Here we have a beautiful example of a 1972 Omega De Ville watch, based on Andrew Grima’s designs for Omega. It was part of the ‘Time in Style’ series born out of the collaboration between Omega and the famous designer Andrew Grima in 1969. The Oval case is formed of sterling silver, with the integrated chain mail silver bracelet to each side. The bracelet locks in place with the Omega logo to the clasp and is marked with the reference 711 1903.
The dial is oval and is formed of enamel, with the deep blue tone. It has a speckled finish with glitter specs and black and white circles. It has the dash hour markers with the radial Roman numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9. To the right is the Omega signed crown.
The case back snaps in place and has the reference 1011 inside with the Swiss hallmarking for Sterling Silver. The movement is the Omega calibre 625. It is a 17-jewel manual wind movement with shock protection. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.
The collaboration:
The late 60 into the 1970s saw the next evolution of the wristwatch. Traditional shapes were abandoned, whilst precious metal was harnessed, to create extravagant jewellery on the wrist.
Andrew Grima was at the forefront of modern jewellery design in the 60s and 70s, with an exclusive boutique on Jermyn Street in Mayfair, London. His clients included British Royalty, including both Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.
His work features as part of the Victoria and Albert Museum collection.
In 1969 Omegas director of production Robert Forster commissioned Grima to design a collection of watches for the brand, called the ‘About Time’ collection. Each piece was to be hand made in Andrews London workshops, with the movements fitted in Omegas headquarters in Bienne. In total 55 pieces were produced. These were wearable works of art with the user asked to view the time by ‘seeing through gemstones.’ The watches were set within ornate precious metal bracelets or bangles, with the face hidden behind cut gems.
The watches were hugely popular and later in the 1970s Omega launch watches inspired by Grimas work. The’ Time in Style’ series were more affordable than the original ‘About Time’ collection, being marketed through the De Ville, Constellation and Jeux d’Or ranges.
The pieces are highly sought after by both collectors of Omega watches and Grima jewellery.
The watch:
The case is formed of sterling silver and is Oval. It has the polished finish with the snap-on case back to the rear. It measures 33mm wide by 23mm in length. The size of the bracelet, fitting up to a 19cm wrist circumference is indicative of wear by a Gent. However, with the ornate design and sizing, the intention was never to pigeonhole the watch, with it being comfortable on any gender’s wrist.
As stated, the bracelet will fit up to a 19cm wrist circumference. It is attached to the case with the integrated chain mail design, formed of sterling silver. The width of just over 25mm adds to the watches presence on the wrist, making the watch appear more like jewellery, which was the aim of Omega and Andrew Grima.
It is a very comfortable bracelet due to the flexibility of the chain mail links. The bracelet secures in place by sliding on section into the other and securing it in place with the fold over lock. It is a fun and playful design which is also relatively seamless. The end of the bracelet is marked with the raised Omega logo to the centre. It is marked to the inside as sterling silver, with the reference 711 1903.
The dial is also oval with the deep blue tone. It has the silver tone dash hour markers, with the radial roman numeral markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9. Below 12 is the Omega name and logo in silver, with the De Ville model name above 6. The dial has a speckled finish within the deep blue tone. It has what seems to be glitter specs with faint black and white dots of varying sizes.
The hands are of index style with the silver base and white painted finish to provide contrast.
The dial and hands are protected by the original glass which has the bevelled edge.
To the right-hand side of the case is the original Omega signed crown.
The inside of the case is signed with the Omega logo and the reference number 1011. It has Swiss hallmarking for Sterling Silver with the bear mark. It is also marked with the case serial number 8349.
The movement is the Omega calibre 625 which is a 17-jewel manual wind movement.
It is shock protected and operates at a frequency of 21,600, with 42-hour power reserve.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time with a strong amplitude.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition. It has no major marking or discolouration. There are some light marks associated with age.
Hands:
The hands are original and are in good original condition with the bright whit painted finish.
Glass:
The cut glass is original with the bevelled edge. It has some light marks to the edge and some light scratches to the top.
Case:
The case is Silver and in good condition with no dents or deep scratching, only light surface scratches and natural polishing with age. The hallmarking to the outside of the case is defined.
Caseback:
The silver case back is in good condition for the age. It has only light scratching.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition. It is marked with the Omega logo.
Bracelet:
Original 25.5mm wide silver chain mail bracelet reference 711 1903. It is in very good condition with no damage or repairs. The Omega logo and signing is clear with a secure locking clasp. It will fit up to a 19cm wrist circumference.
Movement:
The movement is the Omega calibre 625 which is a 17-jewel manual wind movement.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time with a strong amplitude.
Case dimensions:
Case width: 33mm
Case width with crown: 34.85mm
Case length: 23mm
Case Depth: 6.9mm
Bracelet width: 25.5mm