Swiss stainless steel rectangular watch with chain Circa 1975

Stainless steel pocket watch by Omega
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A Swiss stainless steel open faced rectangular pocket watch from the De Ville collection, made in the 1970s. A manual winding movement with lever escapement and 17 jewels, adjusted to two positions. Grey striped dial with applied baton hour indexes and baton hands. A plain case. Accompanied by an unassociated base metal chain with clip. Dial signed Ω Omega De Ville Swiss made, case and movement signed and numbered.
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Dimensions: 50.5 x 35.5 mm
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Signed: Omega Watch Co Swiss made
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The De Ville collection is Omega’s prestigious range of luxury watches created with the essence of modern elegance. It is praised for its sleek design and masterful craftsmanship and has a varied range of models.
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Omega. In 1848, a young watchmaker named Louis Brandt opened a small workshop in the Swiss village of La Chaux-de-Fonds. In the family villa, it was here that the 23 year old Brandt began the company that was to become Omega. Brandt was passionate about precision and he set about developing the most accurate watches he could. Within a few years, his reputation for high quality watches was established within Switzerland and shortly after, throughout Europe.

After Louis Brandt’s death on November 6th, 1879, his two sons, Louis-Paul and César, took over the family business, inspired by their father’s passion for watchmaking and precision. Little did they know, they were destined to change the industry forever. Under the new name Louis Brandt & Fils, in 1880, the growing company moved from la Chaux-de-Fonds to larger premises in the bustling town of Biel/Bienne. The company first moved to 119 Route de Boujean and then to 96 Rue Jakob Stämpfli, the address that remains the home of Omega.

In 1885, the Brandt brothers launched their first series produced caliber, the Labrador. Boasting many new technological advances and superb timing results, the new movement was of excellent quality for the time. This strong beginning provided the base for future innovations such as the 19 ligne Omega caliber that would revolutionise watchmaking ten years later. The success of that movement was so great that the brothers changed the name of their company to Omega Watch Co.

By 1903, Omega had become the largest manufacturer of finished watches and had taken on the role of research and development facility.