Omega 131.019, Cal. 601

Omega Ref. 131.019 1966 — First impression

At 34 mm across and 38 mm lug to lug, this Omega Ref. 131.019 from 1966 is a quintessential mid-century dress timepiece, balancing understated elegance with everyday practicality. The polished stainless steel case, domed acrylic crystal and finely textured silver dial create a refined presence that sits low on the wrist and slides effortlessly under a cuff. Applied Arabic numerals give the watch an immediately legible, almost instrument-like look, while the slim dark hands and central seconds hand add precision and poise. Soft patina across the surface of the dial reminds you that this is a genuine vintage Swiss watch, not a modern remake, and the proportions make it ideal for collectors who value classic design and comfortable wear.

Omega Ref. 131.019 - Silver guilloché Dial

The dial is a highlight of this reference, with concentric guilloché-style circles that catch the light as the watch moves on the wrist. Warm metallic Arabic numerals at every hour are applied rather than printed, rising gently above the silver background to give depth and character. A fine printed minute track runs around the edge, punctuated by small tritium lume dots aligned with each hour marker, with the “T SWISS MADE T” signature visible at six o’clock. The surface shows honest, even ageing and some localized toning, particularly between five and seven o’clock, adding individuality without compromising legibility. It is an authentically preserved dial that speaks to the watch’s history.

Hands

The hands on this Omega Ref. 131.019 are slender, leaf-style forms in a dark tone that stand out crisply against the silver dial. The hour and minute hands each carry a small tritium inlay near the tip, now aged to a mellow tone that matches the lume dots around the dial. A fine central seconds hand sweeps over the guilloché pattern with just enough presence to aid precise time reading, yet without disturbing the minimalist layout. Together, the combination of Arabic numerals, dark hands and clean printing gives the watch an unusually readable display for a mid-1960s dress model.

Slim stainless steel case

The stainless steel case of this Omega is all about refined proportions and comfort. At 34.0 mm in diameter with a 38.0 mm lug-to-lug span and 18.0 mm lug width, it wears larger than the numbers suggest, thanks to its long straight lugs and very narrow bezel. Surfaces are polished, catching the light along the case band and tops of the lugs, while the slim profile keeps the watch discreet on the wrist. A gently domed acrylic crystal echoes the curves of the dial and contributes to the warm, vintage look that only older mechanical watches possess. This is a versatile case that looks equally at home with tailoring or a more relaxed, smart-casual wardrobe.

Ref. 131.019 - Fluted Crown

At three o’clock sits a small fluted unsigned crown sized for daily manual winding without disturbing the elegant lines of the case. The pronounced coin-edge grip makes it easy to wind the movement and set the time precisely, yet the crown remains visually unobtrusive when viewed from above. Its modest dimensions and simple geometry are typical of 1960s Omega dress watches, prioritising comfort and visual balance over aggressive sports-watch styling.

Leather Strap

This watch is fitted with a brand new, high quality black leather strap with an alligator-style grain that complements the polished case and silver dial. Slight padding and matching black stitching give it a tailored, contemporary feel while remaining faithful to the period-correct dress aesthetic. With its 18 mm lug width and classic pin buckle, the strap suits a wide range of wrist sizes and offers immediate wearing comfort. Being new, it lets the collector enjoy the vintage character of the head of the watch with the peace of mind of a fresh, unworn strap.

Omega Cal. 601 manual wind movement

Inside the stainless steel case beats the Omega Cal. 601, a hand-wound mechanical movement from Omega’s respected 600-series family. This calibre typically features 17 jewels, a frequency of around 19,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve in the region of two days, giving a satisfying combination of robustness and precision for everyday use. The architecture is simple, tried-and-tested and designed with serviceability in mind, which is one reason these movements remain favourites among watchmakers and collectors alike. Winding the Cal. 601 by hand each morning offers a direct mechanical connection with the watch, firmly rooted in Swiss-made horology heritage. In this example, the movement has been fully serviced and adjusted, providing reliable timekeeping and ensuring that the watch is ready to be worn regularly rather than kept purely as a display piece.

Heritage of the Omega Ref. 131.019 in 1960s dress watch design

During the 1960s, Omega produced a wide range of slim, time-only dress watches that bridged the gap between post-war classicism and the cleaner lines of late-modernist design. The Ref. 131.019 sits firmly in this tradition, combining a modest steel case with a dial that offers both functional clarity and subtle decoration. The full set of Arabic numerals makes it a little more expressive than the typical baton-index Omega of the period, while the engine-turned pattern keeps things refined rather than flashy. Collectors who appreciate this design language will also want to explore more Omega vintage dress watches with classic Cal. 601 movements to see how this reference fits into the broader family. As a representative of mid-1960s Omega production, it captures an era when precision timekeeping and restrained elegance were the guiding principles.

12-month warranty and worldwide shipping Condition, Originality, trust signals

This Omega Ref. 131.019 is a used vintage wristwatch, but one that has been carefully preserved and recently overhauled. The dial is original, with attractive, honest patina and intact applied numerals; the aged tritium lume on both dial and hands presents a consistent tone. The stainless steel case retains its crisp lines and wearable proportions, with only light marks expected from respectful use over decades, and the acrylic crystal is clear, ready for regular wear. According to the specification, all major components are original to the watch, and the movement is fully serviced and fully operational. A 12-month warranty on the mechanics and worldwide shipping add important reassurance for international collectors. If you enjoy this aesthetic, you can also discover other 1960s stainless steel dress timepieces in our curated collection, all selected with the same attention to originality and condition.