Omega Constellation Cal.505 18ct 1957

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 its 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 1950s 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 Speedmasters landed on the moon worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Watch Description

The Omega Constellation was first released in 1948 and has been its range-topping dress watch ever since. Here we have an Omega Constellation from 1957 in 18ct solid gold with a simply superb original and unrestored solid gold dial. The large sized 35mm watch case is in superb all-round condition and as with all Omega Constellations, the watch carries the ‘Constellation’ motif on the case-back. This is distinct, indicating this watch has been lightly used and well cared for.

The Dial

This classic late 1950s early 1960s Omega dial looks wonderful in gold, with a slight vertical grain effect which catches the light beautifully. Applied onyx inlaid gold ‘baton’ hour indices are paired with the original restored ‘Dauphine’ hands.

The dial is signed with an applied gold Omega sign and signature, along with ‘Automatic Chronometer’ and ‘Constellation’ with a gold star below.

We love the elegance, simplicity and symmetry of this earlier Constellation dial and feel that unless one absolutely ‘has to have’ a date function, early non-date examples are so much prettier to our eyes. ‘Less’ is definitely ‘more’ here.

This dial is original, unrestored and untouched. It is also in really tip-top condition with hardly any faults visible to the naked eye. Due to its excellent condition and to retain more of the character and the originality of the watch, we have left the dial completely alone rather than restore it. If however, you would prefer the dial to be sympathetically restored, we will be happy to arrange this for you free of charge.

The Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the minute Omega symbol in the very centre of the lens.

The Movement

This Omega Calibre 505, 24 Jewel, Chronometer grade movement was Omega’s first full rotor automatic, as opposed to the earlier ‘Bumper’ automatic movement which had been used until this point.

As can be seen, the original beryllium bronze automatic movement is very clean and presentable following full an overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’ ‘Swiss’ and ‘Twenty-Four Jewels’ with the serial number 15703986 which dates manufacture to 1957. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly and keeping excellent time.

These high grade Cal.505 movements, being chronometer rated, are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability, making this watch perfectly suitable for everyday use. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +4 seconds / day! This is truly outstanding for any watch and particularly amazing for a watch of this age. This movement also has a 46 hour power reserve when fully wound. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day this watch will never need winding. We therefore have total confidence in offering this Omega with our 12 months warranty on the movement*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included 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 immaculate condition with all the lines and edges as crisp as the day it was manufactured. The case has been gently carefully inspected and 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, signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries the Omega model reference numbers 2852SC and 2853SC and the case serial number 266986. The double reference number indicates this was a transition release.

*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 brown bull 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 1957.

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 vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1950s 18ct 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.

In addition to being perfectly practical for everyday use, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something wonderful to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! Even though vintage gold Omega watch prices continue to climb, we still feel first class examples such as this are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Omega watches continues to grow, limited supply means prices will inevitably climb ever higher.

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.

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 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 that happen to visit the UK 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 your watch directly to you there.

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.