Omega Constellation

Why We Love It

The Constellation was once Omega’s flagship model.

A contemporary to the original Speedmaster, Seamaster SM300, Railmaster and DeVille lines, the Connie was a popular choice during its day and age, known for their award-winning precision movements and high-concept design execution. Over the years Omega produced many different Constellation models, with a wide variation in case shape and dial design. 

This particular example, a Reference 368.1201, dates to the 1990s and uses a case design that clearly drew its inspiration from Gerald Genta's masterpieces with its integrated bracelet and dual personality - bridging the gap between a pure dress watch and a luxury sports model.

Looking closer, you'll notice a cross-hatched texture pattern on the white dial, as well as a framed date window, fixed outer bezel with Roman numerals, dauphine hands, and applied logos and indices. This Constellation is powered by the Calibre 2500 automatic movement with chronometer certification -  of course sporting the observatory engraved caseback. 

This lovely Connie offers Omega pedigree and performance in a package that has neo-classical styling that is coming back in a big way. What more can you ask for?

The Constellation Story

The Constellation line was launched by Omega in 1952, after a limited production of a watch commemorating their centennial in 1948 that was aptly named the Century. While the Century was never intended for retail production, it received such wide acclaim for both its sumptuous case design and it's chronometer-level accuracy that Omega decided to launch a new line. Beginning with their self-winding movement, Omega built a watch that matched their ideal for what a modern (at the time) watch should be. 

Omega adorned the newly-minted Constellation line with a likeness of the Cupola of the Geneva Observatory. This observatory was one of several in Europe that put watches through a rigorous testing process with accuracy standards much more stringent than those of the Control Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, or COSC. These tests, lasting between 30 and 50 days, were broken down into eight categories of overall accuracy. Watches that passed the rigorous scrutiny were dubbed Observatory Chronometers and were awarded a special Bulletin de Marche from the Observatory that tested it. The cupola is a reminder of the watch's superior engineering, the eight stars a nod to Omega's acing of every category of the observatory accuracy tests in 1931.

For a closer look at the history of the Constellation line, have a look at the Omega Museum Online, HERE.