I just pick up my DeVille Chrono Cal. 861 from a complete service. I bought the watch about a month ago as NOS and promptly had the movement overhauled given the oils were likely dry. The case didn't need to be polished. I' glad to now have it on my wrist.

At 36 mm it is a good size for a dress watch. The 18k yellow gold case with the silver dial has a classic look to it. I personally like the lack of text, excelpt for Omega, on the dial. With the Chrono feature, it's aa prett versatile watch too. The cal. 861 is a sturdy movement, and it has some water resistance, so I think it's safe for daily wear.

Since I haven't seen too many of these watches on this forum, or any forum for that matter, I figured I'd post a quick photo.

 

Clean!
looks great. i'm also hoping to have an NOS finding type moment some day.

 

Congratz on your new watch. Not many newer Omega chronograph hold such a clean look and great size. And to top it off; a cal. 861. A very understated watch IMO! Enjoy

 

That is a beauty, wear it well

 

Thank you, all, for the kind words.

I'm trying to learn more about this model. Obviously the movement is well known and there's a lot of with ups on it I'd appreciate any information on this DeVille Prestige Chrono, such as numbers produced, period of production run, etc. Thanks for any help one can offer.

 

This was available in the US but did not appear to be a heavily stocked model, which is why they seem to pop up overseas more frequently. The line ran from 1993 and was phased out in 1999. It houses the 861 and was not offered with the 1861. My guess is that they used remaining stock of the 861 for this model and kept the updated 1861 movement for the Speedmaster but I have not confirmed this with anyone at the factory. Twenty years after being discontinued, it may not be possible to confirm but it seems (to me) to be a reasonable guess.

I first saw and tried on the black dial version with the matching black strap. I was smitten but could not afford it at the time. Nineteen years later, I found one at an amazing price, with a bracelet and full kit. I still wouldn't mind a gold one. Enjoy wearing it!

 

These were 18 jewel movements, despite what is written on the plate and in some literature. The 18th jewel (also found in the 1861) removes a point of wear.

Here is mine on a leather strap, though I currently have it on a stainless steel bracelet. It's a very eye catching watch that balances elegance with a solid construction and first class movement. These were never sold in big numbers and I think somebody once described them as the right watch sold at the wrong time. Gold examples are extremely rare.

 

Thanks for the information and posting pictures of your DeVille chronos. They are great looking watches, and seem to be pretty rare. I love the classic looks with a solid, reliable 861 movement.

 

Mine was first purchased in 1997 by the original owner from a jeweller in Italy. They may well have been on sale beyond that date, but I haven't seen any evidence they were produced beyond 1997. When purchased, mine was quoted as being a reference 48403100 on the warranty card, but when serviced by STS last year they listed it as a reference ST1450050. Omega apparently changed this during the production run and both are correct. I've just found a PDF file I had from the Omega database and these were introduced internationally in 1993 as 18 jewel movements.

Be careful about removing the case backs on these. The gaskets are typically a hard plastic that is designed to deform in order to provide a seal. This makes it a single use item, which will not seal as well once it's been opened. For this reason, if you want to open the case back, I would take it to a watchmaker who can not only remove the back safely, but also has the part to replace the gasket.

 

Really a beautiful watch. I'm headed for the buy/sell forums right now.

Bob

PS - Well, that was quick. Watchrecon had nary a one.

 

FYI the 17/18 jewel thing is from 1988-91ish. Even the lemania branded ones have this.

 

Here’s mine from 1969 with Extract

 

Noticed it’s not too different to this except in £££££

 

The photos I attached previously are from the 1999 Omega sales book. 48403100 is the model reference for the steel/steel. That model never changed. ST1450050 is a steel case reference #. This case uses a soft rubber gasket. The hard gaskets utilized in other Omega timepieces are not single use, if the watch is opened and sealed correctly. The 861 can be a 17 or 18 jewel movement. The clutch bridge assembled onto the coupling yoke was upgraded in later versions with a ruby. My watch happens to be the 17 jewel. Watch fun for everyone.

 

My information about the seals for this watch was based on comments by @Archer a couple years ago and he is generally pretty knowledgeable about these things. https://omegaforums.net/threads/opening-case-back-on-cal-861-de-ville.38282/#post-441905

 

Any hard plastic seal, whether it is used for a crystal or case back, relies on deformation to provide the sealing action through friction. Once the seal is deformed on the initial installation of the crystal or case back, it will not provide the same level of friction on subsequent installations.

While I'm sure there are watchmakers who don't have access to replacement seals that use these over again, these are certainly intended to be single use items. I do use the case back seals again right after completing a service, while I put the watch through extended timing checks. I can push the case back on with my thumbs it's so easy...

But once I know I have it adjusted and won't need to open the case again, a new seal is installed, and that requires a press to install the case back. The difference between the force needed to press on the back with a new seal compared to one just used once is substantial. Even if I wasn't toold in training with Omega that these are one time use only, it's very obvious just from pressing them on.

It doesn't matter how the case back is removed or pressed on - you can't "save" the seal from being deformed, as that's how it is meant to be.

Cheers, Al

 

If someone is unable to reuse and maintain the water resistant seal from the hard plastic caseback gasket, after opening the watch, then perhaps they aren't using the best technique to open it. I'm not talking about reusing a ten year old gasket but if I change the battery on a Constellation, I better be able to reseal it for a client. But if it is deformed or becomes so in the process of opening the case, it's only a couple of days wait to to get a new gasket if there isn't one in stock.

 

The seal is deformed when the case back is installed, not when it is opened.

If you reuse these seals that's your choice, but they are clearly not meant to be used more than once.

Cheers, Al

 

Here is mine. Yes, not very common, but also not very popular probably due to its size. But for my bony 6.5 inch wrist, it is the perfect size.

It reminds me of the ikepod watches in some ways.

 

Oh, I also got mine NOS in 2017.