Omega De Ville Automatic Cal.1012 18ct 1973

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of technical innovations in watchmaking. 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 1940s 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 into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission and in 1969, two Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

A previously restored 18ct yellow gold Omega De Ville with a superb, original, golden brown dial from 1973. Omega watches of this period are very highly regarded for their quality, particularly their movements which are outstanding. Here, the Calibre 1012, 23 Jewel automatic movement is superb and following an overhaul and service, is in tip-top condition and running perfectly.

This style of watch is becoming increasingly popular due to the increased interest in all things 1970s, following the popularity of numerous TV serials set in the period.

The Dial

The style here is classic Omega, very clean and simple, comprising of a wonderful golden brown dial with applied onyx inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original classic ‘index’ hands. This dial really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The dial carries an applied gilt Omega brand and is signed ‘Omega’ and ‘Automatic’ at the top below 12, with ‘De Ville’ in the lower part of the dial and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom below the 6. This watch also has the addition of a date window which we feel adds extra flare to this wonderful dial.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard and is in absolutely wonderful condition.

The Movement

The watch carries the original, high grade Omega Calibre 1012, 23 Jewel automatic movement which as can be seen, is in sparkling clean condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using original Omega parts, only where required, by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. His work is superb and when final tested and calibrated, the watch was running consistently at +3 seconds per day which is truly exceptional for any vintage watch of this age. The movement is correctly signed ‘Omega Watch Co’ and ‘ Swiss’, and carries the calibre number 1012, along with the movement serial number 36,226,099 which dates this watch to 1973.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable, making the watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in A1 condition and with regular servicing every 3-4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*.

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

The 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 large case size for the period at 35mm, excluding the original Omega crown.

The watch case is in immaculate condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye. The case is 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 serial number 131,25,016.

The two-piece watch case was designed to be 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, brown leather strap has been fitted with a gold-plated Omega buckle. We feel this 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 straps if you wish here.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1973.

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”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is a first class example of a top quality Omega Automatic De Ville, in 18ct yellow gold with the superb Omega Cal.1012 automatic movement. The movement is of a high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.

Finally, please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.