Can anyone identify this unusual vintage Omega De Ville 8349 with original oval-link silver bracelet?
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to identify an unusual vintage Omega De Ville that I recently acquired.
The watch is a sterling silver Omega De Ville from the 1970s, and the inside of the case back is marked:
OMEGA WATCH Co.
1011
0.925
8349
The movement is an Omega manual-wind Calibre 625.
The watch has a brown/bronze oval dial with white Roman numerals and a very unusual integrated silver bracelet made of large open oval links that gradually decrease in size towards both ends.
The main mystery is the bracelet.
The previous owner told me it is original Omega, and several independent watch appraisers who reviewed photos of the watch also told me they believe the bracelet is definitely original Omega.
Unfortunately, the original clasp has broken off and is missing. Because of that, there is no visible Omega logo or bracelet reference number on the remaining bracelet. I suspect the reference may originally have been stamped on the clasp.
I have found several documented Omega De Ville / Jeux d’Argent watches with case number 8349 and Calibre 625, but I have not been able to find another example with this exact graduated open-oval bracelet.
I also contacted Omega directly, but they told me that their historical archive/extract service is currently being revised, so they could not provide further identification.
What I would really like to find out is:
- Is this a known Omega bracelet design?
- Does anyone know the complete 711.xxxx reference for this configuration?
- Was this part of the De Ville “Jeux d’Argent” collection?
- Has anyone seen another example with this exact bracelet?
- Is this simply a very rare variation, or possibly a low-production jewellery model?
The watch is currently running, although accuracy and service history are unknown. The clasp is broken/missing and the watch shows normal age-related wear.
I have attached photos of:
- the complete watch
- the bracelet front and back
- the broken clasp ends
- the inside case-back markings
- the Omega Cal. 625 movement
Any catalogue scans, auction records, old Omega advertisements or reference information would be extremely appreciated.
I’m not trying to claim that the watch is unique.
I simply haven’t been able to find another identical example yet.
Thanks in advance for any help.