We have here a stunning Omega Constellation from 1968. The original, silver linen dial has the Day & Date function, which sits at 3 o'clock and is amplified by an Omega glass with cyclops. The dial is signed 'Omega, Automatic, Chronometer' at 12 o'clock and 'Constellation' at 6 o'clock. Gilt and onyx-type baton markers sit inside the outer minute track and gold-tone, straignt hour, minute and central seconds hands sit in the centre of the dial.
The 35mm, gold capped, screw-back case has a solid gold fluted bezel and Heavy gold capped outer case with steel case back. The case back has the Geneva Observatory surrounded by eight stars - the official motif of the Constellation. Inside, we have Omega's automatic, chronometer-tested, caliber 751, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a simple, brown leather strap, but it looks good on anything.
This style of Constellation was initially released as model 168.009 in December 1964. The first C-Shapes, designed by Gérald Genta, were indeed powered by the non-quickset date calibre 561 and examples of calibre 561-powered Cs were produced until around the middle of 1966. Somewhere during the history of this model (quite early if available evidence is to be believed) the model description morphed into case number 168.017. Many cases from the earlier production period can be seen with the number 168.009/017 or with both numbers stamped on the inner case back. Later calibre 564 C-Shape case backs often show only 168.017. This particular watch is the rarer day / date version, model 1680019 with chronometer caliber 751. Constellations powered by calibre 564 started reaching the shops in the first half of 1966: the C-Shaped and 35mm round models being the earliest cases to house the movement. Also housing calibre 564 was the new monocoque (one shell) series that featured the some of last of the pie pan dials along with more contemporary flat dials.
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.
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.
What we think
Elegance defined springs to mind with this Omega Constellation, and all the better that this watch has the look and feel of a solid gold Omega Constellation, but without the £3,000+ price tag! It is the perfect addition for a collector and also a great investment for a first time buyer. All original condition and that dial!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 2699****
Reference : 168.029
Movement : Cal. 751 Chronometer Age :1961/1970 Specific Age : 1968 Case Size : 35mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :19mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Gold Capped Stainless Steel back Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1968 Omega Constellation Auto Day - Date Model 168.029 'C Case' Wristwatch with linen Dial in Gold Capped Case
