Omega Geneve 131.021

The Omega Genève 131.021 was introduced in the late 1960s and built into the early 1970s. Production samples and sales literature place it around 1967–1971. Omega’s serial numbers (26–28 million) align with model years roughly 1966–1969, and auction records show examples dated up to about 1970–1972. By the mid-1970s Geneve models had evolved with new case styles and movements, and the 131.021 reference was discontinued with no later production beyond the classic “Omega Geneve” era.

The Genève line began in 1953 as a tribute to Omega’s chronometry awards at the Geneva Observatory. By the 1960s it denoted a range of elegant yet affordable dress watches. The ref. 131.021 is a prime example of this strategy: a simple, hand-wound gold dress watch with clean lines that appealed to office professionals and young achievers of the era. While Omega’s spotlight in those years was often on sports and chronograph models (Seamaster, Speedmaster, Constellation), the Genève 131.021 represents the “bread-and-butter” watch Omega offered – high-quality mechanics in a classic, timeless package. It embodies the brand motto “Exact time for life” by delivering reliable Swiss precision in a versatile gold-cased everyday watch.

Case Materials and Design Features

The 131.021’s case is classic mid-century dress-watch style: round, slim, and polished. Two main case materials exist – 18k yellow gold and 14k yellow gold – with matching hallmarks inside. The photo above shows the inner caseback: you can see the Omega hallmark, Swiss assay marks (e.g. a Prince’s head or “18K 0.750”), and the stamped model number 131.021 SP. “SP” often denotes the gold version. Lugs are straight and simple, with a lug-to-lug width of about 34 mm and standard 18 mm lug spacing for the strap. The snap-on caseback is smooth outside (often engraved “Omega Watch Co. Swiss” on vintage examples) and opens to reveal a three-piece construction. The solid gold crown is unsigned or signed with the Omega logo, and is non-screw-down (no water seal). As a dress watch, the 131.021 was never marketed for diving or even showering; it has no gaskets and is not rated water-resistant. Under the hood the case houses a manual-wind movement (see below), and the caseback shows only the watch’s serial/model stamps and gold purity.

Dial Variations (Colors, Markers, Textures, Logos)

The Geneve 131.021 was offered with a very restrained palette of dial options, all classic and refined. The two main colors are silver (white) and champagne (light gold tone), both typically with a radial sunburst finish. These metallic sunburst dials catch the light but remain subtle. Every dial variant uses applied gold-tone baton hour markers (thin rectangular markers) at each hour; most examples have single batons at 3, 6, 9, and 12 with longer batons at the other hours. The Omega logo (Ω) at 12:00 is usually an applied gold symbol, and beneath it the word “OMEGA” is printed in black lettering. At 6:00 the dial reads “Genève” in printed script. Most dials are signed “Swiss Made” or just “Swiss” at the bottom edge. Unlike some contemporary watches, there are no numerals or date windows – just clean baton indices. Many 131.021 dials also feature small luminous spots or bars at the tips of the hour batons (and a lume stripe in the hands) for low-light legibility, using tritium paint common at the time. The overall effect is a very clean, uncluttered dress dial: golden hands and markers on a light metallic background with the minimal Omega branding.

Calibers (Movements)

All known Omega Geneve 131.021 watches house the Omega calibre 601 – a hand-wound movement introduced in 1965. This 30 mm (13″’) movement has 17 jewels and beats at 19,800 vph. It was a workhorse caliber, very reliable and serviceable, used in many mid-size Omega dress watches of the era. (Unlike the 600-series watches with date, the 601 has no date mechanism.) The cal. 601 is a two-register movement adjusted to two positions. Inside a 131.021 you would find a copper-colored 601 with the engraved Omega logo and serial number. The choice of cal. 601 made the 131.021 effectively an updated version of earlier 1950s Omega men’s watches (like some Seamaster/Dress models), but cased in a more modern mid-’60s gold case. No other movement (auto or quartz) was used in original 131.021 models during the 1960s–’70s production window.

Hands Used

The 131.021’s hands are elegant and match the dial’s simplicity. The hour and minute hands are slender dauphine-shaped batons finished in polished gold tone. Each has a fine ridge down the middle filled with luminescent material (tritium in original examples) for nighttime legibility. The minute hand tapers to a sharp point and reaches the minute track, while the shorter hour hand points precisely at the hour batons. The sweeping seconds hand is a thin gold needle (also called a “stick” seconds hand), reaching out toward the outer edge of the dial. On lighter dials these gold hands contrast crisply against the sunburst background. In some cases the minute and hour hands develop a subtle patina or darken slightly with age around the lume, but their basic form remains the same across all variants. No other hand styles (like arrow-tips or broad segments) were used on this model – it’s uniformly simple gold baton hands.

