Vintage Omega Watch 166.0202 Gold-Plated — Automatic Gold Dial (1974)

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Omega Gold-Plated Automatic: the 1974 Swiss dress watch with gilded dial and date

This Omega watch is an automatic dress watch, unisex, equally suitable for a man or a woman. Its round gold-plated case, with a slim bezel and sleek tapered curved lugs, embodies the luminous classicism of the de ville vintage watches of the 1970s. It measures 34mm (37mm with the crown) for a Lug-to-lug of 41mm and a thickness of 11mm. An elegant and easy-to-wear piece, in the purest Omega style of the era.

The gilded dial reveals a vertical brushed finish, known as "linen," which catches the light in shifting bands depending on the angle. Applied baton hour markers, hollowed out with a black insert, rhythm the perimeter. The Ω symbol crowns the OMEGA and Automatic signatures, while the SWISS MADE mention sits at the base of the dial. A date window is placed at 3 o'clock. The hands echo the black insert on the gilded surface, while a slender central seconds hand sweeps across the whole.

At its heart beats the Omega 1012 calibre, an automatic movement with 23 jewels, produced from 1972 to 1984 and renowned for its robustness. It offers a quick-set date, a hacking seconds device for precise time-setting, 28,800 vibrations per hour, and around 42 hours of power reserve. It is a modern and reliable movement, from which Omega watches of this period draw their excellent reputation. The movement in this example has been serviced by our watchmaker.

On the wrist, the piece embraces a bright classic aesthetic. The warm gold plating and gilded dial create a tonal ensemble of great elegance, here highlighted by a bold green crocodile leather strap that brings the whole piece to life with an unexpected touch of color. This strap is not original; it is fitted with a Buckle buckle. The Lug width of 18mm leaves the choice of replacement straps open.

Three points to note

• The 1012 calibre is a high-grade 23-jewel automatic, with quick-set date and hacking seconds: one of the fine Omega movements of the 1970s.
• The serial number places this piece around 1974, a dating established by Omega reference tables and consistent with the calibre's production period.
• The case is gold-plated, not solid: it shows fine signs of wear, noted here with full transparency.

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Technical specifications

• Brand: Omega
• Model: Automatic dress watch
• Reference: 166.0202
• Serial number: 38977xxx
• Estimated year: 1974
• Origin: Switzerland
• Gender: Men's and women's watch (Unisex)
• Movement: Automatic, Omega 1012 calibre, 23 jewels
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, quick-set date at 3 o'clock
• Case: Gold-plated (steel caseback), round shape
• Dimensions: 34mm (37mm with the crown)
• Lug to lug: 41mm
• Thickness: 11mm
• Lug width: 18mm
• Crown: Gold-plated, original
• Dial: Gold with vertical brushed finish, applied baton indexes with black insert, date at 3 o'clock, original
• Hands: Gold baton hands with black insert, central seconds hand, original
• Crystal: Mineral, non-original, very good condition (9/10)
• Bracelet: Green crocodile leather, non-original
• Buckle: Buckle, non-original

Condition and warranty

• Overall condition: Very fine state of preservation. Clean and luminous brushed gold dial, indexes and hands intact, date window functional. The gold plating shows fine superficial signs of wear, consistent with the age of the piece.
• Water resistance: Not guaranteed (vintage watch)
• Authenticity: Lifetime guarantee
• Movement: Serviced movement, one-year warranty
• Included: Atelier Victor invoice, protective case
• Not included: Original box and papers

Frequently asked questions

Is this Omega automatic or quartz?
It is automatic. Its 1012 caliber winds itself thanks to a rotor, powered by the movement of the wrist. There is neither battery nor mandatory hand-winding, even though the crown allows it to be re-energized after a stop. Worn regularly, the watch keeps itself running, with approximately 42 hours of power reserve.

Is the Omega 1012 caliber reliable?
Yes. The 1012 is a 23-jewel automatic movement, produced from 1972 to 1984, with a modern and robust architecture. It offers a quickset date and a hacking seconds hand for precise time setting. Properly maintained, it delivers accuracy comparable to that of contemporary movements. The movement of this example has been serviced by our watchmaker and is guaranteed for 1 year.

How do I set the date on this Omega?
The 1012 caliber has a quickset date: by pulling the crown to its intermediate position and turning it, the date advances without having to move the hands. Avoid setting the date between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., the period during which the calendar mechanism is engaged.

Is the case solid gold?
No. It is a gold-plated case with a steel back, a construction commonly found on dress watches of this era. The plating provides the warmth and brilliance of gold at a fraction of its price. This piece shows fine signs of wear on its plating, disclosed with full transparency.

Will a 34mm case fit which wrist?
A 34mm diameter with a Lug-to-lug of 41mm fits wrists approximately from 15.5 to 19cm, its tapered lugs beautifully elongating the silhouette. It is a classic and versatile size, equally at ease on a masculine wrist or a slightly fuller feminine wrist. A dress watch that is easy to wear every day.

A piece selected by Atelier Victor

Authenticated, checked, and photographed by us. As all sales are final, our team remains available 7 days a week on WhatsApp to answer your questions, share additional photos or a video of the piece in hand — so that your choice can be made with complete peace of mind.

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