Omega Watches
Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s and 60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the 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 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Description
Here we have a stunning 18ct pink gold Omega Constellation Tonneau from 1968 with a silver-white starburst dial. This watch is rare, as few Tonneau cased Constellations were made in 18ct pink gold. This watch carries the amazing Calibre 564 movement which was Omega’s state of the art movement for most of the 1960s. The heavy 18ct tonneau watch case measures 34mm in diameter and is in superb all-round condition. As with all Omega Constellations, this watch carries the ‘Constellation’ motif on the case-back which is very distinct, indicating this watch has been used sparingly and has been very well cared for.
This watch is immaculate, having just completed full restoration by our team. The movement in particular, is in spectacular condition. Omega Constellation movements have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability so these are considered to be one of the most practical everyday vintage watches you can buy.
The Dial
The beautifully restored original silver-white starburst Constellation dial is simply superb. Furnished with pink gold ‘baton’ hour indices, inlaid with black onyx, and the original restored Dauphine hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is classic 1960s Omega and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.
The dial also carries the applied gold Omega brand and signature, with ‘Automatic’, ‘Chronometer’, ‘Officially Certified’ with ‘Constellation’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.
This is the original dial which has been restored by our dial restorers who are considered the best in the UK.
The Movement
This is the very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 564 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze, 24 jewels movement. As can be seen, it is in absolute tip-top, sparkling condition.
The movement has been fully overhauled by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means disassembling the watch movement down to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration. This watch, therefore, winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +8 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this kind of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 50 hour power reserve when fully wound. We are highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.
The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co. Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’, and ‘Cal. 564 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the serial number 26354379, which dates the watch to 1968. These watches are well known for their exceedingly robust, accurate and reliable movements making this watch perfect for everyday use or simply as evening wear only – as you wish. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day, this watch will never need winding and seldom need resetting. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly.
*Please note – Our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Case
This 18ct solid pink gold case measures 34mm across, excluding the Omega signed crown. This Omega Tonneau case is very heavy and robust and measures 42mm top to bottom. This gives the watch a good deal of ‘presence’ on the wrist, making it seem more like a 36mm or even 37mm watch.
The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very lightly hand-polished, as this was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition, with no scratches dings or marks of any kind visible to the naked eye. The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is only very lightly worn. Being 18ct gold, this is usually worn to a greater or lesser extent, but here it is still crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has hardly been worn.
Inside the screw-down case-back, we find all the markings are correct and as expected with the Omega branding triangle, along with 18K-0.750 French hallmarks and the Omega model reference number 168008.
*Although originally specified as water resistant, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
The watch has been fitted with a high quality black Alligator strap with a matching pink gold plated Omega buckle. We think this contrasts very nicely with the pink gold case and the dial, however, 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, but can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 20mm straps if you wish, here.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1968.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale 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”.
A genuine vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
A rare and exceptional vintage gold Omega Constellation dress watch with an 18ct pink gold case. The movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very best quality watches we can find before restoring these 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well known stores in West London which are very 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 choose to pay by UK bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Please contact us to reserve the watch and request our bank details. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service, Repair, or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095. If calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.
We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting, we will also be very happy to hear from you. We await your call!
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
