1969 Omega De Ville Chronograph 'Dato' Ref. 146.017

Why This Watch Matters

While the Heuer Dato goes with a winking design, Omega snuck the date right in the sub-seconds register at nine o'clock.

The Full Story

The De Ville collection was started by Omega in 1960 to sit between the dressier yet capable Constellation and the capable yet dressy Seamaster. Over the next two decades, the De Ville name found its way onto some great watches from Omega, although being seen as a bit of a third tier option at the time. Sure, De Villes are often gold plated and had a lower price point than Connies and Seamasters but the movements were always top tier and if you can find them in great condition like this one, there is a ton of value here.

It is no secret that we love Heuer's "Dato" around here. So when this Omega Dato from right around the same time came across the HODINKEE Vintage desk, we jumped at the opportunity to offer it. Where Heuer's integration of the date meant getting rid of a sub-register all together, the Omega idea was to plop it right underneath. The result is a quirky yet functional design that simply works. If the seconds hand is covering the date when you look, just wait a moment or two and it'll go away. Watching that hand sweep over the window is really fun anyways.

This example is really crisp with a great dial and a crisp yellow gold plated case that shows a bit of patina and light wear on the plating. This is a great watch that we are proud to offer but sad to see leave the office. We paired this "Dato" De Ville with our McBride strap in tan and added a modern yellow gold plated Omega buckle to complete the look.

The Fine Print

Maker: Omega
Model: De Ville
Reference: 146.017
Year: Circa 1969
Case No: N/A
Movement No: 29141328
Material: Yellow gold plated
Dimensions: 35mm diameter; 12mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: Yes, tritium
Caliber: Omega, manual winding, caliber 930
Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The McBride Watch Strap In Tan with modern gold-plated stainless steel Omega buckle 
Lug Width: 19mm
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Clean overall condition
- Hidden date window at nine o'clock
- Uncommon model 
- Great dial details

Things To Know:

- Light patina on case between pushers and crown
- Scratches on caseback and case

This Seamaster De Ville is in overall great condition. The case is strong with light scratches and light wear to the plating. The gold plating shows some wear around the edges. There is some patina between the pushers and the crown. The caseback and rear of the lugs have a few scratches. The "waterproof" text on the caseback is still visible. 

The dial has developed a fine and consistent patina throughout. The hour markers and hands have developed patina. The tritium lume in the hands and at each hour has aged gracefully to a creamy patina. The lume plot at two shows signs of degradation and some of the plots have developed tiny spots of dark patina. 

The crystal has some scratches. The dial, crown, case, movement, and buckle are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.