This is a visually striking and historically fascinating 1973 Omega Genève Automatic, Model 166.0118. Encased in a robust, brushed stainless steel tonneau-shaped case, this timepiece captures the chunky, purposeful aesthetic of the 1970s.
However, the true talking point is the dial. What you are seeing is a magnificent example of a "Tropical" transformation. This dial originally left the factory with a satin-brushed blue finish. Over the decades, environmental factors—specifically exposure to UV light, temperature fluctuations, and the chemical reaction of the plating materials—have completely transformed the colour into a unique, textured golden-brass hue. This natural aging process means this specific watch is a true "piece unique"; the pattern and tone are unrepeatable and exclusive to this single watch. It features applied baton markers, white-detailed hands, and a date window at 3 o'clock.
The chamfered, 35x42mm, brushed & polished stainless steel, screw-back case has a contrasting, satin, steel bezel, drawing your eye to the stunning dial.
Inside beats the Omega Caliber 1481, a movement that tells an important story of Swiss watchmaking cooperation. This calibre serves as a confirmation of the deep historical bond between Omega and Tissot.
In 1930, Omega and Tissot merged to form the SSIH (Société Suisse pour l'Industrie Horlogère) group. This partnership allowed them to share technology and innovation. The Omega Caliber 1481 is effectively the twin of the Tissot Caliber 2481. It was a jointly developed movement, celebrated for its reliability and its innovative quick-set date feature, which is operated by pushing the crown inward (like a button) rather than turning it. This mechanism is a distinct hallmark of this collaborative era.
The watch is fitted with a tan leather strap that perfectly complements the warm, tropical tones of the dial.
We've paired the watch on a fetching tan strap to compliment this fabulous dial hibrid.
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 Omega Genève is the definition of "wabi-sabi" in watch collecting—finding beauty in imperfection and age. While many collectors hunt for pristine "new old stock," there is a growing and passionate community that seeks out these "Tropical" dials because they show a life lived.
The connection to Tissot via the Caliber 1481 adds a layer of horological geekery that we love. It represents a golden era of the Swiss industry where two giants worked side-by-side. If you want a vintage watch that starts a conversation—"Is that gold?" "No, it used to be blue!"—this is the one for you. It is a robust, everyday vintage piece with a chemical fingerprint that can never be copied.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 3644####
Reference : 166.0118
Movement : Cal. 1481 Age :1971/1980 Specific Age :1973 Case Size : 35mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug :42mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
