We have here a tried and tested favourite - the Omega Constellation from 1959. This 2943 model has an off-white/ivory dial with gilt baton markers and double baton markers at 12 o'clock. Gilt, dauphine hour, minute and central seconds hands sit in the centre. The dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic, Chronometer, Officially Certified' at 12 o'clock with the famous Omega logo and 'Omega' both in applied gilt, which makes them really pop. At 3 o'clock is the date window, also framed in gilt, giving an elevated sense of luxury to the watch. At 6 o'clock, the dial is signed 'Constellation, Calendar.'
The 34.5mm, stainless steel, screw-back case is a comfortable wear and the case back has the Geneva Observatory surrounded by eight stars - the official motif of the Constellation. Inside is the automatic, chronometer tested and officially certified, Omega caliber 504, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've kept the watch on its original, stainless steel, Beads of Rice bracelet, but it looks equally good on leather.
Extra Points
Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.
All Omega Constellations are 'Chronometer Officially Certified' watches, which means that they are tested to the highest possible level. Omega have called it "the most distinguished-title a watch may carry." In order to achieve this title, each of the 153 essential components that make up these watches undergo 360-hour accuracy and reliability tests and inspections.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with our 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
We are absolutely in love with this Omega Constellation - the differences between the late 1950s and 1960s models are so subtle but we love the chunkier case and curvier lugs! It is still such an elegant and classic beauty. Perfect for the vintage watch newbie and a must have in every collection. It can be switched from bracelet to strap at your leisure. A real vintage example with decades of character.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1719****
Reference : 2943
Movement : Cal 504, 24 Jewels Age :1951/1960 Specific Age : 1959 Case Size : 34.5mm Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : 42mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : period Omega Constellation box Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1959 Omega Constellation Date Chronometer Model 2943 in Stainless Steel on Beads of Rice Bracelet
