Omega De Ville Byzantium - Limited Edition

Year: Circa 2000s
Model: De Ville
Case Diameter: 33.5mm 
Lug to Lug: 33.5mm
Case: Stainless Steel 
Dial: Silver
Movement: Automatic 

Condition
The case has very light wear. The dial is nice and clean, and all the lume is intact. The watch comes on its original strap and buckle.

The Byzantium is a rare De Ville based on the Museum Edition No. 2 case design, similar to the De Ville X2 Big Date but with a slightly smaller case size of 33.5 mm by 33.5 mm. The Byzantium watch design is a polarizing one, featuring Roman and Arabic numerals on the dial. It also doubles as a platform for some of Omega's most beautiful modern limited edition watches, with four unique limited editions eschewing the Byzantium theme in favor of vintage 1950s styling. These limited edition models are largely unknown and undocumented but are available in stainless steel at a reasonable price.

The Calibre 2500, a chronometer-rated movement, powers the Omega De Ville Byzantium line. It fits into a small footprint with a 24-hour power reserve. The Calibre 2500C and D variants have a 3-level co-axial escapement design, addressing issues with earlier versions. An upgrade package was developed for the Calibre 2500C, resolving movement stopping issues. Although early Calibre 2500 movements had issues, they are accurate, reliable, and dependable when serviced.

Omega, a Swiss watchmaker founded in 1848, has a rich history of innovation and precision. The company's vision was carried on by its sons Louis-Paul and César, who pioneered full watch production under the brand's roof. In 1894, the company unveiled the world's first mass-produced, interchangeable watch movement, the Omega Calibre, which streamlined production and propelled the brand to international fame.

As the 20th century began, Omega watches became at the forefront of timekeeping technology and revolutionized sports watches with their precision. The Olympic Games provided an ideal stage for Omega to demonstrate its exceptional timekeeping abilities. In 1932, Omega began its role as Official Olympic Timekeeper, starting an enduring partnership spanning over 80 years. With each Games, Omega introduced groundbreaking timekeeping innovations, such as the first photo finish camera at the 1948 London Olympics.

Omega's contributions to spaceflight began in 1962 when the Omega Speedmaster became the first watch worn in space on Mercury-Atlas 6. Its defining moment came in 1969 with the Apollo 11 moon landing, where Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the moon wearing his trusty Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. The company played an indispensable role in NASA's pioneering '60s space missions, including the Apollo 13 mission, where the Speedmaster timed the engine burn, ensuring the crew's safe descent to Earth.

Omega's cultural impact extends into pop culture through a long-running cinematic partnership with James Bond Movies. Since 1995's GoldenEye, James Bond has sported Omega watches on the silver screen, wearing the Seamaster Diver 300M and the rugged Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

Omega remains dedicated to exploring new technological frontiers today, with innovations like the battery-free Pictograms model, wearable tech collaborations, and energy-harnessing movements driving progress and cementing its place in history.