Omega De Ville 146.017

The Omega De Ville Chronograph, reference 146.017 (also ST 146.0017), is a distinctive and relatively rare manual-winding chronograph produced by Omega for a short period, primarily between 1969 and 1970. Its most defining feature is the unconventional date window positioned at 9 o’clock, often integrated within the running seconds sub-dial. Powered by the Omega Caliber 930 (a rebranded Lemania 3872), a movement shared with the iconic Omega “Bullhead” and produced in limited quantities (estimated fewer than 10,000 units), the watch’s rarity is further amplified. Initially not a commercial success, its limited production and unique design have made it a sought-after model among vintage Omega collectors. The De Ville 146.017 was an attempt to blend the sportiness of a chronograph with the elegance of the De Ville line, which had been established as a separate, more refined collection in 1967.  

Specifications

Key Details & Variations

Variations

The Omega De Ville 146.017 was offered with several variations:

• Case Material: Stainless steel and gold-plated (often 20 microns or 14kt) versions were available.  
• Dial Color: A range of dial colors existed, including silver (often sunburst), black, white, gold, cream, and a notable blue soleil (sunburst). Some dials have developed a “tropical” patina.  
• Dial Scales: While a tachymeter scale is most common, Omega’s official database confirms the availability of decimal, telemetric, or pulsimetric inner scales as well, making these non-tachymeter versions potentially very rare.  
• Hands: Typically baton-style, often black or with black contrast for legibility, and sometimes featuring tritium lume inserts. Slight variations in thickness and lume application have been observed.  

Correct Dial

• Date Window: Uniquely positioned at 9 o’clock, often within the running seconds sub-dial, sometimes with crosshairs.  
• Registers: Two-register layout: 30-minute counter (usually at 3 o’clock) and running seconds with date at 9 o’clock.  
• Markings: Applied metal Omega logo at 12 o’clock. “OMEGA” and “De Ville” script. “SWISS MADE” or “T SWISS MADE T” (indicating tritium) at the bottom.  
• Indices: Applied baton or stick hour markers, often with tritium lume dots at their outer edge.  
• Scales: Printed outer scale, most commonly a tachymeter, but officially also offered with decimal, telemetric, or pulsimetric scales.  

Correct Hands

• Style: Typically baton hands.  
• Color/Finish: Often black gloss or painted black for contrast, especially on lighter dials.  
• Lume: May feature tritium luminous inserts, consistent with the dial lume.  

Correct Case

• Material: Stainless steel or gold-plated.  
• Dimensions: Approximately 35mm diameter (excluding crown), with a lug-to-lug of about 40mm, and a thickness around 12-12.8mm. Lug width is 19mm.  
• Case Back: Screw-in type, often marked “WATERPROOF”.  
• Manufacturer Mark: Cases were made by Ervin Piquerez S.A. (EPSA), indicated by a small diver logo stamped on the inside of the case back.  
• Crown & Pushers: Pump-style chronograph pushers. The crown is typically Omega-signed. Some sources note original unsigned crowns and pushers.  

Additional Details

The Omega De Ville 146.017 is powered by the manual-winding Omega Caliber 930, which is a rebranded Lemania 3872.  

• Lineage: Shares its architecture with the famed Lemania 1873 / Omega Caliber 861 (used in the Speedmaster Moonwatch).
• Jewels: 17 jewels.  
• Beat Rate: 21,600 vph (3 Hz).
• Power Reserve: Approximately 40-48 hours.
• Chronograph Mechanism: Cam-lever system.  
• Functions: Hours, minutes, running seconds at 9 o’clock, date at 9 o’clock, and a 30-minute chronograph counter (no hour totalizer).  
• Date Setting: Semi-quick-set mechanism (advance by moving the hour hand back and forth past midnight, e.g., 9 PM to 1 AM).  
• Rarity: Estimated production of fewer than 10,000 units. Also used in the Omega “Bullhead” (ST 146.011).  

Original crystals were made of Plexiglass, often featuring a tiny, centrally etched Omega logo.  

The De Ville 146.017 is considered a “seriously rare beast” by some collectors due to its short production run (1969-1970) and initial lack of popularity. Prices vary widely, from around $2,025 to over $5,594, with exceptional pieces fetching higher amounts. Value is driven by condition (especially dial), originality of all parts, and the rarity of specific variations (e.g., non-tachymeter scales, blue soleil dial).  

• Movement: Verify genuine Omega Caliber 930 / Lemania 3872 with correct markings and serial number.  
• Case: Check for reference 146.017/ST 146.0017 inside the case back and the EPSA diver logo.  
• Dial: Originality is key; look for crisp printing, correct applied Omega logo, and period-appropriate aging of lume and dial surface. Confirm the specific scale type (tachymeter, decimal, telemetric, pulsimetric).  
• Hands, Crown, Pushers: Ensure these are period-correct and match known original examples.