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 ’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
A wonderful example of the sought after Omega Seamaster De Ville, here in 18ct yellow gold with an original, unrestored dial which is in tip-top condition. This model reference 166.5020 carries one of Omega’s finest movements, the Cal.565 automatic. This watch also has a highly advanced two-piece watch case for improved water and dust protection.
Omega Seamasters are highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability making them ideal for everyday use or evening wear. We are seeing high demand for this model and the 1960s Omega De Ville is now becoming very popular among collectors.
Dial
The superb, original, unrestored silver-white dial is furnished with gilt inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices and original gilt ‘Index’ hands and is complete with a date window at 3. The dial catches the light beautifully as we have tried to demonstrate in the accompanying photographs, however it looks much better in real life. Depending on the light, the dial subtly changes from a light grey to a silver-white. The dial is signed with the applied Omega brand along with ‘Automatic’ and the classic Seamaster and De Ville script.
The dial is original, unrestored and untouched. It is in superb condition, with no fading, staining or scratches. It just has a little spotting, visible under close examination in certain light.
The lens is the original, which has the tiny Omega branding embedded in its very centre. It is very clear with no scratches and so this has not been replaced .
Movement
This is the top grade Cal.565, 24 Jewel movement which is the same movement as used in the top of the range Chronometer rated Omega Constellation of the same 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 winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably. When tested immediately following its service, the movement was performing within +3 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age and has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. The movement also has a superb 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than pleased to offer 12 months’ warranty with this watch*.
The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’ ‘Swiss’ along with the Calibre number 565 and 24 Jewels. The movement also carries the movement serial number 25813472 which dates the manufacture of the movement to 1967.
* Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
Watch Case
A very high quality, Omega swiss made 18ct yellow gold, advanced two-piece watch case, designed for improved water and dust resistance. This is a good sized case for the period at 34mm in diameter, excluding the original Omega signed crown.
The case-back carries the Seamaster motif which here is well defined, indicating this watch has only seen very light use. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye. It is also of full-thickness and has never been inscribed.
Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected, signed with the Omega Watch Co. brand and Geneva Swiss 18ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries the Omega model reference number 1665020.
The two-piece watch case was designed to be fully 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 high quality brown leather strap has been fitted along with a gold-plated Omega buckle. We feel this suits 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
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on this watch are correct, dating it to 1967.
Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, with our detailed receipt and our 12 months warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also 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 presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a superb example of the iconic Omega Seamaster automatic watch with the Cal.565, movement which is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega Seamaster watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.
This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Omega prices have risen markedly recently, we feel fine examples such as this still remain undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!
A word about 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch, or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
