The Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon featured here is not only the first and only central tourbillon watch ever made, but it's also a watch that is crafted by a select group of horologists from Omega. This sublime watch ref. 59333032 comes with an 18K red gold case measuring 38.7mm in diameter —in a specially numbered edition— and is fitted with a gorgeous silver hand 'guilloché' dial with the watch case number imprinted at 6 o'clock, a touch that resembles the dials on Breguet timepieces where the case number always appears on the dial.
Its mesmerizing tourbillon cage is located at the center of the dial and it rotates completely once every minute. The blue anodized seconds hand is shaped like the Omega symbol and is fixed directly to the tourbillon cage. The dial features two superimposed sapphire discs on which the hour and minutes hands are etched in the shape of arrowheads in blue. The size of both hands is quite similar, making it somewhat difficult to tell time —not a deal breaker as you will be hypnotized by its central tourbillon and after contemplating it for hours, who cares about what time it is.
This watch is powered by Omega's automatic calibre 2600 which provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours when fully wound. Unfortunately, the calibre is not visible as this watch is fitted with a solid case back that is beautifully engraved with an image of 'Chronos' —the ancient Greek personification of time— and with the words 'Tourbillon' and 'Chronometer' as this movement is an Officially Certified Chronometer.
The traditional crown located at 3 o'clock is only used to wind the watch —if necessary— as the time is set using the flat crown placed on the case back near the 9 o'clock position. This is a very interesting feature and something that was necessary from a mechanical and design standpoint as the hands are etched onto the two superimposed sapphire discs.
This Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon is fitted with a brown alligator strap with a comfortable and easy to use deployant buckle in 18K red gold. Even though the watch is waterproof to a depth of 30 meters, we wouldn't recommend getting the strap wet and ruining it. We've said this before about other watches fitted with crocodile or alligator straps that are not suitable for swimming.
This timepiece wears quite comfortably and true to its size. The watch is very elegant but is not necessarily the most versatile timepiece when it comes to the types of outfits that would go well with it.
If you want to own one of the most unique tourbillons out there, this Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon fits the bill as it is the world's first and only central tourbillon.
Sticker Price $104,000 USD. For more info on Omega click here.
