Its an interesting example because reference 166.037 watches were normally branded as a Seamaster, only more occasionally as a Geneve. In design and construction it is identical to the watches branded Seamaster which share the same reference, except for the back not having the Hypocampus logo engraved into the center.
Beginning in 1953 Omega placed the name Geneve on the dials of some of the members of the 30mm collection which at the time were produced in the company's workshops in Geneve (to put Geneve on a dial of a watch certain components and processes must take place in Geneve). According to Omega the name referred to to the Genevan Observatory where the early 30mm calibers set a number of records. They later expanded the use of the model name to many other watches like this one.
It has a classic case design with water-resistant style screwback case and striking royal blue vignette dial.
Powering the watch is Omega's top-tier caliber 565 movement used in Seamasters from the era, and one of the last superior 500's series movements used before Omega began trying to reduce their costs, and the top tier offering of the 500 series. It has 24 jewels and a quick-setting date and is one of the finest mass-produced automatic movements from era.
It is full size for the era measuring 34.5mm, which is in between the size of the Rolex Date and the Rolex Datejust.
It has all of its original parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration.
Its case presents as mint with only slight signs of previous polishing. The facets on the lugs are still quite sharp. The original Omega dial has been carefully previously refinished. With the exception of the Geneve script, which was done in an earlier period font, the rest of the dial presents perfectly and could pass as Omega factory done.
It has just been fully overhauled by a Master Watchmaker and is running extremely strongly and keeping very accurate time.
For the finishing touch it has been equipped with a brand new leather strap and aftermarket Omega style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
A more than fifty-five old Omega restored to look like new on the wrist.
Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Please note: Published examples of similar watches can be found in Marco Richon's work Omega: A Journey Through Time, 2007, pg. 403.
- Manufacturer: Omega
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 31,183,080
- Year built: c. 1969
- Model: Ref. ST 166.037, Geneve
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Quick-Setting Date, Sweep Seconds
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case markings (inside): Omega Watch Co., Acier Inoxydable, Swiss made, 166.037
- Case condition: Presents as mint on the wrist with only slight signs of previous polishing. The facets on the lugs are still quite sharp.
- Dimensions: 34.5mm wide (excluding crown), 40.5mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Signed Omega Geneve, royal blue vignette - it fades from black on the periphery to royal blue at the center - steel indexes topped with white, previously refinished - Geneve was done in an earlier period script
- Hands: Original, steel "batons"
- Movement type: Cal. 565, copper colored, 24 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, micrometer regulator
- Movement markings: Omega Watch Co. Swiss, Twenty-four Jewels, 565
- Jewels: 24 rubies
- Beat frequency: 19,800 BPH
- Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn, aftermarket Omega style buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Width between lugs: 18mm
- Crystal: Acrylic, unsigned or no longer signed Omega, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, freshly overhauled by a Master Watchmaker.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running extremely strongly and keeping very accurate time. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
