Vintage Omega watch Geneve 166.0163 cal.1012 Automatic 1972

SPECIFICATION

Reference : Omega Geneve 166.0163
Movement : Calibre 1012
Age : circa 1972
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 41.5mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Omega watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
  
• Case has some light scratches and marks
• Sunburst dial has one tiny mark near the centre
• Hands have some light patina
• Fully serviced automatic movement
  
• Signed Omega crown
  
• Replacement crystal
• Paired on an unworn grey leather strap

THE WATCH

We have here a stunning Omega Geneve date, model 166.0163, with a sunburst dial, hour indices complement the hour and minute hands and pull the whole design of the watch together. This watch is powered by the ever-reliable, Omega automatic calibre 1012, with 23 jewels and a beat of 28.800 which incorporates both a hack feature and a quick date-setting function. When the crown is pulled out to the first setting, the date can be moved backwards or forwards by rolling the crown in either direction and sits in the stainless steel, 36mm, screw back case. We've paired this watch on a leather strap, but it can be dressed up or down with straps to suit ever occasion.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

The Omega Genève line was introduced in 1952 (some sources cite 1953) to commemorate Omega's success at the Geneva Observatory trials, where their 30mm calibres achieved notable results. The name "Genève" was chosen to honour these achievements and the city of Geneva itself. Initially, Genève-branded watches were high-grade, dress-style chronometers, often sharing cases and movements with the Constellation line. By the late 1960s, Omega repositioned the Genève line as an affordable, high-quality dress watch aimed at a broader market. This strategic move was designed to appeal to younger buyers and those seeking stylish yet accessible timepieces. The watches featured manual-wind or automatic calibres, such as the Cal. 601, 613, 552, and 565, and were produced in large quantities. During the 1970s, the Genève line became one of Omega's most popular collections. Notably, the Genève Dynamic sub-line, introduced in 1968, featured bold, ergonomic designs and became a commercial success. By the time Omega ceased production of the Genève line in 1979, these watches comprised more than 60% of Omega's total sales. The Genève line was discontinued in 1979 as Omega restructured its product offerings and focused more on consolidation and quartz technology. By then, the Genève name had transitioned from its association with precision chronometry to a style-focused sub-brand.

OUR THOUGHTS

These Omega Geneve have always been a great option for seasoned collector or maybe your first step into vintage, they look fantastic, and they are from such a great brand! Luckily, they also come in many variations so you will find one that you like, I personally love this one and the versatility it has on any strap works so well. We have brought this Omega from the past to the present, ready for you to take it on into the future.