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Today, the Seamaster and the De Ville are two very distinct, iconic lines for Omega. But for a brief, glorious period in the 1960s and 70s, they were one and the same. The “Seamaster De Ville” represented the best of both worlds: the robust, reliable, automatic-winding technology of the Seamaster housed in the svelte, elegant, and sophisticated case of the “De Ville,” or “town” watch. It was, arguably, the perfect all-in-one timepiece for the modern professional.
This reference, the 166.0209, is a quintessential example of that 1970s aesthetic. This was an era of transition, and this watch is powered by the Omega Caliber 1020, part of the 10xx family that would be the brand’s final in-house automatic series before the quartz crisis truly took hold. It’s a high-beat, reliable movement that offered the modern convenience of a quickset day and date function, a crucial feature for the man-on-the-go.
This particular example is a stunning “survivor” that just screams 1970s luxury. The 10kt gold-filled case and original, intricate multi-link bracelet are in fantastic, honest condition. The champagne dial features a subtle vertical brushing that catches the light beautifully, set with striking applied indices filled with black lacquer for a sharp, legible contrast. The framed day-date window adds a wonderful symmetry and utility.
Paired with its original signed bracelet, this watch is a complete and compelling package. It’s not a tool watch, and it’s not a fragile dress watch. It is the watch that defined an era: a robust, automatic, gold timepiece that could be worn with a suit in the boardroom and then transition effortlessly to a dinner party. It’s a wildly cool and significant piece of Omega’s lineage.
