Omega Seamaster De Ville Automatic c1967

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 ’50s 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.

The Omega Seamaster was introduced by Omega in 1948 and has remained in production continuously ever since.

Description

Here we have a wonderful Omega Seamaster De Ville with the Calibre 565 date automatic movement and beautiful 32mm case. The watch also carries a beautiful previously restored black dial which is in wonderful condition. The highly regarded movement in particular, is in spectacular condition.

Omega Seamaster watches have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability and these are considered one of the most practical everyday vintage watches one can buy.

The Dial

The Seamaster was initially introduced as a ‘sporty’ dress watch and due to its popularity and success, divers versions were later introduced in the 1970s. The Seamaster Ploprof for example, was used by Jacques Cousteau in a series of experimental dives, to depths of around 500 metres.

The dial style here is classic 1960s Omega, comprising of a blackdial with applied steel ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original classic ‘index’ hands. It catches the light beautifully as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs, however it looks much better face to face in real life.

The dial carries an applied gilt Omega brand and is signed ‘Omega’ and ‘Automatic’ in the top half with ‘Seamaster’ and ‘De Ville’ in the lower half and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom below the 6.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstanding condition.

Movement

This is the top grade Calibre 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 and 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 now winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably and when tested immediately following its service, the movement was performing within +7 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.’ and ‘Swiss’ along with the Calibre number 565 and 24 Jewels.

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

The Case

The watch carries a very high quality, Omega Swiss made stainless steel, advanced two-piece watch case, designed for improved water and dust resistance. This is a large case size for the period at 32mm, excluding the original correct Omega signed crown and is in immaculate condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye. Importantly, 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.

Please note – 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 high quality black Hirsch leather strap has been fitted with an Omega gold-plated 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, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1967.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. 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 check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.