Omega Genève Automatic Date 166.070 Gold Plated Case, circa 1970

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Few names in Swiss watchmaking carry quite the same recognition as Omega . Founded in 1848, the company established an international reputation for precision, reliability and innovation, producing everything from elegant dress watches to the professional timepieces associated with aviation, diving and space exploration. The Omega Genève collection has its roots in the company's celebrated precision watchmaking tradition. The Genève name first appeared on Omega watches during the 1950s, reflecting the company's association with the city and its reputation for fine Swiss watchmaking. By the 1960s, the Genève had evolved into one of Omega's most recognisable collections, offering dependable mechanical movements and attractive, understated designs suited to everyday wear. Automatic models were particularly popular, combining the convenience of self-winding technology with Omega's well-established mechanical expertise. Among the movements used during this period was the excellent Omega Calibre 565 , a 24-jewel automatic movement introduced in the 1960s. Part of Omega's highly regarded 550-series family, it featured a practical date complication with a quick-setting mechanism operated through the winding crown. These movements became known for their robust construction and dependable performance, helping establish the Genève collection as an attractive choice for those seeking a quality Swiss wristwatch. During the same period, watches were frequently presented by British employers to recognise long service, retirement or significant professional achievements. Omega was a particularly appropriate choice for such occasions, combining a respected international name with the lasting appeal of a finely made mechanical timepiece. These presentation watches are especially interesting today, offering collectors not only a piece of horological history but also a personal connection to the lives and careers of their original recipients. What's on Offer Here we have a particularly charming Omega Genève Automatic Date, Reference 166.070, dating from approximately 1970 , with an attractive silver dial, gold-plated case and an interesting piece of British retail history. What makes this example especially appealing is the engraving on the caseback, recording its presentation by Boots the Chemists to E. England in appreciation of long service in 1971 . The inscription reads: IN APPRECIATION 1971 E. ENGLAND FOR LONG SERVICE Accompanied by the Boots emblem, the engraving provides a lovely glimpse into the watch's past. Rather than being simply another vintage Omega, this is a timepiece presented to recognise an individual's years of dedication to one of Britain's best-known high-street businesses. The watch itself is a particularly attractive example of the classic Genève design. Its silver sunburst dial displays a beautiful radial brushed finish, complemented by applied gold-tone baton hour markers with dark central inserts. Matching gold-tone hands provide excellent contrast, while the central seconds hand and neatly framed date aperture at 3 o'clock complete the wonderfully balanced appearance. The applied Omega emblem and signature sit beneath 12 o'clock, with Automatic immediately below, while the Genève name appears above 6 o'clock. The watch retains its original Omega-etched Plexiglass crystal , complete with the discreet Omega emblem at its centre. The gold-plated case features elegant angular lugs, a polished bezel and a signed Omega crown. There are some expected marks of wear to the case, consistent with its age, but it retains a very attractive overall appearance. The watch is fitted with a dark brown leather strap with contrasting stitching, which complements the warmth of the gold-tone case and the understated silver dial beautifully. Inside is the highly regarded Omega Calibre 565 , a 24-jewel automatic mechanical movement from one of Omega's most respected movement families. Its quick-set date function makes it particularly practical for everyday use. Should you prefer to have the watch professionally serviced before delivery, this can be arranged through our watchmaker at an additional cost. Simply add a note when placing the watch in your basket, and we will contact you to discuss the available servicing options. Condition Details: Crystal: Excellent Dial: Excellent Bezel: Very Good Case: Good Movement: Not Serviced Overall: Very Good