In The Spotlight: Omega De Ville Prestige
When it comes to Omega, a lot of focus is on the Speedmaster and Seamaster. While these are rightly so amazing collections, for quite some time now, the Omega universe rests on four pillars, with the other two being the Constellation and the De Ville. Some see the De Ville, in particular, as the collection where you can find some of the more conservative models from the brand. While there might be some truth to that, these watches also prove to be versatile and timeless because of that. The De Ville collection is, by itself, also divided into categories: Tourbillon, Hour Vision, Tresor, Ladymatic, and Prestige. When focusing on this last category, according to the Omega website, no fewer than 412 references are available, and they are all named De Ville Prestige.
While this may sound like too much of a good thing, you are spoiled for choice as there are quite a few tempting watches among them. Take, for example, reference 434.10.41.20.10.001, which combines a stainless steel case with a matching bracelet. With a diameter of 41mm, Omega found the sweet spot, as this size gives the watch a contemporary look without making it too trendy. It also offers plenty of real estate on the wrist for the dial to come to life. It has green/blue hue that Omega calls pine green, which is decorated with a random stamped vertical pattern in a sun-brushed finish. Leaf hands and hour markers in a yellow-gold plating offer a vintage touch as well as a pleasant contrast with the dial and case. It is part of what gives this Omega De Ville Prestige an enticing character.
Powered by Omega's Master Co-Axial Calibre 8802, this watch offers a subdial for the seconds at six o'clock and a date at three. The date function makes the watch look slightly unbalanced but makes up for that in practical use. Omega opted for a white date on a black background, ensuring it is less evident yet still easy to read.
A sapphire insert in the case back allows you to admire the automatic movement and does not disappoint. The finishing is eye-catching, and you can also see the free-sprung balance with a silicon balance spring, which is covered by a full bridge to ensure extreme shock resistance. It further offers resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, while a Master Chronometer certification testifies to its high precision. The 55-hour power reserve is also up to par, and that makes you wonder why Omega didn't turn this De Ville Prestige into a true high performer by making it a bit more water resistant than the 30 meters/100 feet it is now.
What does impress is the bracelet, whose seven-link design matches the watch nicely but also closely follows the shape of the wrist. Combined with the overall height of 10.8 mm and the smooth finish of the caseback, it means that this De Ville Prestige wears very comfortably.
While its reference reads like a Swiss bank account number, you don't necessarily need one to afford this De Ville Prestige. Omega is charging you $5,500,- for it, which is quite reasonable given its exquisite movement, Master Chronometer certification, detail-oriented design, and comfortable bracelet. It will also buy you an Omega that might not score as high as a Speedmaster of Seamaster on instant recognition but will age with grace and is bound to put a smile on your face decades from now.
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