Omega

• cal. 1170 automatic nickel lever movement with co-axial escapement, mono-metallic balance rotating within an one-minute tourbillon carriage, platinum rotor • silvered guilloché dial, dagger indexes, visible tourbillon carriage to the center • 18k white gold case, time setting crown to the snap-on case back • case and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Omega folding clasp

Automatic movement and tourbillon in working order while cataloguing. Case in very good condition, bezel with a few light scuffs, some near 5-6 o'clock position. Minor surface scratches to the band and case back. Strong hallmarks, no signs of any polishing. Buckle with normal signs of wear. Overall condition is very good. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Omega, De Ville Tourbillon was launched in 1994 as the world's first automatic wristwatch with central tourbillon regulator to pay tribute to the brand. Central tourbillon was considered as a ground-breaking novelty in a sense that the tourbillon carriage is placed in the center of the dial instead of being positioned eccentrically like regular tourbillon timepieces. To date, Omega is the only watchmaker ever to have created a central tourbillon. 

Furthermore, the display of time on the dial is somehow intriguing. As the tourbillon cage is located in the middle, the hour and minute hands cannot be mounted on the dial in the traditional manner. To solve this issue, both hands are applied utilizing metallization to sapphire crystal discs, enabling the two to 'free flow' in between two layers of sapphire crystals.

Due to the complexity of its movement, production of this model is strictly limited to a very small quantity per year.