Here we have a lovely example of a chunky, retro circa 1973 Omega Geneve Automatic Date watch. It is the reference 166.0191 ST 366.0835. It has the Stainless Steel tonneau/TV case shape which is a classic of the 1970s Omega Geneve offering. It has the integrated bracelet design which is the reference 1233/215. The dial is the TV shape with the original Omega crystal protecting it. It is a silver satin sunburst dial with the applied baton hour markers. It has the date window at 3 O’clock, which is quickset. The hands are of Index style with the black stripe and luminous in-fill. To the right is the chunky Omega signed crown. The case back screws down and has the clear Omega logo and signing. Inside it is marked with the Omega name and reference numbers. The movement is the Omega calibre 1012 which is automatic. It was last serviced a couple of years ago and is keeping accurate time to within 5 seconds variation per day.

Retro styling has traditionally been somewhat divisive in terms of its appeal, but the tides have turned. Examples such as this from Omega offer a blend of quality, impressive proportions and daring design that showcases wild styles that aren’t as commonly seen today.

These watches were the future when they were introduced and were a product of an exciting world with influences from monumental events such as the moon landing and the introduction of colour TV. This period also saw the move towards integrated bracelet designs, stemming from legendary designers such as Gerald Genta.

The dial is the TV shape with the silver satin sunburst finish. It has the simple dash minute/second markers with the applied baton hour markers. They are the silver tone with the black painted finish to the centre. They have the original luminous plots to the base which have aged to a darker tone. The 12 O’clock marker is differentiated with the double marker. The date window is neatly balanced at 3 O’clock with the window having the rounded corners, black outline and bevelled edges. The date disc has the silver satin tone with the black Arabic numerals. The dial is signed ‘Omega Automatic’ below 12 with the Omega logo. The ‘Geneve’ model name sits above 6 o’clock with the ‘Swiss made’ signing to the base of the dial.

The hands are of index style in the silver tone. They have the black painted section to the centre that ties in with the hour markers. They also have the luminous in-fill to the tips. The central second hand is a classic tapered design with the thin tip. The acrylic crystal is original and has the Omega etching to the centre above the hand stack.

The space age and TV both lend themselves to the case design we see here. A large tonneau case, reminiscent of a helmet, with the TV shaped dial providing the window to the time. The case is well proportioned measuring 33.75mm wide, with a case length of 42.75mm. It is still a comfortable wear due to its restrained depth of just over 10mm. The integrated bracelet blends from the case starting at a width of 27mm, tapering to 16mm.

The case is formed of a large block of stainless steel with the flat top are curved ended. It has the brushed finish which has polished with age. There is a subtle bevel to the top of the sides, flowing into the flat polished side section. To the right is the neat crown with the knurled finish. It has the Omega logo to the face which is well defined.

The rear of the case is subtly curved which helps it sit comfortably on the wrist. The case back screws in place and has the large engraving omega logo to the centre with the name below. The inside of the case back is signed of the Omega name and is marked with the reference 166.0191 ST 366.0835.

The movement is the Omega calibre 1012 which is automatic. It has a jewel count of 23 and operates at a hi-beat frequency of 28,800 BPH. It has the quickset date function with hacking seconds. It was serviced a couple of years ago and continues to run well with a daily variation of 5 seconds per day.

The integrated bracelet is the reference 1233/215 which is formed of stainless steel. It has the tapered design with the brushed finish. The clasp is signed with the Omega logo and is secure. It is a good length and will fit up to an 8” (20.3cm) wrist circumference.

The watch is modelled on a 7” (17.78cm) wrist circumference. It will fit up to an 8” (20.3cm) wrist circumference.

Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.

Dial:
The dial is in good original condition with no discolouration. The signing is good and clear. All the original luminous plots are present.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with the bright silver tone. They are free of noticeable corrosion and scratching, with no bending. The luminous and paint are original.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is the original with the omega etching to the centre. It is in good condition with some light scratches associated with age.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition with the defined edge and Omega logo. It functions as it should.

Case:
The case is stainless steel and is in good, unpolished condition. The brushed finish to the top has naturally polished with age. It has light surface scratching associated with age. There are a couple of light dints and there is a scratch that’s noticeable to the top left.

Case back:
The case back is in strong original condition. The Omega engraving is clear and is retains the original brushed finish.

Bracelet:
The watch comes on a its original bracelet which is in good original condition. It will fit up to a 20.3cm wrist circumference. The clasp is good with only light marking.

Movement:
The movement is the Omega calibre 1012 which is automatic. It has a jewel count of 23 and operates at a hi-beat frequency of 28,800 BPH. It has the quickset date function with hacking seconds.

It was serviced a couple of years ago and continues to run well, keeping accurate time to within +5 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a 0.2 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 33.75mm
Case width with crown: 38.5mm
Case length: 42.75mm
Case depth: 10.4mm
Bracelet width: 27mm