Watches with textured dials are without a doubt some of the most visually-arresting examples available on the watch market today. From the days of Abraham Louis Breguet, an engine-turned dial represented that the craftsman who fashioned it was at the height of his skills. Even in this age of mass machinery, when watch components—dials included—are designed on computers and then cut out by CNC machines, a textured dial is a sign that the manufacturer chooses to preserve the old ways. 

Though Omega is perhaps best-known for its sporty Speedmaster or Seamaster lines, the brand has been releasing—quietly and without much fanfare—dress watches with textured dials distinctive enough to catch the eye of any purist.

Omega first began applying "Genève" to the dials of their dressier 30mm watches in 1953. This was in honor of their 30mm calibre that set records at the Geneva Observatory. By 1967 the name began to be applied to models throughout Omega's range, such as the Omega Dynamic, that were produced in large volumes.

These watches used the same, high quality movements as Omega's other lines. But they were sold at a more competitive price point than Omega's other offerings, targeting a younger clientele. By the time Omega ceased production of the Genève line in 1979, pieces in this collection comprised more than 60% of Omega's total sales. 

This particular example is a Reference 135.070, which was first released in 1970. While other iterations of this reference might be gold-capped with plain, unadorned dials, this one has a gorgeous silver dial with an unusual brushed texture. Cased in steel to match the aesthetics of the dial, it’s an uncommonly-seen dress watch that simply reverberates with understated elegance.