Omega Constellation 18ct Tonneau Cal.751 1970

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 1940s 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 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 into 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

The Omega Constellation is an iconic timepiece, having remained in continuous production since 1952 and one which has always represented Omega’s most luxurious precision chronometer timepiece. When launched, and throughout the 1950s and ’60s, the Constellation was more prestigious and more expensive than the equivalent Rolex Oyster Perpetual and also contained a finer movement.

The watch carries the Omega Calibre 751 Chronometer Date Automatic movement which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. The 18ct yellow gold case measures 36mm, making this a large-sized watch for the period.

The Dial

The beautiful original, rare gold linen dial is simply superb. This is a classic Omega Constellation dial design which has become highly sought after in recent years, especially in as good a condition as this one, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Furnished with gold ‘baton’ hour indices inlaid with black onyx, along with the original, unrestored ‘index’ hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is classic Omega and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.

This watch is completely original, unrestored, and untouched, and it remains in a wonderful condition. This dial also has the addition of a date and day window at 3, adding extra flare and elegance to an already beautiful dial.

The dial also carries the applied gold Omega brand and is signed ‘Omega Automatic Chronometer’ with ‘Constellation’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.

The Movement

Omega movements, design and manufacture were really at their peak during the 1960s and ‘70s, helping to make Omega the most successful and highly regarded brand among the general buying public. At this time for example, this top of the range Omega sold at a premium over the equivalent top of the range Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date.

This is the very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 751 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze, 24 jewel movement which as can be seen, is in superb condition. The Calibre 751 is known as the 24 jewel, day, quickset date, chronometer movement and was incredibly advanced in its day.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced, meaning complete disassembly of the watch movement 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 winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +2 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 level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has an excellent 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’, and Cal.751 Adjusted 5 Positions with the Serial No. 29,065,738, which dates the manufacture of this watch to 1970. These movements are highly respected for being robust, exceedingly accurate and highly reliable, making this watch perfect for everyday use or 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, just as it should.

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

The Case

This 18ct solid yellow gold case measures 36mm, excluding the Omega signed crown, this Omega Tonneau case is very heavy and robust. This watch also features a radial patterned bezel which is particular to this watch and also a rare feature.

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 168019.

*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 brown Alligator strap with a matching gold-plated Omega buckle. We think this contrasts very nicely with the yellow gold case and 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 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 1970.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood 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 yellow 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.