Omega Constellation Pie-Pan 18ct 1963

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

Description

Here we have the range topping Omega Constellation  from 1963, in 18ct solid gold and with a simply stunning original, unrestored solid gold ‘Pie Pan’ dial. The good-sized 34.5mm diameter 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 crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has been lightly used and well cared for.

The Dial

The ‘Pie Pan’ is so called because it resembles the shape of an upturned pie pan. These are the most sought after dial types among Omega collectors and are only found on certain examples of the Omega Constellation range, during the 1960s and early 1970s. Notably, this is a rare, solid gold, original unrestored dial, which is in tip-top condition.

Usually, we restore the dial on each of our watches as part of the restoration. This is because vintage watch dials over 50 years old often become unsightly due to damage caused by sunlight, air pollution and humidity. This typically takes the form of fading, staining, pitting, speckling etc. Damage is also often caused during servicing, since anything which comes into contact with an aged dial will leave a telltale mark. Here however, the dial is in exceptionally good condition and so we have left it completely alone for the sake of originality and because some wearers prefer the charm of an unrestored dial. There are just some very early signs of spotting, only visible under high magnification.

This is the classic 1960s Omega Constellation Pie-Pan dial which has a slight vertical brushed effect which catches the light beautifully. Applied onyx inlaid gold ‘baton’ hour indices are paired with original ‘Dauphine’ hands, which are also in superb condition.

The dial is signed with an applied gold Omega sign and signature, along with ‘Automatic’ and ‘Constellation’ with a gold star. An aperture at ‘3’ displays the date function.

Movement

This is the top grade Cal.561, 24 Jewel movement which is the same movement as used in the top of the range, Chronometer rated, Omega Constellation during this period. This movement is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. Here, the beryllium bronze movement is in absolutely tip-top condition and looks as good in fact, as the day it was made!

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. The watch, therefore, winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +1 second per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed this on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. This movement also has an exceptional 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore more than pleased to offer our 12 month warranty with this watch*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ along with the Calibre number 561, 24 Jewels, and the movement serial number 20370067 which dates the manufacture of the movement to 1963.

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

The Watch Case

The heavy three-piece 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34.5mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1960s Omega Constellation case which is in immaculate condition with all the lines and edges as crisp as the day it was manufactured. The case has been gently cleaned and carefully inspected, which was all that was required to bring it to its pristine condition. There are almost no marks of any kind visible to the naked eye.

The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is well defined, indicating this watch has not been worn excessively or overpolished.  The screw-down case-back and sealed crown make this watch water resistant to 30 meters*. These watch cases are very sturdy, watertight and robust making this watch perfect for everyday use should you so wish.*

Inside the screw-down case-back, all the markings are correct and it is signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with the model reference number 168005/6 and 18ct Swiss hallmarks.

Although originally specified as water-resistant to 30 meters, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

*As ever, 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 Omega Alligator embossed 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, let us know your choice and we will 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 1963.

Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with our ‘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 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, 1960s 18ct Omega Constellation in fantastic 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 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.