Omega Constellation Pie-Pan Model Ref.14393/4 18ct Pink Gold 1961

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 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 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 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  Omega Constellation with a silver ‘pie-pan’ dial, carrying 18ct solid pink gold Dauphine hands and ‘baton’ hour indices. All this, along with a superb 34mm, 18ct pink gold watch case and an equally spectacular Cal.561 automatic Chronometer movement. This example is completely original, unrestored and untouched, yet remains in outstanding condition. 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.

The Dial

The beautiful original, unrestored and untouched silver dial is finished with pink gold ‘baton’ hour indices and matching original Dauphine hands. This is the ‘pie-pan’ dial which is the most sought after of dials among Omega collectors and is so called because it resembles the shape of an upturned pie pan.

This outstanding dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The centre part of the dial appears slightly lighter depending on how the dial catches the light. However, this reverses under certain angles to the light.

The dial is signed with an applied pink gold Omega brand and signature with ‘Automatic Chronometer’ below, ‘Constellation’ and finally, ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case, due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself.  Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

This Omega Chronometer Grade Cal.561, 24 Jewel Automatic Movement was one of Omega’s first full rotor automatics, as opposed to the ‘Bumper’ automatic movement which had been the standard until this point. This movement is held in high regard by Omega aficionados.

The movement has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the watch to all its component parts and then ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and reassembly using only correct original Omega replacement parts where required. Our watchmaker’s work is amazing and following careful calibration and testing, this watch is now running within +11 seconds per day with a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. This is truly exceptional for a watch of this age. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ and ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ with the Calibre number 561, along with the serial number 18190415 which dates this watch to manufacture in 1961.

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

The Case

The heavy three-piece 18ct pink gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1960s 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 gently cleaned, which was all that was required to bring back to its pristine condition here.

The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is almost as new. Being 18ct pink 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 the Omega model reference number 14393/4 SC.

*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 leather strap and matching pink 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 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 1961.

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”.

The original Omega Constellation 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 pink 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.

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. 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.