Omega Seamaster Cal.565 De Ville 18ct 1967

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 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 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 Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

An 18ct yellow gold example of the much sought after Omega Seamaster De Ville Calibre 565 Automatic, with a quickset date feature and advanced two-piece watch case. This watch is in immaculate condition having just completed full restoration by our team. Omega Seamaster watches are highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability. They are also very collectable, as well as being one of the most practical everyday vintage gold watches one can buy.

Dial

The classic ’60s Omega Silver-White dial is complete with its original gilt Index hands and gilt faceted Baton hour indices.  The dial carries an applied gilt Omega brand and signature and is signed Automatic below. The dial is also signed Seamaster, De Ville, with Swiss Made at the very bottom of the dial. The dial subtly changes colour from Silver-White, to an Ivory Cream, depending on the ambient light, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The dial colour actually looks much warmer under indoor lighting.

Note – This watch was the first Omega to become available with a quickset date feature. – See Movement below.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, who are considered to be the best in the UK.

Movement

This is the top grade Omega Cal.565, 24 Jewel 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. This was the first Omega movement to be produced with a quickset date feature which means the date can be advanced very quickly by pulling the crown outwards to the third position, to advance one day, then inwards and outwards between the second and third positions to advance the date further, one day at a time. This, like many modern conveniences, is commonplace today, but it was quite a technical advance in 1967.

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 within +7 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 highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ along with the Calibre No. 565, 24 Jewels, and the Serial No. 25,241,982 which dates this watch to 1967.

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

Watch Case

The advanced two-piece Omega De Ville watch case is designed for improved water and dust resistance. It is made in 18ct yellow gold and carries the Seamaster motif which here is virtually unworn, indicating this watch has only ever been very lightly used. The watch case is in immaculate condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye. It is is a good size for the period at 34.5mm, excluding the original Omega signed crown.

Although this watch case was waterproof when new, and all the rubber seals have been replaced, this watch 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 Tan genuine Lizard watch strap has been fitted with a  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

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1967. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale with our ‘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 is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is as close to perfect an example of a vintage gold Omega Seamaster as you are likely to find and even though it is over 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is indeed a thing of beauty, to wear, treasure and enjoy and also one of the most collectable watches from one of the most famous names in Swiss watchmaking. If treated with care this watch will provide excellent reliability as well as a sound investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and as the world market for vintage gold Omega watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world means 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 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.