1998 Omega De Ville Jump Hour Salmon Dial On Bracelet (Ref. 4553.61)

History and Significance

Omega's De Ville collection has long been home to some of the manufacturer's more unusual designs. While the Speedmaster and Seamaster established Omega's reputation for technical sports watches, the De Ville offered considerably more freedom to experiment with shapes, materials, and unconventional displays. By the late 1990s, that creativity had resulted in a number of references that looked remarkably different from the watches most commonly associated with the brand. The reference 4553.61 is among the most interesting, combining a jumping-hour complication with a beautifully textured salmon dial and a distinctive stainless steel case. The jumping-hour complication is a fascinating alternative to the traditional method of displaying time. Instead of using a continuously rotating hour hand, the mechanism advances a numbered disc as one hour transitions to the next. Although the concept dates back to nineteenth-century watchmaking, jumping-hour wristwatches have remained relatively uncommon. Their appeal lies in the unusual mechanical action and the freedom they provide for dial design. By removing the conventional hour hand, manufacturers can arrange the remaining indications in ways that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.

Omega made particularly effective use of that freedom with the reference 4553.61. The hour is displayed through a small aperture at twelve o'clock, while the minutes are indicated by a centrally mounted hand against a circular scale. The dial incorporates a combination of textures, with a patterned central section surrounded by contrasting surfaces and prominent minute numerals. This arrangement gives the watch an almost architectural appearance, with each component of the display occupying its own clearly defined space. Despite the unusual configuration, the result remains surprisingly balanced. The salmon dial is an essential part of the watch's character. Its warm copper-pink coloring contrasts beautifully with the cool stainless steel case, creating a combination that feels considerably more expressive than a conventional silver or black dial. The textured finish introduces additional depth, allowing the color to change subtly depending on the light. Salmon dials have a long history in fine watchmaking, but their appearance on an unconventional jumping-hour Omega is particularly appealing. The combination feels distinctly connected to the creative atmosphere of the 1990s, when traditional complications were increasingly being interpreted through contemporary designs.

Writer’s Thoughts

The reference 4553.61 is one of those watches that becomes more interesting the longer the dial is examined. The jumping-hour window, oversized minute display, and textured salmon finish create an unusual composition that feels unlike almost anything else in Omega's collection. There is a wonderful contrast between the classical warmth of the dial and the almost futuristic appearance of the time display. The design is undeniably unconventional, but the different elements work together with surprising harmony.

The original steel bracelet makes this particular configuration especially attractive. It gives the watch a distinctly late-1990s personality and creates a more integrated appearance than a traditional leather strap. The compact 31mm case also makes the watch particularly enjoyable, allowing the unusual dial to provide the visual interest without requiring oversized proportions. For collectors interested in Omega beyond the familiar sports models, the reference 4553.61 represents a remarkably creative chapter in the manufacturer's history.

Our Promise

Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.

Brand: Omega

Model: De Ville Jump Hour

Reference: 4553.61

Year: 1998

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Size: 31mm

Dial: Salmon Dial with Textured Center, Jumping Hour Display, and Central Minute Hand

Movement: Automatic Mechanical Jumping-Hour Movement

Strap/Buckle: Original Omega Stainless Steel Bracelet

Buckle/Clasp: Original Omega Stainless Steel Folding Clasp

Contents: Watch only

Case: Stainless steel case remains in good condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use. The case retains its attractive original shape.

Dial: Salmon dial remains in excellent condition with well-preserved color, textured finishing, and clear printing.

Hands: Minute hand remains in excellent condition with clean finishing.

Crystal: Crystal remains in good condition with light surface wear consistent with use.

Strap/Buckle: Original Omega stainless steel bracelet remains in good condition with light surface wear consistent with age and use.

Buckle/Clasp: Original Omega stainless steel folding clasp remains in good condition with light surface scratches.