This is a nice example of a vintage men’s watch from the Swiss brand, Omega. It is an automatic Seamaster De Ville 165.008, which combines the qualities of a dress watch with the rugged functionality of a tool watch. The watch is in very good condition with a strong case and a remarkably clean dial surface. The watch has a 24-jewel automatic movement, calibre 711, which is working well. The movement is fully signed and has an Omega serial number dating it back to 1966.
De Ville brand
Omega launched the De Ville line in 1960 as a dress watch series within its Seamaster range. It combined the robust movements and tool watch qualities with a refined finish and design. It was a “town and country” watch, equally at home in the city or the outdoors. Omega created the line specifically for customers seeking classic-styled dress watches, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality, such as water resistance. In 1967, Omega made the De Ville range a stand-alone collection. The collection has since earned a solid reputation as a symbol of luxury and distinction (Omega De Ville history at SwissWatchExpo).
Omega calibre 711
According to the Ranfft DB, the Omega calibre 711 was in production from 1964 to 1979. It is the thinnest automatic calibre ever made by Omega. It features several functions, including an automatic winding mechanism, sweep seconds hand, and an option to operate without a second hand. The movement also incorporated an adjustable stud holder, offset centre wheel, and Incabloc shock protection. The 711 calibre features 24 jewels, a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 19,800 vph. A variation of the 711, the 712 calibre was certified as a chronometer (ie, -4 to +6 seconds/day specification).
The 3mm thickness of the calibre 711 was made possible by the redesign of the basic movement configuration. The 711 incorporated thinner plates and bridges, while extremely precise production tolerances allowed the designers to reduce the gaps between wheels and other components. Many parts were miniaturised, including the crown and ratchet wheels.
Case and dial
The watch measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and the lugs. The case is stainless steel and it is in very good condition. The case back has the Seamaster Hippocampus logo on the outside. Inside is the Omega logo and the case reference 165.008, which is correct for the 711 movement. There are a couple of scratches to the back, probably where a case back opening tool has slipped in the past. The plain winding crown is a later replacement. Although the back of the watch has the Seamaster logo, as with any vintage watch, it should not be considered waterproof and should be kept away from water and moisture.
The lens is in excellent condition, and it has the tiny, clear Omega logo at the centre. The etched Omega symbol on the Hesalite crystal began around 1950. The Centenary, from 1948, was possibly the first to carry the signed crystals. This was followed by the Seamasters. They are difficult to see with the naked eye. It’s possible that many, many vintage owners may be totally unaware of the logo. It is also possible that plain crystals were replaced in a factory-authorised workshop, and a logo crystal was placed on an Omega that didn’t originally have them. However, generally, the etched Omega logo is a good sign of authenticity.
The light champagne-coloured dial has black and gold number markers, original black hour and minute hands, and a gold seconds sweep. The dial is in its original finish, with only a few flecks of age-related patina. Overall, the dial is in very good condition.
Summary
The Seamaster De Ville 165.008 is an affordable, attractive and reliable vintage watch. Its slim design makes it a versatile watch, suitable for day-to-day wear and as a dress watch. It is the perfect watch for those new to vintage watch collecting. The iconic Seamaster is a great first vintage watch, and the De Ville styling adds a touch of elegance. Sadly, when Set Back in Time came across this particular watch, it had already sold. However, some other vintage watch collector is proudly wearing this watch on their wrist, good luck to them.
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