After some research and seeking for advice : http://omegaforums.net/threads/1985-omega-chronograph-caliber-861-what-do-you-think.5754/, I decided to take this Deville Prestige Chronograph cal 861and make it as new addition to my daily wearer. First Impression: This Deville Prestige chronograph cal 861 ref 145.0050 is produced since 1993 according to Omega database. There is no mistake, this is a dress watch. The chronograph functionality does not change that. No sporty image come out from the watch. The case The round stainless steel case with short straight lugs has simple yet elegant traditional look. There were two tone (SS/YG) and 18k solid gold available,too. It measures 36 mm without lugs and 45mm with lugs. The watch looks bigger than its size suggest due to its thin bezel. The case height is 12 mm and it looks thinner because the case back is slightly domed. In the outer caseback Omega script and logo is carved along with the watch serial number. The watch comes with either leather strap or bracelet. Mine is leather strap option which I just changed it to non-original black leather strap to give contrast with its silver dial. The watch wears comfortably and firmly in my wrist. Partially because the smaller size of the case. Bigger case usually slide around my wrist (My PO XL comes to mind) and makes me tired from frequent adjustment needed. The other reason is because the slightly domed case back. It give sufficient pressure to wrist without hurting. The dial I got silver dial version. According to Omega Database this is the most uncommon with only 10% of the production. The 60% is white and 30% is black. The lay out is classic tri counters of 861 family chronograph. It has very simple and clean design. No fancy hour markers. No date. Even there is no Deville script on it, just applied logo and Omega script. I must admit the simplicity of the dial design really attracted me at the first place. Some people has difficulties reading silver hands and markers on silver dial, especially in bright light. Fortunately I don't encounter that problem. Reading in the dark is another matter. Without any lume presence, trying to read the watch in the dark is almost useless. The movement Second factor that attracted me to this watch is its movement. It has the famous Speedmaster Pro moonwatch workhorse Lemania Cal 861. No further explanation needed as so many review and articles discuss and compare this movement. I think it is still one of the best movement around. Inside a 36 mm case, it looks very full. It's like stuffing V8 engine in compact car engine bay. Having this movement means we need to wind the watch almost everyday. A routine that I found very soothing and become an addiction by itself. Conclusion Simple and elegant traditional design with mono silvery color in a relatively modern package driven by famous cal 861 movement workhorse makes this Deville Prestige chronograph a very promising dress watch for daily wear.
Thanks.....I am really glad with this one. Not really special but very pleasing to wear and nice sight to my eyes. My wife and kids agreed,too. A rare occurrence. Even my daughter wanted to borrow it.
Well, she is very fond of my Suveran,too. She has 'borrowed' it several times, and gives me warning not to sell it ever .
That is a fine chronograph. And I understand what you meant about winding it. The winding factor is like resurrection of the watch for me.
Thanks Steve. I am really pleased with my Speedmaster moonwatch and Speedmaster Mark II. So the first information that attract me when the seller offer this watch to me is the movement: Cal 861. Having good design package and attractive price makes it even better deal.
Love it. Wish I could find a clean vintage chronograph similar to that. I favor the 'flatter' style pushers. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just received my "new" Deville 861, sweet watch, nice size! [emoji2] The deployant has the gold emblem, reference 94521853. Checked on web and seems to be a valid reference, never have seen one like that! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Very nice looking watch. This has prompted me to look out for one, which would be my first Omega. As an aside I have enjoyed reading this forum for a while, and especially the sheer depth of knowledge, but the other thread about politeness and introducing yourself pricked me into signing up and saying hello . I have never really had a 'nice' watch, mainly because I always thought the more chunky ones (as they seem to be more and more these days) would look strange on my rather slim wrists, but that may change.
