Omega De Ville Chronograph Date Ref. 146.017 – 1969 Cal. 930 Rarity

A striking and uncommon vintage chronograph, the Omega De Ville Ref. 146.017 stands out with its asymmetrical date placement, beautifully preserved case, and the revered Calibre 930 movement. Produced for only a short period in the late 1960s, this reference represents one of Omega’s most distinctive chronograph designs.

A Rare De Ville Chronograph – Distinctive Design and Layout

This 1969 example features the signature date window positioned at 9 o’clock, an unusual configuration unique to the Cal. 930 generation. Omega experimented with this layout for only a brief period, making surviving examples particularly collectible.

The 35 mm stainless-steel case remains sharp and clean, showing no signs of polishing—a major plus for collectors seeking original geometry and crisp edges. The proportions wear beautifully thanks to the tonneau-inspired shape and balanced chronograph register spacing.

A vintage-correct Plexiglass crystal ensures warm reflections and maintains the watch’s authentic 1960s character.

The watch retains its original Omega steel crown, another detail often lost on examples of this era.

Original Dial with Honest Vintage Patina

This piece features its original Omega dial, which shows some gentle patina, consistent with over five decades of careful, honest ageing. The natural tonal shifts add depth and charm without affecting legibility or design clarity.

The registers, printing, and hands remain beautifully preserved, maintaining the watch’s authentic vintage appeal.

Calibre 930 – Manual-Wind Omega Excellence

Inside beats the highly regarded Omega Calibre 930, an in-house, manual-wound chronograph movement derived from the legendary 27 CHRO family.

Key attributes include:

• Manual winding with excellent tactile feedback

• Smooth-running chronograph mechanism

• Intermediate date complication enabling the distinctive 9 o’clock window

• Superb reliability and mechanical purity

The movement is matched with a serial number 29,142,542, placing production in 1969, perfectly aligning with the reference’s short production run.

Strap & Wearing Experience

Paired with a brand-new handmade Belgian leather strap, the watch offers a refined, comfortable wearing experience that complements its vintage tone without overpowering it.

Specifications

Reference: 146.017
Year: 1969 (Serial 29,142,542)
Case: Stainless steel, unpolished, 35 mm
Crystal: Plexiglass
Dial: Original Omega dial with light patina
Crown: Original Omega steel crown
Movement: Omega Calibre 930, manual-wound chronograph
Strap: New handmade-in-Belgium leather strap
Features: Chronograph + date at 9 o’clock

Why This Watch?

The Omega De Ville Chronograph Ref. 146.017 offers a rare blend of:

• Unique and short-lived Omega design language

• The excellent manual-wound Cal. 930 movement

• A sharp, unpolished 35 mm case

• Original dial with attractive patina

• Asymmetric date placement at 9 o’clock

• Strong 1969 provenance

Overshadowed by Omega’s sportier chronographs, this De Ville remains one of the brand’s most interesting and distinctive late-1960s creations. For collectors seeking something uncommon, elegant, and mechanically robust, this reference is a superb and characterful choice.