This Watch

We have here an Omega De Ville Automatic Date from 1968.  One very special thing about this 165.029 model  is the streamline slimmer 35mm Tonneau shaped case. You could almost mistake it for a Constellation. The striking symmetrical, original sunburst silver dial has sleek, chrome, stick markers with double markers at 12, 6 and 9 o'clock and chrome, stick pencil hour, minute and central seconds hands.  The outer minute tracking has Tritium pips also marking the hours. The dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic' with the famous Omega logo at 12 o'clock and 'De Ville' at 6.

The 35mm, stainless steel, "C"-shaped case has tapered lugs and a nicely curves over your wrist for a comfortable wear for both him and her.  The combination of both polished and brushed steel on the case creates a crisp transition.  Inside is the automatic renown Omega caliber 552 , fully serviced by us and running strongly.  The icing on the cake is its original ref 1068 flat Bor steel bracelet with 19mm ends which is also in super fine condition with minimal wear or stretch - Fitting a good size wrist of around 7.5 inches.

Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. 

This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.

What we think

Nothing screams 'classic watch' like a 1960s Omega and we love this 165.029 model.  This specific watch comes only one year after Omega launched the De Ville as a stand-alone range and with its more streamlined design, it is easy to see how it soon became Omega's best-selling collection.  It is a great fit for both men and women, and for first-time buyers or the seasoned collector. The amazing bonus is that it comes with the original Bracelet - something that is quite rare for a watch of this age so be sure you don't miss out! Remembering it can be swapped out for leather when you fancy a change. 

Spec Stuff