Omega Seamaster DeVille and Sigma Dials in General

Davidt · Feb 3, 2018

There are plenty of Rolex DateJusts from the 70's with sigma dials and of course Omega has some dials marked 'OM' for solid gold. However, I haven't seen too many sigma dialed Omegas and there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of discussion on the subject.

From what I understand, the sigma symbol was used in lieu of 'T's' with 'Swiss Made' to signify that some part of the dial, usually the hour markers, was gold not steel. It wasn't a regulatory requirement, but more of a way of repositioning mechanical watches towards the luxury market in light of the quartz crisis. As such, sigma dials are generally seen from the early - mid 70's.

Here is a recent acquisition, a sigma dial Seamaster DeVille with textured dial. Note the Greek letter sigma either side of Swiss Made.

Any other sigma dial Omegas out there???

Davidt · Feb 3, 2018

Hodinkee article on sigma dials.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/what-is-a-sigma-dial

Davidt · Feb 13, 2018

No other sigma dials on OF?

Mr.Cairo · Feb 13, 2018

Full of excitement, I went and checked mine (never knew about sigma dials before) in the hope to find the little s there, but nothing 😀 Thanks for the post & link though - always learn something new on here.

Mr.Cairo · Feb 13, 2018

But does this mean that before sigma dials (see for example mine pictured below from '66) could have gold indices but was just not marked as such (sigma being post '70s)?

Davidt
From what I understand, the sigma symbol was used in lieu of 'T's' with 'Swiss Made' to signify that some part of the dial, usually the hour markers, was gold not steel. It wasn't a regulatory requirement, but more of a way of repositioning mechanical watches towards the luxury market in light of the quartz crisis.

Professor · Feb 13, 2018

I'd read that the" T Swiss made T " denoted that the dial had tritium coated markers or hands.

I'll have to dig out my De Ville and give it a closer examination. IIRC it has a sort of champagne cast to the dial, but that may be due to the crystal becoming aged.

Mine is a late 60's automatic, before Quartz became common.

Davidt · Feb 14, 2018

Mr.Cairo
But does this mean that before sigma dials (see for example mine pictured below from '66) could have gold indices but was just not marked as such (sigma being post '70s)?

I honestly have no idea. I guess they could, but there's no easy way of testing without damaging the dial. The amount of gold is also negligible so there isn't really an increase in the intrinsic value even if the markers are gold.

Professor · Feb 16, 2018

Any marking denoting gold content would probably be to calculate customs or tariffs. Even incredibly minuscule amounts of precious metals per item can mount up when thousands of items are imported or exported over decades.

I once read that a single pound of Gold could be used to plate a surface area the size of the state of New Hampshire. That was in gold leaf not the much thinner gold electroplate.

Davidt · Dec 31, 2018

I've been searching and have come across surprisingly few Omega's with the sigma dial markings.

Does anyone else have an example to share?

Vanallard · Dec 31, 2018

I have one currently listed for sale on OF:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-de-ville-rare-sigma-dial-serviced.87211/

Davidt · Jan 1, 2019

Vanallard
I have one currently listed for sale on OF:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-seamaster-de-ville-rare-sigma-dial-serviced.87211/

Excellent.

Very nice example. Slight variation on the minute track but it's interesting that on the whole it's very similar to mine with the same font, same dial layout, same applied logo, sane case and presumably the same reference.

Brianstoops · Aug 17, 2019

Original sigma dial with bracelet. Quickset. Barely worn. Debating selling it.

VetPsychWars · Aug 18, 2019

Mr.Cairo
But does this mean that before sigma dials (see for example mine pictured below from '66) could have gold indices but was just not marked as such (sigma being post '70s)?

Yes, absolutely and very common. I don't know how you tell looking at the watch but the catalog indicated solid gold markers when present.

Tom

Omega Seamaster DeVille and Sigma Dials in General

Davidt

Davidt

Davidt

Mr.Cairo

Mr.Cairo

Professor

Davidt

Professor

Davidt

Vanallard

Davidt

Brianstoops

VetPsychWars

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