Why This Watch Matters "If you need to know the time, you ask your chauffeur." - Andrew Grima, prior to Omega knocking on his door The Full Story Through the 1960s and 1970s, Andrew Grima was regarded as one of the most fashionable and finest jewelry designers and makers in London – a city very much at the center of culture at the time. In "Swinging London," Grima's work could be seen on the wrists, necks, and lapels of the most cutting edge members of society, including Queen Elizabeth herself. Andrew Grima did not "do" watches and was once quoted as saying "If you need to know the time, you ask your chauffeur." That was until Omega changed his tune. In 1969, after some real convincing by Omega's Director of Production Robert Forster, Grima was commissioned to design a collection of watches that would come to be known as the About Time Collection. Andrew Grima included stipulations in the agreement such as neither brand name, Omega nor Grima, would be shown on the dial. In the end, the About Time collection comprised of 55 watches spanning two themes – the idea of seeing time through a colored gemstone and dials free of anything but the hands in order to better integrate with the rest of the watch design. The About Time watches were handmade in London by Grima and sent to Omega for the addition of a movement. In the end, the collection was a massive success with most of the unique pieces selling at an extremely premium price point. In the years following, Omega incorporated Andrew Grima's designs into their commercial catalog under the new Time In Style series. Utilizing their existing collections of the De Ville, Constellation, and Jeux d'Or, a number of clearly Grima-inspired designs started to creep into more serialized production. Our ref. 511.0379 De Ville is a part of the Time In Style series. This watch has a faceted crystal that resembles the look and feel of a cut gemstone as well as a solid yellow gold case and a dial that resembles an intricately stamped tin ceiling. The dial design, beyond the somewhat subtle pattern, is as simple Omega could muster with a small Omega logo and script as well as De Ville branding subtly at six o'clock, leaving most of the talking for the hands to do, just as Grima imagined. This example is complete with an Omega De Ville box, two Omega guarantee booklets, and an Omega strap/tang buckle. We can't imagine there are many of these out there. The Fine Print Maker: OmegaModel: De VilleReference: 511.0379Year: 1970sCase No: 142Movement No: 32453205Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 32mm width x 24mm height; 8.4mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoneCaliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 620Bracelet/Strap: Omega black "lizard" leather strap with gold-plated tang buckleLug Width: 19mmBox/Papers: Yes, this watch is accompanied by an Omega De Ville box, and two guarantee booklets What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Faceted, gem-like crystal- 18k solid gold case- Stamped pattern on dial- Box and papers Things To Know: - Light scratches and patina on case This Omega is in overall excellent, honest condition. The case is strong with scratches and light nicks. The yellow gold is in remarkable condition with very little to no wear and a warm patina. The caseback has a few scratches. The dial is in great condition with a very light patina. The hands are in great condition with only a slight patina. The crystal has a few very light scratches. The Omega signed black strap is in great condition with little to no wear. The dial, case, crown, movement, strap, and buckle are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
