Here we have a beautiful example of a 1975 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 Rectangular cut corner case is formed of sterling silver with the gilt finish. It has the chamfered corners which create a geometric appearance. Attached to the case is the free-flowing integrated silver gilt bracelet. The bracelet locks in place, with the Omega logo to the clasp and is marked with the reference RS 711’8342 N.

The dial is the same cut corner rectangular shape as the case. It has a rich brown tone with a subtle warmth, which gives it the appearance of a wood grain. The fine linear brushed finish radiates across the dial, catching the light softly. It is protected by the thick glass with the beautiful, bevelled edges which catch the light.

To the right-hand side is the coin edge gold tone crown with the Tiger eye cabochon inset to the tip. The case back snaps in place and has the reference 8342 270 inside with the Swiss hallmarking and British hallmarking for Sterling Silver.

The movement is the Omega calibre 625. It is a 17-jewel manual wind movement with shock protection. It is keeping accurate time.

The collaboration:
The late 60s 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:
I will start by stating that this is my favourite Omega watch we have ever offered for sale. Its design is absolutely standout with numerous high level design elements, which make it such a pleasing watch.

The case is the rectangular shape with cut corners and is formed of sterling silver with the gilt finish. It has the polished finish with the snap-on case back to the rear. It measures 21mm wide by 29mm in length. It is suitable for a ladies wrist or a more petite gents wrist.

The bracelet will fit up to a 16.5cm wrist circumference. It is attached to the case with the integrated freeform design, formed of sterling silver with the same gilt finish. To the right-hand side is the original crown with the knurled finish and a beautiful Tigers Eye cabochon inset to the tip.

It is a very comfortable bracelet due to the flexibility of the links. The bracelet secures in place by opening the clasp, securing the other end and snapping it shut. 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 RS 711’8342 N. It is hallmarked to the clasp with the British hallmarking from London assay office.

The dial is the same cut corner rectangular shape as the case. It has a rich brown tone with a subtle warmth, which gives it the appearance of a wood grain. The fine linear brushed finish radiates across the dial, catching the light softly. It has the simple gold tone baton hour markers in a circular layout. To the top is the ‘Omega’ signing and logo, with the ‘De Ville’ model name to the base. It is protected by the thick glass with the beautiful, bevelled edges which catch the light. The hands are simple index style in the bright gold tone.

The thick crystal protects the dial and has the beautiful, bevelled edges which catch the light and add to the ‘jewel’ like appearance of the watch head.

The inside of the case is signed with the Omega logo and the reference number 8342. It has Swiss hallmarking for Sterling Silver with British hallmarking from London assay office dating to 1975. It has the FFBA no 51 for the case maker ‘Artisanor SA’.

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.
The service history is unknown, but it is keeping accurate time.

Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is in good original condition, with no discolouration. It has some light scratches and light marks to the edges of the dial where it meets the case. The signing is good and clear.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with the bright gold tone. There is some fine corrosion.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is the original and is in good condition.

Crown:
The crown is original and has the tigers eye cabochon which is in good, unmarked condition. It functions as it should.

Case:
The case is sterling silver with the gold-plated finish. It has the polished finishes with scratching and marks associated with age. It is in good condition with no wear to the gold plating.

Caseback:
The back is in good condition with the original brushed finish.

Bracelet:
The integrated bracelet is original and is in good condition with light tarnishing. It will fit up to a 6.5” wrist circumference.

Movement:

The movement is the Omega calibre 625 which is a 17-jewel manual wind movement.

The service history is unknown, but it is keeping accurate time to within +30 seconds a day, with an amplitude of 270 degrees and a 0.2 m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 21mm
Case width with crown: 24mm
Case length: 29mm
Case depth: 7.25mm
Lug width: 15mm