Omega Constellation Bumper Auto Deluxe Ref.2652SC 18ct 1952 1st Release

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 to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Omega Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

The Omega Constellation is an iconic timepiece, having been in continuous production since 1952 and is one which has always represented Omega’s most luxurious precision chronometer timepiece. When launched, and throughout the 1950s and ’60s, the Constellation was a much more prestigious and expensive piece than the equivalent Rolex Oyster Perpetual and contained a much better movement. Finding a nice vintage Constellation is not all that hard, but finding a nice early Constellation, and particularly a Deluxe, is much more difficult.

Here we have a beautiful Constellation Deluxe model with a remarkable cross-hair silver-white dial carrying gilt ‘Dauphine’ hands and ‘Deluxe’ hour indices. All this, along with a superb 35mm, 18ct yellow gold watch case and an equally spectacular Cal.354 bumper automatic Chronometer movement. This previously restored example is in truly outstanding condition and really does take some beating. Most examples are firmly locked inside collections of devotees to the vintage brand and model, therefore this is a Constellation that should not be missed.

This watch is particulary special as it was produced during the first year of realease of the Omega Constellation in 1952.

The Dial

This incredible example of a previously restored, Omega Constellation non-date cross-hair silver-white dial is beautifully balanced and carries gilt ‘Deluxe’ hour indices which are swept by gilt ‘dauphine’ hands. This dial catches the light beautifully as we has tried to demostrate in the photographs.

This dial is correctly signed with the gilt Omega branding along with ‘Omega’, ‘Automatic’, ‘Chronometer Officially Certified’ at the very top of the dial of the dial below 12, along with ‘Constellation’ at the bottom half of the dial and ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom of the dial below 6.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstanding condition.

Movement

This is the Omega Cal.354 which is the same movement used in the range-topping, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation of the same period. The Cal.354 movement was designed by Charles Perregaux and is a true classic which has certainly stood the test of time. The bumper automatic uses an oscillating rotor which winds the movement in one direction. Over 1.3 million of these movements were produced between 1943 and 1955 and carefully designed for chronometer levels of accuracy while remaining robust enough to handle the strong vibrations caused by the hammer action.

As can be seen, the fully restored beryllium bronze movement is in amazingly clean condition having been fully overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled to all its component parts, carefully inspected under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts before careful reassembly, adjustment and calibration. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within -6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher and 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 more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*. The Omega Cal.354 movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability, making this watch ideal for regular daily use.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Adjusted Five Positions and Temperatures’ along with the Calibre No. 354, ‘Seventeen 17 Jewels’, and the Serial No.13146815 which dates this watch to 1952.

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

The Case

The heavy three-piece 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1950s Omega Constellation case and this particular example is in remarkable condition with all the lines and edges as crisp as the day it was manufactured. The case has been gently carefully inspected and gently cleaned, which was all that was required to bring it to its pristine condition.

The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is almost as new. Being 18ct gold, this is usually worn to a greater extent, but here it remains distinct, indicating this watch has received only light use. These watch cases are very robust and designed to be watertight*  making this watch perfect for everyday use should you so wish.

Inside the press-fit case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected for an Omega Swiss made case and signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries two Omega model reference number 2652 SC and the case serial number 11187545.

*Although originally specified as waterproof, 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 and Buckle

The watch is finished with a high quality black leather strap and matching gold-plated Omega buckle which we feel suits the watch beautifully. However, if you have a preference for another colour or style, please let us know and we will do our best to supply and fit your preferred strap for no extra 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 from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of 18mm straps and if you prefer another, let us know your choice and we will be only too happy to order and fit this to your watch.

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 1952.

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 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The high quality hardwood presentation box shown in the photographs is included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1950s 18ct yellow gold Omega Constellation in excellent condition. If you are seeking the perfect example of a Constellation with one of Omega’s best ever automatic movements, this watch ticks all the boxes. The movement is of a very high grade and is equal to watches much more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Omega Constellation watches are highly collectable and the desirability of this watch means its value will always remain strong.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.