OMEGA DE VILLE, “JUMBO” AUTOMATIC YEAR 1966

Omega De Ville: Elegant Revolution in Swiss Watchmaking

Origins and Official Birth
The Omega De Ville began its journey in 1960 as a line within the Seamaster collection, designed to offer a more refined and versatile alternative to the brand’s robust sports models. It represented a strategic shift towards urban elegance, meeting the demand for sophisticated watches for modern life. In 1967, Omega transformed it into an independent collection, definitively separating it from Seamaster. This milestone marked a new chapter by combining proven movements (such as the 550/560 calibers) with a clean aesthetic of minimalist lines and dials, establishing itself as a symbol of high-end Swiss watchmaking.

Design and Technical Evolution
Since its independence, the De Ville stood out for its timeless elegance: cases of 35-36 mm with rounded profiles and reduced thickness to less than 9 mm, dials with gold applied indices and faceted dauphine hands. Its production was transferred to Geneva —the epicenter of watchmaking luxury— to emphasize its exclusive character. The technical evolution included fundamental milestones such as the integration of high-precision automatic movements (1000 series calibers in the 70s), the revolutionary Co-Axial escapement in 1999 —developed by George Daniels— which reduced friction by 50% and eliminated the need for lubrication, debuting in caliber 2500. In the contemporary era, it adopted sapphire crystals and Master Chronometer certifications (anti-magnetic precision of 15,000 gauss).

Legacy and Iconic Collections
The De Ville became Omega’s best-selling line in the 1970s, thanks to its accessibility and stylistic diversity. Its icons include the Ladymatic (relaunched in 2010), which brought back vintage designs from the 50s with automatic movements and inset diamonds; the Trésor (launched in 2015), with extra-thin cases of 18K gold and handcrafted skeletonized details; and the Prestige, which embodies classic essence with dials lacquered in midnight blue or silver and alligator leather straps. Today, the collection integrates Co-Axial Master Chronometer movements (calibers 8800/8900) certified by METAS, ensuring performance in extreme conditions.

Cultural Relevance and Collecting
Beyond its technical aspects, the De Ville symbolizes the union of tradition and modernity. Worn by figures like John F. Kennedy and Prince William, it appeared in iconic films like On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Vintage models like the Seamaster De Ville ref. 165.020 (1963) with a “pie-pan” dial reach values of €5,000-€8,000 in auctions, valued for their caliber 550 and intact designs. Its legacy endures as a testimony to Omega’s commitment to functional elegance over six decades.

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