Vintage Omega De Ville 196.0159 Quartz Watch 1982 Serviced UK Warranty

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Omega De Ville 196.0159
Movement: Omega Calibre 1332 quartz, 17 jewels
Age: 1982
Case Size: 34mm
Case Thickness: 7mm
Lug to Lug: 38mm
Lugs: integrated
Condition: Used vintage Omega watch
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty UK only

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Grey brushed dial has some light patina
  
• Hands have some light patina
• Fully serviced quartz 17 jewel movement
  
• Sapphire crystal
• Signed Omega crown
  
• Paired with its original signed Omega stainless steel bracelet

THE WATCH

By the time the 196.0159 appeared, Omega was no longer simply putting quartz technology inside a familiar mechanical shape. The De Ville gave the brand room to let the new movement influence the watch itself, with a lower profile, compact proportions and a case that flows naturally into its bracelet.

That is what makes this reference interesting. It still has the restraint expected of a De Ville, but the watch belongs unmistakably to the early 1980s, a period when precision, slimness and integrated design were beginning to matter just as much as the traditional language of Swiss watchmaking.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Calibre 1332 has a setting system that makes perfect sense once you know why it is there. Omega gave the hour hand and date to the crown, while a recessed pusher at 2 o’clock handles the minutes and seconds. The idea suited a quartz movement designed to need very little correction: changing time zone or date could be done without disturbing the minute setting.

OUR THOUGHTS

We like this 196.0159 because the grey brushed dial makes the early-1980s geometry feel even more deliberate. The compact De Ville shape is restrained, the integrated look is unmistakably of its period, and then that unusual setting pusher gives you the technical surprise. Quiet at first glance; much more interesting the closer you get.