This article focuses on Omega's dress watches and introduces their appeal. Among the company's dress watches, there are many iconic models packed with history and technology, such as the De Ville and Constellation. This time, we will be looking at five masterpieces from among them.
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 7, 2025]
Omega's Dress Watches
Omega is a long-established watch brand founded in 1848. It goes without saying that the company's sports watches are all well-known masterpieces, including the Speedmaster, a uniquely attractive chronograph watch that was worn on the moon, and the Seamaster, a diver's watch known as the favorite of James Bond in the 007 film series.
Although they may be overshadowed by these trends and rarely receive much attention, there are some noteworthy dress watch models. The De Ville, whose name means "street corner" in French, embodies timeless elegance with its sophisticated, urban design. The Constellation, launched in 1952, continues to evoke the dignity of a high-precision watch that achieved brilliant results in observatory competitions. This time, we will focus on these Omega dress watches and rediscover their appeal.
De Ville Trésor, Ref. 435.13.40.21.03.001
It features a dressy design with many curved surfaces. The blue dial with a silk-like pattern exudes a casual feel, making it a dress watch that can be worn in a wide range of situations. Manual winding (Cal. 8910). 29 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 10.1mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. 1,120,000 yen (tax included).
The De Ville Trésor model takes its name from the French word "treasure." Its sleek, rounded form radiates an elegant sparkle like a polished jewel. There are several variations of the De Ville Trésor, but one of the simplest models is the Ref. 435.13.40.21.03.001.
The bombe-shaped blue dial features a silk-like pattern, adding a touch of casualness to the dressiness characteristic of the De Ville. The date display at 6 o'clock ensures functionality while maintaining a symmetrical design. The indexes and hands are slender, emphasizing the watch's elegant appearance.
The mirror-polished stainless steel case, with its many curved surfaces and box-shaped sapphire crystal, creates a soft atmosphere. The see-through back reveals a hand-wound movement equipped with a co-axial escapement and certified as a Master Chronometer.
De Ville Trésor, Ref. 435.13.40.22.06.001
The De Ville Trésor features a two-tone dial. It has a small seconds at 6 o'clock and a power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock. It is hand-wound (Cal. 8934). It has 29 jewels and beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour. It has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. It has a stainless steel case (diameter 40mm, thickness 10.1mm). It is water resistant to 3 bar. It is priced at 1,330,000 yen (tax included).
The De Ville Trésor is equipped with a power reserve indicator. By placing the small seconds on the subdial at 6 o'clock and the power reserve indicator on the subdial at 12 o'clock, it not only improves functionality but also adds a touch of style to the design.
The subdued silver dial curves around the periphery, creating a classic look. The slender indexes and hands share the same design as the three-hand model. The two gray subdials feature record-like grooves, ensuring visibility even in strong light.
The sleek case measures 40mm in diameter, typical of a modern dress watch, and measures just 44.8mm from lug to lug, making it suitable for those with relatively slim wrists.
The transparent caseback reveals the hand-wound movement, Cal. 8934. Certified as a Master Chronometer, it boasts high precision and magnetic resistance. The large bridges are adorned with Côtes de Genève arabesque patterns, making it a truly impressive sight.
De Ville Prestige, Ref. 434.23.42.22.10.001
The De Ville Prestige features a pointer date. The 18K yellow gold and stainless steel combination case creates a gorgeous impression. Automatic movement (Cal. 8936). 39 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel x 18K yellow gold case (42mm diameter, 12.3mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 1,419,000 yen (tax included).
The De Ville Prestige features a classic dress watch design. First up is a model equipped with a pointer date. The deep green sunray-finished dial is elegantly combined with gold-colored PVD indexes and hands. The white-printed numbers from 1 to 31 are used to display the date, which can be read in conjunction with the crescent-shaped hand. Circular hairlines ensure good visibility.
The rounded stainless steel case is paired with an 18K yellow gold bezel, emphasizing its elegance. The case is 42mm in diameter, which is a little large for a dress watch, but it allows you to enjoy the elegant dial all around your wrist.
This model also features a see-through case back, allowing you to view the automatic mechanical movement, Cal. 8936. Of course, it is Master Chronometer certified, so you don't have to worry about magnetism when using a computer or smartphone.
De Ville Prestige, Ref. 434.10.41.21.03.001
This highly functional model features a date display and power reserve indicator. The monotone design keeps the watch's appearance uncluttered despite its many functions. Automatic (Cal. 8810). 35 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel case (41mm diameter, 10.8mm thick). Water resistant to 3 bar. Price: 957,000 yen (tax included).
The De Ville Prestige features a power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock and a small seconds hand at 9 o'clock. The De Ville Prestige is available in a wide range of options, including functions, materials, case sizes, dial colors, and straps, so you can enjoy choosing the one that suits you best. The model featured here features a 41mm stainless steel case with a pale blue dial.
While the overall impression is that of a simple dress watch, its ample functionality is also one of its charms. The date display improves convenience in business situations, and the power reserve indicator visualizes the winding status. For those who do a lot of desk work, the automatic winding mechanism alone may not be able to fully wind the mainspring. Even in such cases, the power reserve indicator makes it easy to deal with the situation by manually winding the watch before it unexpectedly stops.
The stainless steel bracelet is a dressy seven-link type. The advantage of a metal bracelet is that it can be worn comfortably even in hot weather.
The Cal. 8810 used in this watch is a Master Chronometer certified mechanical automatic movement.
Constellation Reference 131.23.41.21.11.001
This gorgeous model features Sedna gold, burgundy, and black coloring. The lack of lugs makes it easy to wear even on slender wrists. Automatic movement (Cal. 8900). 30 jewels. 25,200 vph. Power reserve of approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold case (diameter 41mm, thickness 13.5mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 1,595,000 yen (tax included).
This model inherits the design codes of the Constellation Manhattan, which was released in 1982. There are many variations of the Constellation, but the one we'll be looking at today is one that's perfect for wearing to glamorous occasions like parties.
The deep burgundy dial is finished with a lacquer finish. The gradation, which darkens towards the periphery, and the sunray finish, which gives it a glossy finish, create a variety of different looks depending on the angle you look at it from. The hands, indexes, OMEGA logo, and the Constellation star are all crafted from 18K Sedna gold.
The bezel, lined with Roman numerals, and the prongs on its sides are a design that continues from the "Manhattan." The stainless steel case is designed to seamlessly connect to the strap. The strap is made of burgundy alligator leather, matching the dial. The rubber adds resistance to moisture, including sweat.
The movement is the Cal. 8900. It has a larger diameter than the Cal. 8800 series and uses a switching rocker for the automatic winding mechanism. The see-through case back allows you to admire the arabesque Côtes de Genève pattern.
