The Omega Genève diver watches, particularly the reference 166.0124, offer a unique glimpse into Omega’s dive watch history. Emerging in the 1970s, these rare watches combine the elegant design of the Genève collection with the durability required for professional diving.
The Legacy of the Omega Genève Collection
The Genève line, introduced in the 1950s, was Omega’s answer to the growing demand for stylish and reliable wristwatches. Named after Geneva, a city renowned for high-quality watchmaking, the Genève series was known for its sleek designs and high-quality movements. In the 1970s, Omega began incorporating diving features into some of these models, resulting in distinctive pieces like the reference 166.0124.
Omega Genève Diver 166.0124 with deep blue dial
Design and Features of Reference 166.0124
The Omega Genève diver reference 166.0124 is notable for its robust stainless steel case, engineered for underwater exploration. With a case size of 35mm, it offers a perfect blend of presence and comfort. The dial, available in deep blue or grey, ensures excellent legibility and features small luminous dots instead of the larger plots typically seen on diver watches. Bold hour markers and hands coated with luminous material further enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
The watch also includes a bi-directional rotating bezel, a unique feature for a diver watch, crucial for tracking time underwater. Inside, it houses the Omega caliber 1481, an automatic movement with a date function known for its sturdiness. What makes this watch extra weird is its lack of depth rating on the dial, a feature often seen on dive watches.
Omega Genève Diver 166.0124 with grey dial
Collectibility and Rarity
Today, the Omega Genève diver reference 166.0124 is considered a rare find. Its limited production and the overshadowing presence of Omega’s more famous Seamaster series make it a hidden gem for collectors. The elegant Genève design combined with the ruggedness required for a diver’s watch creates a unique appeal.
The Special Integrated Bracelets
One of the standout features of the Omega Genève diver reference 166.0124 is its distinctive integrated bracelet design. Unlike traditional watch straps, the integrated bracelet seamlessly merges with the case, providing a cohesive and streamlined appearance. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, the bracelet complements the rugged aesthetic of the watch while ensuring durability and comfort. The secure clasp mechanism adds an extra layer of reliability, ensuring the watch remains firmly in place during diving activities. This thoughtful integration underscores Omega’s commitment to combining form and function, further elevating the appeal of the already rare and unique reference 166.0124. This Omega Genève diver shares its case and bracelet with the 166.0099 Genève watches. There are two types of bracelets that come on these watches. The first are ‘Big flat linked’ bracelets which are quite unique in its shape and are not seen very often. The other type of bracelet is the more conventional one that can be seen below on the 3rd image.
Omega Genève 166.0099 with a ‘Big flat linked’ bracelet
Omega Genève Diver 166.0124 with ‘Big flat linked’ bracelet
Omega Genève Diver 166.0124 with normal integrated bracelet
Conclusion
The Omega Genève diver watches, particularly the reference 166.0124, exemplify Omega’s ability to blend elegance with functionality. These rare timepieces offer the robust features needed for diving and carry the sophisticated design ethos of the Genève collection. For collectors and enthusiasts, the 166.0124 represents a valuable piece of Omega’s diverse watchmaking history. Its rarity, unique design, and reliable performance ensure it remains a treasured addition to any serious watch collection. You can see our selection of Genève watches, including the Omega Genève Diver 166.0124, here.
