Introducing: A Dazzling Sextet Of Watches Provide A Taste Of The New Omega De Ville Prestige Collection

Omega has announced six new watches that are joining the De Ville Prestige collection. The De Ville name has been with Omega since the 1960s and was preceded by another familiar name — “Seamaster”. However, in 1967, the De Ville became its own collection within Omega’s catalog. The watches represented the slimmer and dressier side of things. In 1994, Omega introduced the De Ville Prestige collection. This was the contemporary vision of the classic dress watch. The Prestige series focused on several key elements, including the watch’s “triple-apple bassine” case shape and the signature bracelet design. Just five years later, Omega used its De Ville platform to introduce the Co-Axial escapement. Back in 2007, the De Ville Hour Vision was also the first to use Omega’s new in-house caliber (8500). Now, the line is the last to be updated with Master Chronometer certification.

Now that you’ve received your fill of Omega De Ville trivia, it’s time to check out the six new models introduced today. The first thing to note is that Omega is not done expanding the range yet. It’s made plenty clear that this is just a first taste of what’s yet to come. Omega shows us a good selection of watches in different colors, dial configurations, metals, and sizes. The brand has also taken the opportunity to give these watches a decent revamp, from subtle details receiving a slight upgrade to tasks as technically complicated as creating a hollow-dome dial, which hugs the movement and keeps the watch as slim as possible. Last but certainly not least, some of the dimensions have been reworked to achieve a more balanced and better-proportioned look and feel.

What’s new?

So, other than a visual makeover, there have been several changes brought to the De Ville Prestige lineup. Between the six new models, we see the brand use four different calibers (8810, 8802, 8800, and the quartz caliber 4061 in the smaller models). All mechanical movements used in the De Ville Prestige are now certified as Master Chronometer certified — the highest Swiss standard of precision. Omega’s Sedna Gold now replaces the previously used (standard) red gold tone. The focus of the collection, taken from a 1960s ad, describes the De Ville as a “watch so slim it hugs your wrist.” In a mission to keep these new models as slim as possible, Omega pulled out all the stops. I already mentioned curving the dial on both the top and bottom for a slimmer profile and better integration with the movement. The principle also applies to the dial’s numerals.

These have been crafted to follow the curved shape of the dial for a more elegant look and better integration. All of the De Ville Prestige models feature an AR-coated domed sapphire crystal, with mechanical versions also equipped with a sapphire case back. The larger models have new, redesigned crowns compared to their predecessors. The smaller-sized models won’t feature the curved dials, as they are naturally slimmer thanks to the smaller movements used. Finally, quartz models will have a solid case back with a Chronos God medallion. A special range of dial materials and finishings will also be available for these watches. The bracelet’s end-link integration has been improved, and the old sliding clasps have given way to butterfly clasps. Plenty of small improvements all play their part to make the new De Ville Prestige models more refined overall.

The Omega De Ville Prestige Collection: De Ville Prestige 41mm and 40mm

I’ll start with the larger-sized watches. Today, there are three new models to report on. Two of those come in at the 41mm size. The first model is the De Ville Prestige 41mm Power Reserve & Small Seconds (€5,800). This stainless steel model features a distinctive sky-blue dial, achieved with a PVD process. It also features Omega’s signature “2-in-1” finish. This means that the dial has both a vertical brushed pattern and a subtle radial sun-brushed finish. At 6 o’clock, the date window and power-reserve indicator are nicely integrated. The other 41mm model is the Small Seconds version (€5,200). This example is executed in 18K Sedna Gold and features a deep blue PVD sunburst dial. As opposed to the Power Reserve variant, the date here is at 3 o’clock, and a simple yet elegant sub-dial for the running seconds can be found at 6 o’clock.

The De Ville Prestige 40mm (€9,100) is the last of the larger-sized offerings in the collection for now. This is also the final domed-dialed model. Unlike the more colorful counterparts, this watch has a “crystal finish” dial in a silver tone. It contrasts beautifully with the Sedna Gold details of the case, dial markers, and hands. In true two-tone fashion, the bracelet also includes Sedna Gold elements. The watch’s bezel and crown also feature the brand’s distinctive rose gold alloy. The Master Chronometer certified movement used in the 40mm model displays the date at 6 o’clock and has a central sweeping seconds hand. It is the most classic and perhaps classiest of the bunch.

On the smaller side of things: The De Ville Prestige 34mm, 30mm, and 27.5mm

Moving on to the smaller offerings, we have another trio of De Ville Prestige models. The first is the 34mm option (€5,000). This version features a PVD lavender dial with Omega’s signature 2-in-1 finish. It’s presented on a shimmering blue leather strap. The watch also features the signature Roman numerals found on the larger models, but every other marker is replaced by a diamond set into the dial. A round date opening at 6 o’clock matches the sleeker and more delicate overall profile of this timepiece. The 30mm De Ville Prestige (€6,200) comes in a two-tone finish. As opposed to the 40mm model, it uses 18K yellow gold (not Sedna). The dial has a silver tone with a “crystal” finish. In contrast to the larger models, the minute track is inside the Roman-numeral hour markers. The 30mm model comes on a two-tone steel and gold bracelet.

Finally, the 27.5mm Omega De Ville Prestige (€35,500) is, by far, the most opulent of the models. It features a white mother-of-pearl dial, a diamond-paved gold bezel, and a full Sedna Gold bracelet. Incorporating the natural material of Tahitian mother-of-pearl gives the watch a natural touch, which contrasts nicely with the full-metal look. The signature bracelet has an upgraded butterfly clasp, adding a degree of user-friendly comfort. Overall, the collection covers an important genre in the wider Omega collection. And though we live in a world dominated by the steel sports watch, it’s good to have options for those looking for a slim-wearing, elegant timepiece inspired by the brand’s heritage.

Final thoughts

Are these watches my favorite in the Omega catalog? Well, I can think of a few others that I’d personally prefer. But kudos to Omega for keeping the bases covered and even continuing to update, upgrade, and care for these dressier timepieces. Especially the Master Chronometer upgrade is one that fans of the De Ville Prestige line will surely enjoy. On top of that, all of the watches in the collection will come with a five-year warranty. If you’d like more information on the full Omega De Ville Prestige range, please check out the Omega website.

As always, leave your thoughts on this latest release from Omega in the comments below.