Omega Geneve Automatic 166.0118

Omega Geneve 1973 — First impression - 166.0118

This Omega Geneve 166.0118 from 1973 is a quintessential 1970s Swiss dress timepiece, defined by its crisp TV-shaped stainless steel case and clean silver dial. The vertically brushed surfaces on the case and dial work together to create a subtle play of light, while the dark inlaid baton markers and matching hands ensure excellent legibility. At 35 mm across with straight integrated lugs, it wears flat and elegant on the wrist yet still has presence. The original signed crystal with a tiny Omega logo etched at the centre, the Omega-signed crown, and the period-correct buckle underline its originality. Completed by a fresh high-quality brown leather strap, this Geneve feels both authentically vintage and immediately wearable.

Omega Geneve - Brushed Silver Dial

The dial is silver with a pronounced vertical brushed finish that suits the geometric case design perfectly. Applied baton hour markers with dark inlays and a double index at twelve give a sharp, architectural look, while the fine minute track around the periphery keeps reading the time precise. The Omega logo, Automatic script, and Geneve signature are all clean and well preserved, with “Swiss Made” discreetly printed at the base. The date window at three o’clock is framed by a metallic aperture and uses a white date disc with contrasting black numerals, keeping the display functional yet understated beneath the original Omega crystal.

Geneve 166.0118 - Hands

The hands are classic for the Geneve line of this era: straight baton shapes with dark inlays echoing the hour markers, giving strong contrast against the silver background. The slim central seconds hand reaches cleanly into the minute track for accurate reading at a glance, reinforcing the watch’s role as a precise daily companion rather than a purely decorative piece. Their restrained design suits the overall minimalism of the watch, emphasizing clarity and balance instead of ornament, and contributes to the timeless character collectors expect from a mid-1970s Omega dress wristwatch.

Omega Geneve 166.0118 - Sharp Stainless Steel Case and Crown

The stainless steel case of the 166.0118 is all about sharp geometry and original lines. The flat upper surface is strongly brushed, while the sides are polished, creating a clear contrast that highlights the TV-shaped silhouette and straight lugs. At 35 mm in diameter and around 42 mm lug to lug, it offers an elegant footprint that sits comfortably on most men’s wrists. The flanks remain crisp, suggesting that any past refinishing has been minimal and respectful. On the right side, the Omega-signed crown is neatly proportioned and easy to grip, reinforcing the impression of an honest, well-preserved vintage Swiss watch designed for regular wear.

Leather Strap

This example is fitted with a new high-quality brown leather strap featuring a subtle alligator-style grain and tone-on-tone stitching that complements the warm metallic tones of the case and dial. The straight 18 mm lugs make strap changes simple, but the chosen leather works particularly well with the 1970s design, softening the angular case lines and adding comfort on the wrist. An original Omega buckle from 1973 completes the package, lending an extra touch of authenticity and making the watch feel like a curated period-correct ensemble rather than just a head on a modern replacement strap.

Omega Geneve 1973 — Caliber 1481 Automatic Movement

Inside the case is Omega’s automatic Caliber 1481, a robust movement from the early 1970s designed for reliable everyday use. It offers central seconds and a practical date complication, operated via the crown, and represents a pragmatic approach to precision timekeeping at the height of vintage Swiss watchmaking. In this example the movement has been fully serviced, with the automatic winding system, keyless works, and regulation checked by a professional watchmaker to ensure stable performance. As a mechanical automatic watch, it rewards regular wear, keeping time through the motion of the wrist while still allowing manual winding when needed. For a collector or enthusiast, it provides an authentic mechanical experience without sacrificing practicality.

Heritage of the Omega Geneve in 1970s Swiss Design

The Geneve line occupied an important place in Omega’s 1970s catalogue, offering high-quality Swiss-made mechanical wristwatches with contemporary styling at an accessible level. This 1973 reference 166.0118 captures that philosophy perfectly: a slim automatic movement housed in a sharp, modernist case with a clean, functional dial. The rectangular-TV aesthetic, vertical brushing and minimal dial printing all echo the design language of the era while remaining versatile enough for today’s tastes. For collectors building a focused selection of Omega dress pieces from this period, or for someone seeking a single representative example of 1970s Swiss horology, this watch makes a compelling choice. It also pairs naturally with other pieces from the brand, as seen in our curated Omega Genève ref. 166.0118 1973 automatic models.

Geneve 1973 — Condition, Originality and Collectability

This Omega Geneve is in used but carefully preserved vintage condition. The dial remains clean, with intact printing and indices, and the brushed finish on the case top still shows strong grain, indicating that the geometry has not been over-polished. The Omega-signed crown, original Omega crystal with the tiny etched Omega logo at its centre, and period-correct buckle support the originality of the ensemble, matching the data that all major components are original. The new leather strap offers modern comfort while respecting the original aesthetic. Mechanically, the watch is fully serviced and fully operational, making it more than just a display piece. For collectors, the combination of honest condition, originality and a complete period feel makes this reference a quietly desirable dress timepiece from Omega’s Geneva line.

Warranty, Servicing and Worldwide Shipping

The watch has undergone a full mechanical service and is offered with a 12-month warranty covering proper operation under normal use, giving additional confidence to buyers new to vintage mechanical watches. As with any historic wristwatch, water resistance is not guaranteed, and the watch should be kept away from moisture and strong magnetic fields to preserve its performance. This piece is ready to wear immediately, arriving securely packed and available for insured worldwide shipping to collectors and enthusiasts. If you are looking to expand a collection of classic dress pieces, you can also explore more automatic dress vintage watches from the 1970s in our store to complement this refined Omega Geneve.

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