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Bassoon
December 23rd, 2007, 01:28
A friend of mine just showed me a vintage DeVille. It's gold and I guess the case to be about 40+mm across but the dial is substantially less than that (maybe 35 or so). The markers are applied as is the Omega symbol (right under the symbol is the word "Automatic", at the 6 is the word "DeVille).

Most interesting about this watch is that there doesn't appear to be a case-back to it. The case itself appears to be made from a single piece and the only way I can figure you'd access the movement is through the front. If I recall correctly, the back of the case has the word "Tool 104" (or "Tool 140", I can't remember). The Crystal is signed, right in the middle over the post that the hands are attached to.

I'm going to get some pictures of it up but does any know when Omega made solid cases (if ever?). Can anyone tell me about this watch? I've looked at some of the old catalogs but I can't find anything.

gatorcpa
December 23rd, 2007, 01:52
Omega made many "uni-shell" cases of varying sizes in the late 1960's and early 1970's. It sound like you have one of those on the DeVille.

I have a Constellation from about 1968 with a similar case:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/gatorcpa/Watch%20Photos/Omega%20Constellation/DSCN1941.jpg

A good watchmaker should have the tools to get in there, if necessary.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

Joe K.
December 23rd, 2007, 04:14
It is a "Unishell" case - or the term Omega also uses in French- monocoque.
The movement is inserted from the top and then the crystal is fitted in with a tension ring. This design was to enhance waterproofness. The tool marking on the back is to indicate the crystal lifting tool that needs to be used with this specific model.