Omega Geneve Cocktail “Chevron Lugs” Ref. 511.313 (circa 1969)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Cocktail watches are on a dramatic comeback recently with their sophistication, timeless elegance and jewellery-adjacent looks. We’re very fond of these lovely Omega Genèves with their drum-profile cases (wider at the bottom than the top, like Louis Vuitton Tambour watches), gem-faceted crystals and fancy strap attachment points (this one has chevron lugs that draw the eye to the watch). The calibre is also significant. Instead of relying on third party ebauche movements as was common with Omega’s competitors in that era, it took significant resolve, effort and cost to internally develop miniaturised, robust movements to fit their smallest watches. Coming from a line of 48x calibres (a rare Omega foray into purpose-built mini mechanicals) the Cal. 485 was one of the last iterations from the series before quartz took over in the 70s. It’s hard to find such exquisite and nuanced cocktail watches with miniature in-house mechanical calibres today, so this is an acquisition to treasure!

CONDITION:
8.5/10, with signs of honest careful use, remarkably well preserved for a watch over half a century old. Hallmarks on the case side remain. Faceted crystal is spotless to the naked eye. Dial has microscopic age spots, barely noticeable without magnification. Hands, indices and dial printing are clean. Large original signed crown for easy winding. New aftermarket strap and buckle. Movement in good health with to-spec power reserve, adequate amplitude, low beat error and accurate to ±10 secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
17.5mm width excl. crown
23.4mm length incl. lugs
7.0mm thickness
7mm lug width
Visual dial width ~10.5mm
Wrist in photos is 14.5cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Faceted sapphire

CASE:
Steel, 20-micron gold plating

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, as per vintage watches

STRAP:
New aftermarket black leather and aftermarket buckle (6mm)

CALIBRE:
Omega Cal. 485, 2-hander manual-winding 

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap and buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!