Omega Seamaster De Ville 18ct 1971 – Solid Gold Original Unrestored Dial!

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 1950s and 1960s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these 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 into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

First released in 1948 to coincide with Omega’s 100th anniversary, the Omega Seamaster range has remained in production as one of Omega’s top premium lines ever since. Originally based on the waterproof wristwatches made for the British military at the end of World War II, the Omega Seamaster was intended as a robust, yet elegant watch for active individuals who wanted a watch suitable for use in all conditions. Always a premium product, the Seamaster has often shared movements with the top of the line Omega Constellation.

Description

Omega Seamaster watches have always been held in very high regard for their accuracy, reliability, and dependability in all conditions. The Seamaster ‘De Ville’ was first released during the early 1960s and introduced more style and elegance to the Seamaster range. The ‘De Ville’ still has a waterproof case and a top line movement, but was designed as a watch suitable for ‘all occasions’ as well as ‘all conditions’. The 18ct Omega Seamaster De Ville we see here, has a rare 18ct solid gold dial. Omega Seamaster watches are, of course, highly collectable and this is one of the rarest models you will see.

The Dial

The original, unrestored, solid 18ct yellow gold dial has Black Onyx inlaid baton hour indices, matched by original ‘Index’ hands. The dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. Usually, we restore the dial of each and every watch we acquire. However in this instance, as the dial is made of solid gold and is in such superb original condition, restoration was unnecessary.

The Movement

The very high grade Omega Cal.565, 24 Jewel movement is the same movement as used in the top of the range Omega Constellation of the same period. Highly regarded as a movement of the highest quality, it is very accurate, robust, and reliable. Following its restoration by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker, the movement is in absolutely sparkling condition, as good in fact as the day it was made! We have tested the movement following a full service and it is running within +4 seconds/day which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. We will therefore be pleased to offer a 12 month warranty with this watch*.

The movement is signed Omega Watch Co, Swiss, with the Calibre number 565, and 24 Jewels, along with the serial number 33042977, which dates this watch to 1971. The movement features a quick change date mechanism which saves a great deal of time when setting the date. One simply pulls out the crown to the time setting position, then a further pull, to advance the date by one day. One then returns the crown to the time setting position and repeats this to advance the date by a further day, and so on.

*Note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable provided the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The very high quality original 18ct gold Omega swiss made case is a good size for the period at 34mm, excluding the original Omega signed winding crown. The case-back has the Seamaster motif which is very crisp and unworn, indicating this watch has only been very lightly used.  The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved. The watch case is immaculate, with no marks, scratches, dings or wear visible to the naked eye.  The inside of the case-back carries all the correct Swiss 18ct hallmarks. It is signed ‘Fab Suisse’ with the case serial number 3665801.

Each and every aspect of this watch indicates the watch has been very lightly and carefully used.

The case, of course, was designed to be waterproof when new and during its service all the rubber seals have been replaced. However, our standard advice applies: We recommend all vintage watches are kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new Sea Blue Hirsch Regent genuine Alligator watch strap has been fitted, with a gold plated Omega buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please 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 huge range of 18mm straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1971. Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your security and interest. 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 vintage Omega inner and outer presentation boxes shown, are included in the sale of this watch.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy and with 12 months’ Warranty.*

In Conclusion

A wonderfully charming, high quality, totally original watch, which even though it is approaching 50 years old, is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is also an item of beauty from one of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking 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 gold Omega watches grows, the limited supply and high demand around the world means prices are inevitably climbing ever higher!

A word on our prices – We work very hard to acquire the very highest quality watches, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then aim to 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 are a number of 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.

Delivery is free within the UK and we charge only £45 for worldwide delivery via DHL or FedEx.

Please note we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch, or a 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.