Omega Seamaster Cal.565 De Ville 9ct 1969

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 beautiful example of the sought after Omega Seamaster De Ville, here in 9ct yellow gold with an original, unrestored dial which is in tip-top condition. This model reference 166.5020 also has an 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 these watches as the Omega De Ville model is now becoming very popular among collectors.

Note: This watch was manufactured in 1969, as dated by the watch movement serial number, making it a perfect 50th birthday or anniversary present!

Dial

The beautifully restored silver-white ‘starburst’ dial is furnished with onyx inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices and the original gilt ‘Index’ hands and is complete with a date function. 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.

This dial is original, unrestored and untouched. It is also in really excellent condition, with no fading, staining or scratches. It just has a little spotting, only visible under high magnification. Due to its excellent condition and for the sake of retaining some of the originality of the watch, we have left the dial completely alone as it is far too good to restore.

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 we have not replaced it as we often do when restoring an Omega Seamaster.

Please note, even though our photographer has done a good job, the dial does look much better face to face and in real life.

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 within +2 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions, which 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 tremendous 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore pleased to be able 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 28695578 which dates the manufacture of the movement to 1969.

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

Watch Case

A very high quality, Omega swiss made 9ct 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 case-back carries the Seamaster motif which here is unworn, indicating this watch has only been very lightly used. 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 9ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries the Omega model reference number 1665020 and a further reference number 1061.

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 Omega Alligator 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 18mm 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 1969.

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 vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

This is a charming and totally original watch and even though it is 50 years old, it is still completely fresh, reliable and practical to wear as a daily watch. It is also an item of beauty and individuality 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 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.