Omega Constellation 18K Blue Dial 1966

Omega Watches

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. The ’40s saw their first luminescent ladies’ watch, their first tourbillon movements and the famous Seamaster, whilst the ’50s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969, the Speedmaster first landed on the moon.

Watch Description

Here we have a fully restored range topping Omega Constellation in 18ct solid yellow gold from 1966 in totally immaculate condition. Omega watches are known for producing superb watch movements and this model at the top of the range, was released while Omega were beating the world and this is one of their best. It is a watch you’ll likely never have to wind because the movement has such highly efficient automatic winding and it has an outstanding power reserve of 50 hours. It is also a very robust and reliable watch with a highly accurate Chronometer Grade 24 Jewel Calibre 561 Automatic Movement all of which makes this watch very easy to live with on a day to day basis. The watch has a noticeably heavy, 36mm diameter case which carries the Omega Constellation relief on the outside of the case-back. This is very distinct, showing the watch has seen only light occasional use. It also has the screw-back case with fresh seals in place (originally) making the watch water resistant to 30 metres although this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed*.

The Dial

A beautiful and rare Blue starburst dial with Dauphine hands and applied gold batons and date window at ‘3’. It has all the hallmarks of classic 1960s design and yet still looks contemporary today. Please take a close look at the photos of this fabulous dial. In daylight the deep blue dial catches the light beautifully and in the evening under artificial light the dial can look almost black. This the original dial which has been beautifully restored by the best dial restorers in the UK. A new Omega centre signed lens has been fitted.

The Case

In superb condition and lightly polished, the large and noticeably heavy 18ct solid gold case measures 36mm in diameter, not including the Omega signed crown. The case is in wonderful condition showing only minor signs of use commensurate with careful occasional use. The outside of the case-back has the famous 18ct ‘Observatory’ emblem which is in highly original, hardly worn condition. See photos for details of this superb case, especially the Constellation on the back. The Observatory Emblem is  often worn away to a greater or lesser degree and sometimes greatly so. Here it is distinct and crisp, once again indicating this watch has seen very little use.

Inside the screw-down case-back, bears the Omega Watch Co. triangle signature and the correct Omega model reference number 168004/14SC, along with the serial number 975549 and Swiss Geneva 18ct Hallmarks.

*Originally specified as Water Resistant to 30 metres. This has not been tested and is not guaranteed. Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Movement

The very high (chronometer) grade copper-toned Omega calibre 561, 24 jewels automatic movement with date function, is in sparkling clean condition and as with all Omega movements which have been properly maintained, it looks as though it could almost be brand new! The movement is signed Omega Watch Co Swiss with the calibre number 561, the number of jewels 24 and the movement serial number 24,478,449 which date this watch to late 1966. The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker and it is calibrated to run arrow straight within +4 seconds / day! This is no exaggeration. We have checked the test results on our electronic watch timer and therefore have no reservations in providing 12 months written warranty with this watch*

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new nicely matched very high quality large size Dark Blue Crocodile strap with an Omega gold plated buckle. Please note, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. New Omega straps are available in many styles and colours starting at £150. So, if you would like a different strap please let us know your preferences.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1966 by movement serial number.

Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, with our detailed receipt and 12 months’  warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

The vintage Omega Constellation box can be included at our cost price of £250.00  If this is not required a vintage Omega (square red) box can be included for an extra £100.

In Conclusion

Omega Constellations, especially of this period are very highly regarded by vintage Omega aficionados. If you wish to buy a classic, vintage, 18ct gold Omega Constellation watch then this is as good as they come, with a rare blue starburst dial and with a solid 12 months guarantee!

This is a superb, highly collectable top of the range vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most famous names, which will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!  It will make an excellent evening wear dress watch as well as a practical, highly accurate and reliable time-piece to live with on an everyday basis. Omega Constellations, especially of this period are very highly regarded amongst aficionados of the brand but however you may wish to view this, as each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches grows ever larger with the limited supply allied to high demand, this means prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

This is a beautiful watch and if you proceed, we promise you that you will be so pleased you bought this watch! From every aspect and no matter how closely you look, it is immaculate and cannot be faulted.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.