Omega de Ville Square Ref. 161.021

When Omega launched its Seamaster line in 1948, the watches initially featured traditional round cases, without any sort of diving-specific features such as a dive time bezel. When these were added in 1957, the collection became a bit cluttered. A late 1950’s Seamaster could be a small dress watch or a chunky diver. In terms of clarity, there was room for improvement.

Omega tried to solve this in 1963 by adding the De Ville designation to its dressier Seamasters. These would be the more classical, smaller and dressier watches within the Seamaster range. The idea was to separate the Seamaster range into sporty Seamasters and sophisticated Seamaster De Villes.

But as is often the case with big companies with many, many managerial layers, the decision would be turned on its head once again in 1967. The De Ville name was separated from the Seamaster and launched as its own collection. From a commercial point of view, it was a stroke of brilliance though. The De Ville line was used for more sophisticated, more elegant models than its sports lines. It was an instant hit.

The De Ville line has existed since. It featured (and still does) countless variations in design, complications, sizes and materials. Sophisticated and elegant. If these are qualities you hold in high regard, the De Ville collection might just harbor that perfect watch for you!