Today's offering showcases this distinctively retro styled example of one of Omega's classic vintage Geneve double quick-setting watches in gorgeous restored condition with Azure Mist dial.

This is a classic 1970s Omega with the character that makes the era so interesting: a sculpted tonneau "TV shaped" case, original Omega bracelet with very uncommon style, automatic movement, and a beautifully custom refinished Azure Mist dial that gives the watch a fresh identity of its own.

The 1970s were an especially creative period for Omega. Alongside the better-known professional watches of the era, the Genève collection gave the company room to experiment with shape, proportion, and a more contemporary approach to everyday watch design. Ref. 166.0188 reflects that spirit particularly well, with its broad case flowing naturally into the bracelet and giving the entire watch a cohesive structured look.

Its original Omega dial has been beautifully custom refinished in our Azure Mist with sunburst finish, a cool blue with soft gray-green undertones that changes noticeably with the light. At some angles it appears subdued and almost silvery; at others, brighter blue highlights radiate across the brushed surface.

The result is unmistakably a product of 1970s Omega design, but one that feels remarkably natural on a modern wrist. The distinctive case and integrated bracelet provide the vintage character, while the Azure Mist dial gives the watch a lighter, more contemporary personality without losing what makes the original design interesting.

Here are some of its features:

* Pioneering so-called "double quick-set" day and date features - Omega created the caliber 1022 movement with a double quick-set capability for convenient setting of the day and date. Though many connoisseurs associate the idea of the double quick-set watch with Rolex, which first offered the President model with this "new" feature in late 1990, Omega was a pioneer of the technology in large scale production watches.

* Faster beat (28,800 bph) balance system for greater accuracy (and this watch is the higher 23 jeweled version)

* Full size 36mm case - The size of a Rolex Datejust.

* Original bracelet - its rare original removeable Omega bracelet with narrow endpieces has an unusual design that we don't remember ever seeing on any other reference.

It has all of its original parts and has just finished a true expertly done restoration. The watch presents as a 9.7 out of 10.

Its case presents in just short of perfect mint condition with very slight signs of previous polishing. Despite what the photos seem to suggest, the engraving on the case back is almost entirely intact. On the wrist it presents as beautiful mint.

Its original Omega dial has been meticulously custom refinished in Azure Mist, just slightly darker than Tiffany & Co. robins egg blue - the printing could pass as Omega factory done to the naked eye.

A Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).

It continues to run strong and true, keeping very accurate time in our testing recording position.

Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Omega Geneve:

Omega watches can be found on the wrists of many prominent figures including Pierce Brosnan, Michael Schumacher, Michael Phelps, Ernie Els, Prince William, and one graced the wrist of President John F. Kennedy. Omega has been the official timekeeper for 21 Olympic Games and is the official chronometer of NASA.

Beginning in 1953 Omega placed the name Geneve on the dials of some of the members of the 30mm collection which at the time were produced in the company's workshops in Geneve (to put Geneve on a dial of a watch certain components and processes must take place in Geneve). According to Omega the name referred to the Genevan Observatory where the early 30mm calibers set a number of records. They later expanded the use of the model name to other watches like this one.

Manufacturer: Omega
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 39,016,206
Year built: c. 1975
Model: Ref. ST 166.0188
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Double Quick-Set Day/Date, Hack Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Stainless steel
Case markings (inside): Omega Watch Co., Swiss made, Fond Acier Inoxydable, 166.0188
Case condition: Presents in just short of perfect mint condition with very slight signs of previous polishing. Despite what the photos seem to suggest, the engraving on the case back is almost entirely intact. On the wrist it presents as beautiful mint.
Dimensions: 36mm wide (excluding crown), 44mm long lug tip-to-tip
Dial: Azure Mist blue, signed Omega, steel baton indexes topped with black, luminous hour dots, outer minute track, original Omega dial has been expertly custom refinished
Hands: Original, steel, "batons"
Movement type:  High grade caliber 1022 movement, 23 jewels, copper colored, fast beat 28,800 BPH balance system for greater accuracy, shock absorber
Jewels: 17 rubies
Beat frequency: Fast beat 28,800 BPH
Band: Original rare ref. 1232 no. 32 bracelet, signed Omega, adjustable, sized to fit a wrist up to approx. just under 8 inches, adjustable, fairly mild stretch, finish presents as mint condition. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors and aftermarket Omega style buckles. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal: Acrylic, original, signed Omega, excellent condition
Serviced: A Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It continues to run strong and true, keeping very accurate time in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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