Omega Seamaster De Ville Cal.562 18ct 1968

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s and 60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we have a beautiful example of the now very sought after Omega Seamaster De Ville, here in 18ct yellow gold with a rare Guilloché dial. This model reference 166.5020 also has an advanced two-piece watch case, for improved water and dust protection. Omega Seamasters are highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability and the De Ville model is now becoming very popular among collectors.

Most fortunately, this watch also comes complete with its two original boxes which are almost as new, plus all of its original paperwork including the Omega hand booklet which is signed and dated, the International Warranty and the original retailer’s sales receipt, completed with case and movement numbers.

Dial

The beautifully restored Silver-White Guilloché dial is complete with its original gilt ‘Index’ hands, and baton hour indices, plus a date function. Guilloché is a decorative technique in which a very precise, intricate and repetitive pattern is mechanically engraved on the dial. This is rarely used on anything but the most expensive watches. Here, it catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the accompanying photographs. Depending on the light, the dial subtly changes from Grey to Silver and White. The dial is signed with the applied Omega brand along with ‘Automatic’ and also with the classic Seamaster and De Ville script.

This is the original dial which has been beautifully restored by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK.

Movement

This is the top grade Cal.562, 24 Jewels movement which is the same movement as used in the top of the range, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation during this period. This movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. Here, the beryllium bronze movement is in absolutely tip-top condition and looks as good in fact, as the day it was made!

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced, meaning complete disassembly of the watch movement to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration. The watch, therefore, winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a tremendous 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore pleased to be able to offer 12 month warranty with this watch*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ along with the Calibre number 562, 24 Jewels, and the movement serial number 23891282 which dates the manufacture of the movement to 1965.**

**Please note, the original documents which accompany this watch show that it was not until 1968 that this watch was first retailed therefore this watch could quite rightfully be referred to as either a 1965 or a 1968 watch. This would have been a very expensive watch when new and it was not unusual for such a watch to be kept in stock for 3 years following date of manufacture before it was sold.

* Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

Watch Case

A very high quality Dennison, made in the UK for Omega, 18ct yellow gold, advanced two-piece watch case, designed for improved water and dust resistance. The case-back carries the Seamaster motif which here is unworn, indicating this watch has only been very lightly used. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye. The case is a good size for the period at 34mm, excluding the original Omega crown. This watch case was waterproof when new and all the rubber seals have been replaced. However, the watch case has not been pressure tested and its water resistance is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new, handmade in Italy, genuine Black Lizard watch strap has been fitted with a gold plated omega buckle, which we feel finishes this watch perfectly. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please do let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of 18mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

We are very fortunate that this watch comes with all its original paperwork, complete with the original red plastic Omega wallet. This comprises of the original ‘You And Your Omega’ booklet, the original completed and signed International Guarantee, and the original UK retailer’s Sales Receipt completed with the watch case reference and movement serial numbers and dated 23rd February 1968.

A Vintage Gold Watches London detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The original vintage Omega inner and outer presentation boxes, as shown, are also included in the sale of this watch. These are in almost perfect condition and are perhaps the best we have ever seen.

In Conclusion

This is a charming and totally original watch and even though it is 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is also an item of beauty and individuality, and a superb example of a classic 1960s vintage Seamaster from one of horology’s most famous names, in superb fully restored condition.

If treated with care, this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece, to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. It will also provide excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Omega watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world will mean prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call on our Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas, on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.