Other Notable Design/Technical Details

Beyond case, dial, movement and hands, a few other features define the 131.021:

• Caseback: As shown above, the interior of the snap-on caseback is stamped with “Ω OMEGA WATCH CO SWISS”, the Swiss gold assay marks (“18K 0.750” or “5N 18K”), and the reference number. The outside of the back is flat and often unmarked (some examples have “Fond Acier Inoxydable” on steel models, but gold versions simply polish smooth). The caseback fits snugly by friction.
• Crystal: The watch uses a domed acrylic crystal. Many vintage examples still have the original Omega-branded plexiglass, which carries a small Omega logo (Ω) etched in the center. This logo is visible if you look closely at the crystal. The plexi gives the dial a slight magnification effect at angles.
• Water Resistance: There is none – no rubber gaskets or screw threads. Omega did not rate it for submersion. At most it could resist minor splashes, but it is not a sports watch.
• Crown: The crown is unsigned or carries a tiny Omega symbol (some examples have a simple dome crown with no logo). It pulls straight out and pushes in (no winding-lock).
• Shock Protection: The calibre 601 has Incabloc shock protection on its balance pivot – a common feature in quality 1960s movements.
• Strap and Buckle: All Geneve 131.021 models were fitted with 18 mm straps. Typically these watches came on leather straps (black or brown) with a matching 14k or 18k Omega buckle. Modern owners often refit them to alligator or lizard straps for a vintage look.
• Box & Papers: Occasionally, full “New Old Stock” sets surface (complete with box, papers and tags). These show the reference printed as “Ω Geneve 131.021 Or 18Ct” or similar. Even loose watches often still carry the original crown and crystal, reflecting their untouched appeal.

Reputation and Collector’s Perception

Among vintage enthusiasts, the Omega Geneve 131.021 is regarded as a classic yet humble dress watch. It is not a rare or flagship model – it was essentially an entry-level luxury watch of its day – but it earns respect for its quality and timeless design. Collectors praise its elegant simplicity, solid gold build, and the fact that so many retain original dials and movements in good condition. In recent years the 131.021 (especially in 18k) has become sought after by those looking for a “gentleman’s vintage Omega” without paying Constellation or Speedmaster prices. Its modest 33mm size and clean lines fit today’s vintage style, and its historical roots give it character. On watch forums and auctions the Geneve 131.021 often appears as an affordable piece – typical prices are much lower than for iconic Omega sports models, reflecting its entry-level pedigree. That said, gold-cased vintage watches always have a certain cachet, so an original 18k Geneve 131.021 in excellent condition (especially a New Old Stock example) is considered a fine collector’s item. In summary, the 131.021 is viewed as a reliable, handsome everyday-dress Omega: valued for its heritage and elegance, even if it never achieved the fame of Omega’s more specialized lines.

• Case: Solid yellow gold (14k or 18k) round case, about 33–34 mm diameter (without crown) and ~8.2 mm thick. Thin polished bezel, smooth lugs (18 mm width). Snap-on back stamped with Omega logo, gold hallmarks and “131.021 SP” (see photo below).
• Movement: Omega calibre 601 (manual wind, 17 jewels, no date). High-grade 30 mm movement common to many late-’60s Omega dress watches.
• Dial: Sunburst silver or champagne metal finish. Applied gold baton hour markers, often with small black/tritium infill, and a matching applied Omega symbol at 12:00. Printed “OMEGA” text below the logo and “Genève” above 6:00, with tiny “Swiss Made” at the bottom.
• Hands: Polished gold dauphine-style baton hands with a narrow luminous stripe down the middle, plus a slender gold sweep-seconds hand.
• Crystal & Crown: Domed acrylic (plexiglass) crystal, usually original with etched Omega logo. Push-pull crown signed with the Omega symbol (no screw-down crown or water seal).
• Other: Not rated for water resistance (no “waterproof” marking). 18 mm leather strap fitting with original gold or gold-plated Omega buckle. Reference 131.021SP typically denotes the 14k gold version (US market), while plain 131.021 often denotes 18k gold.