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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Self-winding tourbillon wristwatch

Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon No. 11

Partially verified

This Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon, identified as number 11, was launched in 1994 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Omega. Marketed as the first automatic wristwatch featuring a central tourbillon regulator, the timepiece is encased in 18K yellow gold. The watch is defined by its unique display, utilizing two superimposed and revolving concentric sapphire discs equipped with blue-painted lozenge hands to indicate the time over a guilloché-decorated silver gold plate. A central aperture reveals the one-minute flying tourbillon, which features an Omega-shaped steel carriage. The internal mechanism, Caliber 1170, is a self-winding movement featuring 48 jewels, a platinum rotor, and a lateral lever escapement with a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The watch includes an 18K yellow gold deployant clasp and is accompanied by an original Omega box.

The watch front, displaying the central flying tourbillon, guilloché dial, and the 18K yellow gold case.
The watch front, displaying the central flying tourbillon, guilloché dial, and the 18K yellow gold case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Self-winding tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Omega
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
49
Source-reported date
1994
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
11

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The wristwatch features a three-body, 18K yellow gold case measuring 39 mm in diameter and 13 mm in thickness. The design incorporates a stepped, rounded bezel and stepped, downturned lugs. The watch is water-resistant, and the time-setting crown is integrated into the embossed case back, preserving the clean lines of the case flanks. The assembly is protected by a sapphire crystal.

The dial is a silver gold plate decorated with a guilloché pattern. It displays printed blue lozenge-shaped hour markers. Time is indicated via two superimposed and revolving concentric sapphire discs featuring blue-painted lozenge hands. A central aperture reveals the movement's tourbillon regulator, which is positioned in the middle of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, stepped rounded bezel, stepped downturned lugs, crown to set time on the embossed case back, sapphire crystal.”
  • “Guilloche decorated silver gold plate with printed blue lozenge hour markers under 2 superimposed and revolving concentric sapphire discs with blue painted lozenge hands, central aperture for the one-minute fl ying tourbillon regulator with Omega-shaped steel carriage.”

Movement and Escapement

The watch is powered by the Caliber 1170, a self-winding movement containing 48 jewels. The finishing includes fausses cotes and oeil-de-perdrix decoration. A notable feature of the movement is the inclusion of a platinum rotor.

The regulation is achieved through a lateral lever escapement featuring a central one-minute flying tourbillon. The balance assembly utilizes a monometallic balance and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The carriage for the flying tourbillon is distinctly shaped like the Omega symbol.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 1170, fausses cotes and oeil-de-perdrix decoration, 48 jewels, lateral lever escapement with central one-minute fl ying tourbillon regulator, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, platinum rotor.”
  • “central aperture for the one-minute fl ying tourbillon regulator with Omega-shaped steel carriage.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description reports an overall grading of AAA, classifying the piece as excellent. Specifically, the dial is described as in 'as new' condition, and the hands are noted as original.

The case condition is reported as very good, though it exhibits signs of scratching. The watch is accompanied by an Omega-branded box.

Evidence for this section
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 2-9 Very good Scratched”
  • “Movement: 2* Very good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Accompanied by an Omega box.”

Open research questions

  • Are there differences in finishing between the individual units numbered 1 through 10?
  • What are the precise water-resistance specifications for this 1994 model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Omega De Ville Central Tourbillon No. 11
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerOmega“Omega, De Ville - Central Tourbillon, No. 11.”
MovementCal. 1170“M. Cal. 1170”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold chronometer wristwatch”
Launch Date1994“Launched in 1994”
Jewel Count48“48 jewels”
Dial DecorationGuilloche“Guilloche decorated silver gold plate”
Case Dimensions39 mm diameter, 13 mm thickness“Diam. 39 mm. Thickness 13 mm.”

Visible details

  • The dial features a central Omega-shaped tourbillon cage
  • The case has stepped, downturned lugs
  • The hour markers consist of printed blue lozenges
  • The crown is located on the embossed case back

Research qualifications

  • The auction description indicates that a movement overhaul is recommended
  • The exact country of manufacture is not explicitly stated in the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

OMEGA DE VILLE, CENTRAL TOURBILLON, NO. 11 YELLOW GOLD Omega, De Ville - Central Tourbillon, No. 11. Launched in 1994 as the world's first automatic wristwatch with central tourbillon regulator in honor of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Omega. Very fine and rare, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold chronometer wristwatch with visible central one-minute flying tourbillon regulator and Omega 18K yellow gold deployant clasp. Accompanied by an Omega box.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7e76bb1f18

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.