1966 Omega Automatic Seamaster De Ville Date 166020 One of the First Quick Date Change Models & Original Beads of Rice Bracelet in Steel

Product Code: AWCOM4305

Availability:Out of stock

This Watch

A stainless steel Omega Seamaster de Ville reference 166020 from 1966. An excellent example of a tried and tested favorite from the 1960s.  Omega Seamaster de Ville with its original flat link Beads of Rice style bracelet. This particular Omega benefits from a restored pearl silvered dial,  straight gilt hands and batons with beautifully aged lume.  We have invested in a full dial restoration to bring this impressive piece back to its former stunning  beauty.  The date window is at 3 o'clock and this watch benefits from a quick date change, and it is one of the first models to do so!

The Seamaster de Ville is one of our favourite classic 1960's vintage watches and one of our top classic vintage Omega sellers.  Powered by the reliable Omega calibre 562 automatic movement, fully serviced by us and running strongly, and encased in a 34.4mm monocoque front loading case, its timeless design looks as good today as it would have in 1966. 


Extra Points 

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.  Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration.  Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond.  As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.

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


What we think


Perfect for the vintage watch newbie and can be switched from bracelet to strap at your leisure.  If you're looking for an affordable, attractive and reliable vintage watch, you'd be pushed to find a better example.  We love this watch and are proud to have revived such a stunning piece of design, making it available for the next generation.  We like to be as transparent as possible with what our watches have gone through, and we are happy to present quality craftsmanship that means these timepieces get many more years of use!

 

Spec Stuff

Serial : 2479****
Reference : 166.020
Movement :  Cal 565
Age : 1960/1969
Specific Age : 1966
Case Size : 34mm
Case Thickness : 12mm
Lug to Lug :
 40mm
Lugs :
 18mm
Condition :
 Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :
No
Case Material :
 Stainless Steel
Service History :
 12-Months NON-Waterproof service cover

1966 Omega Automatic Seamaster De Ville Date 166020 One of the First Quick Date Change Models & Original Beads of Rice Bracelet in Steel