked Sapphire blue dial.
The broad, softly squared tonneau case, clipped corners, narrow bezel, and almost cushion-shaped opening give it a distinctive TV-shaped profile with just enough character to set it apart from a more conventional round dress watch.
There is something about the way the case surrounds the dial that immediately brings to mind Gérald Genta’s work for Audemars Piguet, particularly the elegant geometry of the ref. 5369. Gerald Genta designed certain Omega watches and sold designs that he rescinded his name rights to, so there's no way to know whether or not this came out of his mind or Omega leaned heavily on similar designs, without the exception of the size, its appearance is nearly identical - see the comparative photo in our listing.
It shares the same appealing tension between a formal dress watch and the more sculptural shapes that were beginning to reshape watch design in the late 1960s and 1970s.
What makes this Omega especially successful is that the case has presence without becoming heavy. The brushed upper surface emphasizes its shape, while the slender "De Ville Devil" lugs and relatively open dial keep the watch elegant. From straight on it feels crisp and geometric; viewed at an angle, the curves of the case and crystal soften everything considerably. It is one of those designs that becomes more interesting the longer you study it.
Its original Omega dial has been beautifully custom refinished in our Smoked Sapphire Blue sunburst finish. Darker and more subdued than a conventional royal blue, the color carries subtle gray and teal undertones that give it unusual depth. In softer light it can appear almost smoky and reserved, while brighter light draws vivid sapphire highlights across the radial brushing.
The case is unmistakably a product of an adventurous period in Swiss design, while the Smoked Sapphire dial gives it a cooler, more contemporary personality. Rather than feeling like a conventional vintage dress watch, it has the kind of design-driven presence that makes a watch of the era feel newly relevant today.
It has all of its original parts even down to its original signed crystal.
It has just finished a true expertly done restoration and presents in gorgeous condition. It presents as a 9.7 out of 10.
Its case presents as mint. Its has perfect high polished facets.
Its original Omega dial has been meticulously custom refinished in Smoked Sapphire Blue - the printing could nearly pass as Omega factory done to the naked eye.
As part of the restoration, it has just been fully overhauled by a Master Watchmaker. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
For the finishing touch, a new dark blue calfskin leather strap with aftermarket Omega style buckle has been installed making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Detailed Appraisal:
Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial number: 36,174,034
Year built: c. 1973
Model: De Ville, Ref. ST 161/162.768
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Omega Watch Co, Swiss Made, Acier Inoxydable, 161/162.768
Case condition: Case presents as mint. Its has perfect high polished facets.
Dimensions: 32mm wide (excluding crown), 38mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Smoked Sapphire blue, signed Omega De Ville, steel applied baton indexes topped with black, original Omega dial expertly custom refinished
Hands: Original, whitened steel "batons"
Movement type: Cal. 1012, copper colored, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring
Movement markings: Omega, Swiss, 1012, 24 Jewels, 36,174,034
Jewels: 24 rubies
Band: Calfskin leather, dark blue, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with aftermarket Omega style buckle.
We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal type: Acrylic, original, signed Omega, excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker ($695 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that simulates it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please message us for details.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
SKU 10749
