Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Omega Seamaster De Ville represents a masterful intersection of mid-century elegance and robust utilitarian design. Introduced in the 1960s, this line was conceived to offer the sophisticated aesthetics of a refined dress watch while retaining the formidable water-resistant qualities of the Seamaster family, achieved through its innovative front-loading monocoque case. This specific example beautifully captures the essence of 1960s watchmaking, boasting a classic silver sunburst dial, sharp case lines, and the highly regarded Caliber 565 automatic movement, making it a highly compelling acquisition for the discerning vintage enthusiast. Brand: Omega Model: Seamaster De Ville Reference Number: 166.020 Serial Number: 24865535 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 565, 24 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst finish with applied indices, exhibiting scattered age-consistent spotting and honest patina Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition with authentic dial character and a well-preserved case Dial and Hands The watch features a classic silver sunburst dial that has aged with distinct vintage character. Upon close inspection, the dial surface exhibits scattered, even spotting and fine patina throughout, a natural aging process that authenticates its mid-century origins without compromising legibility. The dial is appointed with applied faceted steel baton indices featuring black inserts, which perfectly match the elegant stick hands. An applied steel Omega logo sits proudly below the 12 o'clock position, while crisp black typography denotes the "OMEGA AUTOMATIC" and "Seamaster DE VILLE" branding. A stepped steel-framed date aperture is positioned at 3 o'clock, completing the highly balanced and functional layout. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case utilizes a monocoque, or front-loading, unibody construction originally designed to maximize water resistance by eliminating the traditional caseback seam. The case remains in highly attractive condition, displaying sharp, well-defined straight lugs and clean transitions between its polished surfaces. The reverse side of the case features the iconic embossed Omega Hippocampus medallion alongside the "SEAMASTER WATERPROOF" text, which remains exceptionally crisp and deep, indicating careful wear over the decades. The watch is fitted with a domed crystal that protects the dial and enhances its vintage profile, while the original signed scalloped Omega crown remains present at the 3 o'clock position. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Omega Caliber 565, a 24-jewel automatic movement renowned for its durability, copper-toned finishing, and swan-neck regulator. The movement presents beautifully, with bright plating and clearly visible engravings, including the serial number 24865535, which dates production to approximately 1966. This caliber features a highly practical quickset date function, advanced by repeatedly pulling the crown to its outermost position. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show a deviation of -15 to -20 seconds per day. Strap The watch is paired with a handsome black leather strap featuring prominent white contrast stitching. This strap complements the monochromatic aesthetic of the silver dial and steel case, providing a comfortable and stylish presence on the wrist while highlighting the watch's versatile nature. Condition This Seamaster De Ville is presented in good vintage condition. The dial showcases honest, age-consistent spotting and patina that collectors often appreciate for its unique character. The stainless steel case is remarkably well-preserved, retaining sharp lug profiles and a deeply embossed caseback medallion. The movement is clean and fully operational, reflecting excellent mechanical health for a watch of this era. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 34 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The lug-to-lug distance and slim profile afforded by the monocoque case design ensure a highly refined and comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes. Remarks Combining a sophisticated dress watch aesthetic with a durable, historically significant case architecture, the Seamaster De Ville is a quintessential vintage Omega. The presence of the Caliber 565 movement, coupled with a sharp case and character-rich dial, makes this an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly wearable piece of mid-century horological history. History Omega introduced the Seamaster De Ville in the early 1960s as a bridge between their rugged sports models and their elegant dress lines. By utilizing a unibody case design, Omega was able to maintain the rigorous water-resistance standards of the Seamaster while slimming down the profile to suit formal attire. The De Ville name eventually became so successful that Omega spun it off into its own independent collection in 1967. These early double-signed "Seamaster De Ville" models represent a fascinating transitional era in Omega's catalog and remain enduringly popular among collectors today. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OSD-0009