Omega Constellation TV Dial

The Constellation was once Omega’s flagship model. A contemporary of the Speedmaster Professional, Seamaster 300, Railmaster and DeVille, the Connie was top dog.

Over the years Omega produced many different Constellation models, with a wide variation in case shape and dial design. The changing design language of the 1970s resulted in a limited run of Constellations housed in blocky cushion cases with integrated bracelets, a departure from their more traditional dressy and lithe designs.

For decades these square "Television Dialed" Constellations weren't considered desirable or collector-worthy, and many met untimely deaths or have been lost forever in the bowels of watchmaker's benches. The watch we have here, however, is a survivor - and a beautiful one at that!

Sized at 33mm in diameter, this particular example wears much smaller than most of the oversized chunksters of the era, but with a 40mm length and a substantial integrated multilink bracelet still has an appropriate presence on the modern wrist.  Internally, the chronometer-grade Calibre 1021 automatic movement powers three hands, day and date windows - an unusual feature on Connies of the time. Best of all, this beauty has a stunning micro-tapisserie dial executed in a grey/blue color very similar to the original Royal Oak A-Series!

In outstanding condition overall, this is an incredibly beautiful timepiece for a minimal amount of coin, and we don't expect it to last long at all!

About The Omega Constellation Line:

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.