{"product_id":"1972-omega-sharp-geneve-automatic-date-ref-166-099-stainless-steel-integrated-bracelet-cal-1481-push-date","title":"1972 Omega Sharp Genève Automatic Date ref. 166.099 – stainless steel integrated bracelet – cal. 1481 push-date","description":"\u003ch3\u003eThis Watch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have here a wonderfully sharp and very original Omega Genève Automatic Date from 1972, reference 166.009, a watch that sums up that brief period in the early 1970s when Omega moved away from the more traditional round dress-watch styling of the 1960s and started experimenting with flatter, more architectural case shapes and integrated bracelet designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first thing that strikes you is just how beautifully simple the whole watch is. The stainless steel case has a broad, almost tonneau-shaped profile with flat angular shoulders flowing directly into the bracelet. There are no conventional protruding lugs; instead the bracelet becomes part of the design and gives the watch a particularly clean, purposeful appearance. The top of the case retains its lovely straight brushed finish, while the edges and side surfaces provide just enough contrast to emphasise those sharp 1970s lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original silver-grey dial suits the case perfectly. It has a vertically brushed satin finish with applied baton hour markers carrying black inserts, a double marker at 12, slim minute track and a framed date aperture at 3 o'clock. The black and steel hour and minute hands, together with the very fine centre seconds hand, make the whole watch almost monochrome. Silver, grey, black and steel – nothing unnecessary and nothing fighting for attention. There are also the original aged luminous details to the hands and hour positions, giving just the right amount of vintage character without detracting from the extremely clean overall appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 12 o'clock we have the applied Omega symbol above OMEGA AUTOMATIC, with the simple Genève signature positioned at 6. It is a very uncluttered dial and one which looks noticeably different depending on the light; in bright light the vertical grain becomes much more obvious, while under softer lighting the dial takes on a darker graphite-silver tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/6187\/6838\/files\/DSC_5332_b852b228-b016-46dc-8ecc-838ada92a2c8.jpg?v=1792521781\" alt=\"\" width=\"562\" height=\"158\"\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside is the automatic Omega calibre 1481. This is an interesting movement in its own right, particularly because of its rather unusual quickset date mechanism ( Note the correct protruding crown ) . Instead of pulling the crown out and turning it to advance the date, the date is advanced by pressing the crown inward. It is one of those quirky little mechanical solutions that makes a vintage watch considerably more interesting once you know it is there. The calibre 1481 was used by Omega during this early-1970s period and is particularly associated with these Genève calendar models. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003ehe original Omega stainless steel bracelet is an important part of the watch rather than simply something attached to it. Its broad, flat links continue the geometry of the case beautifully, tapering into the signed Omega folding clasp. It also retains plenty of adjustment through the clasp. Looking at the watch as a complete object, the bracelet is arguably what makes the design work so well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition throughout is particularly good. The case remains crisp, the brushed surfaces are still clearly defined, the bracelet complements it beautifully and the dial remains remarkably clean for a watch now over half a century old. Exactly the sort of honest, sharp 1970s Omega we like to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExtra Points\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"pointsofmention\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"pointsofmention\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFounded 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 the Omega Seamaster being worn by many celebrities and A listers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"pointsofmention\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"personalnote\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat we think\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly the sort of 1970s Omega we think is still slightly overlooked. Everyone knows the obvious Seamasters, Speedmasters and Constellations, but pieces like this show just how adventurous Omega's designers were becoming during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, we think the case and bracelet are the stars here. Viewed straight on it is quite restrained, but turn the wrist slightly and all those flat planes, sharp shoulders and contrasting brushed surfaces suddenly become obvious. It has a little of that 1970s industrial-design feel that is currently becoming increasingly popular again, without looking remotely gimmicky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also love the monochrome appearance. The brushed silver dial, dark baton inserts, steel case and matching bracelet make the watch incredibly easy to wear. Jeans and a shirt, suit, T-shirt – it really doesn't matter. At around 35mm it also has enough wrist presence because of the broad case and integrated bracelet, so it wears considerably larger than a conventional round 35mm dress watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there is the push-date. Completely unnecessary perhaps, but wonderfully mechanical and exactly the sort of odd little feature vintage collectors enjoy. Press the crown, watch the date jump and you immediately remember why mechanical watches are more interesting than something that simply tells the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, this one has survived extremely well. These flat brushed cases quickly lose their character when heavily polished. This example still looks wonderfully crisp and purposeful, and combined with the matching Omega bracelet it feels like a complete piece of early-1970s design rather than simply an old watch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA proper vintage Omega, a slightly unusual one, and very wearable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"specification\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpec Stuff\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial : \u003c\/strong\u003e34698****\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReference : \u003c\/strong\u003e166.099\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMovement : \u003c\/strong\u003eCal. 1481 (Push Date)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge :\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1971\/1980\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Age :\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1972\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Size : \u003c\/strong\u003e35mm\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCase Thickness : \u003c\/strong\u003e12mm\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLug to Lug :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e40mm\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLugs : Integral - \u003c\/strong\u003e23mm\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Pre-Owned\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBox \u0026amp; Papers :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCase Material :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eStainless Steel\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eService History :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bm162d2IDes?si=P7ABGs8cdavk94QF\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"specification\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Omega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59023761867126,"sku":"AWCOM8803","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/6187\/6838\/files\/DSC_5323.png?v=1792274701","url":"https:\/\/antiquewatchuk.co.uk\/products\/1972-omega-sharp-geneve-automatic-date-ref-166-099-stainless-steel-integrated-bracelet-cal-1481-push-date","provider":"Antique Watch Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}