1977 omega deville ladies wristwatch ref 7112029 satin blue patina dial integral bracelet + box
This Watch Here we have a very cool and unusually attractive ladies Omega De Ville mechanical wristwatch from 1977, reference 711.2029, in stainless steel and fitted with its original Omega stainless steel integral bracelet. This is a small watch by modern standards at 26mm x 23.5mm, with a very slim 6mm case profile, but it has a wonderful 1970s wrist presence. The rounded square case has a soft, jewellery-like shape, sitting neatly into the mesh-style integrated bracelet, with a sliding clasp construction that allows it to be adjusted neatly to the wrist. It is a piece that feels much more designed than a simple small dress watch. The real focal point is the dial. Originally this would have been a cleaner coloured finish, but over the decades it has aged into a very atmospheric satin blue-grey hue, with warm golden/brown patination around the hour markers and edge of the dial. This sort of colour change is something we often see on 1970s electroplated, painted or chemically finished dials, where sunlight, UV exposure and age can slowly alter the original colour and surface. In this case the result is not damage in the usual sense, but a very appealing vintage character that makes the watch completely individual. The dial is signed Omega and De Ville, with slim applied baton hour markers and a simple two-hand layout. There is no date, no seconds hand, and no unnecessary fuss — just a clean little dress watch with a very 1970s feel. It is powered by Omega’s calibre 625, a 17 jewel manual wind movement, one of Omega’s slim mechanical calibres used in elegant ladies and dress watches of the period. The watch is also fitted with sapphire glass and comes with its original Omega box, which is a lovely extra and helps complete the period feel of the piece. Extra Points The Andrew Grima question, Andrew Grima was commissioned by Omega around 1969/1970 and created the famous “About Time” collection, a group of bold, sculptural jewellery watches that have become highly collectable today. Later 1970s Omega De Ville watches were certainly influenced by that broader Grima-era design language, but unless this exact reference can be matched to a catalogue or confirmed Grima production model, we would not describe it as an actual Andrew Grima design. The safer and more accurate wording is “Grima-era” or “Grima-inspired,” which still gives the watch the right design context without overclaiming. You can decide. Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover. What we think This is exactly the sort of small vintage Omega that can be easily overlooked until you actually handle it. On paper it is a ladies De Ville, but in the hand it is a very stylish little 1970s design object. The dial is what makes it. The aged satin blue tone has a softness and depth that you simply do not get from a modern reissue or a freshly restored dial. The warm ageing around the markers gives it a slightly smoky, almost tropical look, and the silver case and bracelet keep the whole watch feeling crisp rather than overly dressy. We also love the bracelet. The integral construction makes the watch feel complete and original, rather than just a small head on a later strap. The sliding clasp is very practical, and the woven stainless steel has that period jewellery-watch feel that Omega did so well in the 1970s. This is not a big or loud watch, but that is really the appeal. It is slim, elegant, unusual, properly mechanical, and full of vintage character. For someone wanting a smaller Omega with genuine charm, an original box, and a dial that has aged into something totally unique, this is a very appealing piece. Spec Stuff Serial : 4094#### Reference : 711.2029 Movement : Cal 625, 17 Jewels Age : 1970/1979 Specific Age : 1977 Case Size : 26mm X 23.5mm Case Thickness : 6mm Lug to Lug : 30mm Lugs : 14mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Box Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof service cover