Don't miss the next drop
While Omega’s history is filled with iconic tool watches like the Speedmaster and Seamaster, there is a special place in our hearts for the De Ville collection. Spun off into its own line in 1967, the De Ville became Omega’s creative playground—a space for their designers to experiment with new forms, textures, and a more fashion-forward, sophisticated aesthetic. In the 1970s, this creativity was unleashed, resulting in some of the boldest and most memorable designs of the entire decade.
The 70s were an era of unapologetic confidence and design experimentation. The classic round watch case was often set aside in favor of bold, architectural, geometric forms that made an immediate statement. This fantastic De Ville, a Reference 151.0051, is a perfect and quintessential artifact from that funky, fabulous period. It was a watch for the stylish man about town, a sophisticated piece that was both a high-quality timepiece and a piece of modern art for the wrist.
It all starts with that incredible, oversized gold-plated “TV screen” case. With its soft corners and substantial wrist presence, it’s a design that is pure, uncut 1970s cool. But the dial is a masterclass in minimalist execution. It features a stunning two-tone gold finish, with a vertically brushed, warm bronze-gold center that is beautifully contrasted by a lighter, champagne-colored chapter ring. In a move of brilliant restraint, Omega’s designers did away with applied hour markers, instead using simple, printed black lines that radiate from the center, creating a clean, graphic, and highly modern look. The slim, black stick hands provide the perfect counterpoint, making for a surprisingly legible and incredibly stylish display.
This is a true survivor from the disco era, and it remains in fantastic vintage condition. The gold-plated case shows some honest, gentle wear on the sharp edges and high points, entirely consistent with a watch that has been worn and enjoyed. The stunning two-tone dial is in a beautiful state of preservation, its brushed texture still sharp and its colors warm and vibrant. Inside, a reliable and slim Omega automatic movement is ticking away, ready for a night out on the town.
