We have here an impressive Omega Genève Date, model 166.721, from 1969. It has a gorgeous, Slate Grey dial with bold sloped block baton chrome markers with black central stripes - bold hour, minute and central seconds hands sit at the centre of the dial with matching black stripe and offer a nice contrast for an easy read. At 12 o'clock, the dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic' with the famous Omega logo and 'Genève' at 6 o'clock. At 3 o'clock is the date window.
The Bevelled, 37mm Polished High grade, stainless steel, screw-back case has a contrasting, polished, steel bezel, drawing your eye to the stunning dial. Inside is the automatic Omega caliber 565 - pull / push date change caliber , fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a grey vintage leather racing type strap but please note the strap is 1970s old stock and leather can become brittle when not used, We are happy to supply an extra strap of choice as it looks great on anything. Despite being 50+ years old, this watch comes in great original condition , we have performed a light case polish. The original and stunning slate grey dial is something that is quite rare for a watch of this age!
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.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is another 1970s defined watch and we just can't get enough of it! It has the versatility of being both a dress watch and an everyday piece, with a tried and tested Omega caliber 565 within. Perfect for both men and women, first-time buyers and seasoned collectors. Coloured dials are trending hard now and quite difficult to find in this condition. There are some true hidden gems however in the Geneve line, and the Japanese market reference 166.721 is definitely one of them. In a model line that can leave collectors struggling to see what they have going for them, this Japanese Geneve is the polar opposite, a watch with everything going for it, with relative scarcity being its only drawback.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 30402701####
Reference : 166.721
Movement : Cal. 565 Age :1961/1970 Specific Age :1969 Case Size : 37mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug :44mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1969 Omega Genève Japanese market 'Shibui' Automatic Date in Stainless Steel Model 166.721
