We have here a stunning Omega Constellation from 1962. The original, satin silver dial has the 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, dauphine hour, minute and central seconds hands sit in the centre of the dial.
The 35mm, gold capped, screw-back case has a solid gold bezel and stainless 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 561, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired the watch on a simple, brown leather strap, but it looks good on anything.
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.
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.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 1969****
Reference : 168.004
Movement : Cal. 561 Chronometer Age :1961/1970 Specific Age : 1962 Case Size : 35mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Gold Capped Stainless Steel back Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1962 Omega Constellation Auto Date Model 168.004 Wristwatch with Original Dial in Gold Capped Case
