1983 OMEGA REF. 156.003 PHASE DE LUNE Triple Calendar Moon Phase 18k Gold Limited Edition

Limited Edition One of 466

A rare and distinctive Omega from a fascinating chapter in Swiss watchmaking history. The Omega Reference 156.003, known as the "Phase de Lune", combines an elegant solid 18K yellow gold case, a beautifully layered champagne dial, a complete calendar display, and a moon phase complication in a design that stands apart from the brand's more familiar collections.

Introduced in 1983, this unusual model represents Omega's continued commitment to traditional mechanical watchmaking during the height of the quartz crisis. At a time when quartz technology was transforming the industry, Omega demonstrated that mechanical craftsmanship, sophisticated complications, and precious-metal construction still had a place at the highest level of horology.

This particular example is especially appealing for its harmonious champagne on gold appearance, which gives the watch a striking presence on the wrist. The warm dial complements the solid gold case beautifully, while the applied Roman numeral design and distinctive sculpted lugs create an unmistakable vintage aesthetic.

A Remarkable Chapter in Omega's History

The early 1980s were among the most challenging years in the history of traditional Swiss watchmaking. The rapid rise of quartz watches placed enormous pressure on established manufacturers, forcing them to reconsider how they could distinguish their mechanical creations.

Omega's response included the development of unusual, technically ambitious timepieces that emphasized fine mechanical watchmaking and traditional luxury.

The Phase de Lune, introduced in 1983, was one such creation. Rather than following the simpler designs dominating much of the market, Omega produced an elaborate automatic calendar watch in solid 18K gold, featuring an exhibition caseback and a sophisticated arrangement of calendar and astronomical indications.

The reference is associated with a limited production run of approximately 466 pieces, according to published collector references. Production was limited and the watches were not individually numbered as a limited edition.

Examples appeared in different dial configurations, including champagne and silver-toned variations, as well as precious stone set versions. Among these, the champagne dial housed in a yellow gold case offers a particularly cohesive and striking combination, with the warm colors making the dial and case appear almost continuous when viewed on the wrist.

Today, the Phase de Lune remains an interesting choice for collectors who appreciate unusual vintage Omega references, traditional complications, and designs that are rarely encountered compared with the brand's more widely recognized models.

The Dial: A Beautiful Champagne Composition

The original champagne dial is one of the defining features of this example.

Its multi-layered construction combines an outer minute track, elegant Roman numerals, a calendar scale, and the distinctive day and month windows positioned beneath the Omega signature. The moon phase display at six o'clock completes the composition.

The dial remains original and presents beautifully, retaining its distinctive warm tone and vintage character. There is very minor age related spotting around portions of the Roman numeral track. This is subtle in person and appears more noticeable in close up photography.

Importantly, the dial has been retained rather than replaced during servicing, preserving an essential part of the watch's original character.

Automatic Caliber 715

Inside the watch is Omega's automatic Caliber 715, a 24-jewel mechanical movement developed for this type of complicated calendar timepiece.

The movement drives the hours, minutes, day, month, date, and moon phase indications. Through the transparent caseback, the movement can be appreciated as part of the watch's overall mechanical design.

The combination of an automatic movement, multiple calendar indications, and moon phase display makes this reference considerably more interesting than a conventional time only dress watch.

Comprehensive Omega Factory Service

One of the most significant aspects of this example is its extensive documented service history with Omega in Switzerland.

The watch underwent a comprehensive service process that took almost two years to complete. The work was arranged through an authorized independent watchmaker with an established account with Omega, who forwarded the watch to Omega's Swiss service operation. 

During the service, Omega replaced the crown and hands with appropriate service components reproducing the original design. This was important to maintaining the watch's original appearance while bringing these components up to the manufacturer's service requirements.

The original replaced components are included with the watch, together with the service documentation. Replaced components, including the original gasket where applicable, were retained and returned as part of the service process.

The original dial was preserved, and the watch retains its distinctive vintage appearance.

The accompanying paperwork documents the service history and provides the new owner with valuable provenance for future reference.

Original Omega Accessories

This example has new alligator original Omega leather strap and original Omega buckle (Gold Plated).

It will be delivered with the Omega leather service box and the accompanying service documentation. The replaced components returned following the service will also be included.

The combination of the original dial, original strap and buckle, extensive manufacturer service, and supporting documentation makes this a particularly compelling offering for a collector seeking a carefully documented example of this unusual reference.

Specifications

Brand: Omega
Reference: 156.003
Model: Phase de Lune
Period: Circa 1983
Case material: Solid 18K yellow gold
Dial: Original champagne dial
Movement: Omega automatic Caliber 715
Jewels: 24
Functions: Hours, minutes, day, month, date, and moon phase
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Caseback: Transparent exhibition caseback
Strap: Original Omega leather strap
Buckle: Original Omega buckle
Service: Comprehensive service performed by Omega in Switzerland through an authorized independent watchmaker
Service accessories: Omega leather service box, service documentation, and returned replaced components