We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
Perfect for boardroom meetings, dinner dates or a weekend city break, this circa‑1968 Omega Seamaster De Ville 34mm, with its gold‑plated case, silver dial and brown leather strap, brings refined vintage elegance to tailored suits and smart‑casual looks.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What are the key specs and size of this Seamaster De Ville? A: Reference 166.020 is a 1960s dress watch with an approximately 34–34.5 mm case diameter (excluding crown) and 18 mm lug width. This example features a gold‑plated case with a stainless steel back, a silver‑coloured dial with date, and an automatic movement. Please refer to the product information and Measurements on this page for the exact details of this piece.
Q: Which movement does it use, and how do I set the date safely? A: This reference was commonly fitted with Omega automatic calibres 562 or 565. On calibre 565, the date is advanced by repeatedly pulling the crown to the setting position (quick‑set). Avoid using the quick‑set or changing the date when the time is around 10 pm to 2 am to protect the mechanism. If the watch has calibre 562, advance the date by moving the hands past midnight repeatedly. If you are unsure which calibre is inside, a watchmaker can confirm.
Q: Is it water resistant and can I swim with it? A: When new, the Seamaster De Ville of this reference was rated to 3 bar/30 m. As a vintage watch, ageing gaskets and prior servicing mean practical water resistance can no longer be assumed. We recommend keeping it dry; do not shower or swim with it. If water resistance is important to you, have a watchmaker pressure‑test the watch after a complete service.
Q: Is the case solid gold? A: No. As stated, this example has a gold‑plated case with a stainless steel back. It offers the look of gold with a plated finish rather than solid precious metal. To preserve the plating, avoid abrasive polishing and contact with chemicals or hard surfaces.
Q: What crystal does it have, and can scratches be improved? A: These were typically fitted with a hesalite/acrylic crystal. Light surface marks can often be polished by a professional using dedicated acrylic polishes; deeper gouges may require crystal replacement during service.
Q: What strap size does it take, and can I change it easily? A: The lug width is 18 mm, so most 18 mm straps will fit. The watch is currently on a brown crocodile‑embossed leather strap. Strap changes are straightforward, but to avoid scratching the lugs we recommend using proper tools or asking a watchmaker to fit your preferred strap.
Q: How is the case opened—does it have a screw‑down back? A: Many Seamaster De Ville 166.020 watches use a front‑loading (monocoque/unishell) case that is accessed from the dial side by removing the crystal. Opening and resealing should be left to a qualified watchmaker to avoid damage to the case or crystal.
Q: How often should a vintage Omega be serviced? A: Omega recommends a complete service approximately every 5–8 years, with water‑resistance checks yearly if that function matters to you. For vintage pieces, service needs depend on use and prior maintenance. Unless stated otherwise in the product information, recent service is not guaranteed—please factor routine servicing into ownership.
Q: What does the reference 166.020 indicate, and what is the year of this piece? A: The 166.020 designation identifies an automatic Seamaster De Ville with a date display from the 1960s, typically housing calibre 562 or 565. This example is listed as circa 1968, consistent with the production era of the reference.
Q: What is included with the watch? A: Everything included is listed in the product information on this page. If items such as a branded box or original papers are not listed there, they are not included—please contact us if you would like us to confirm the contents.
Q: How does A Retro Tale authenticate this watch? A: Every item is vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of case and movement numbers, dial printing, hands, crown, crystal type, finishing, and period‑correct components. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and are happy to provide further details on request.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to most EU countries. Click here to see the full list of eligible countries.
The shipping fee will be clearly shown during the checkout process. In some cases—such as during promotions or depending on your delivery location—shipping costs may vary. If no special rates apply, the standard international shipping fee of $49 will be charged.
We ship all orders from Sweden. Depending on your country’s import regulations, your order may be subject to customs duties, VAT, GST, or other local taxes upon arrival.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
If you have any questions about customs, duties, or taxes, feel free to contact our customer service team — we’re happy to help!
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
/ Omega
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
/ Seamaster
• Gold-plated case with stainless steel back
• Automatic movement
• Silver-coloured dial with date display
• Brown crocodile embossed leather strap
• 34mm case
• Vintage
