Omega Constellation
Omega Constellation
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This is a superb Omega bumper automatic from 1953. The watch is chronometer rated, which means it passed a series of tests at the Geneva Observatory to verify the precision of the timekeeping across a range of positions and at different temperatures. This doesn’t mean that this model of watch passed the test, but that this actual watch movement was subject to the exhaustive trials: The trials were held over a period of forty-five days and featured ten separate timekeeping tests in five different positions and two temperatures. To celebrate this the watch has an embossed image of the Geneva Observatory on the case back.
Omega's website has a history of the Constellation line here
So this was a prestigious watch within the Omega line and this would have been reflected in the premium price it sold for. In addition to the accuracy of the timekeeping the watch features the relatively new automatic-winding function, an eccentric weight moves in response to the day-to-day movement of the wrist and this serves to wind up the mainspring. This was relatively new technology in the 1950s and Omega opted for a bumper-type weight which moves through an arc of about 270º. At this time Rolex held a patent on automatic winding modules which used a weight that rotated through 360 degrees, so Omega had to adopt this rather novel (and slightly less efficient) solution.
The watch is in fantastic condition, a really elegant example - very often one sees this model with the dial and hands in poor condition, so I am very happy that we were able to find such a crisp example. The watch still has the original signed Omega crown and the movement is performing excellently for a watch which is nearly 70 years old.
The movement has been fully serviced and the timekeeping is excellent. The case has been cleaned, but as with all out vintage watches we have left it unpolished, the case has the usual marks of wear, it’s quite a slim watch especially considering the fact that it’s an early automatic as these tended to the more bulbous. The crystal has been replaced and the watch has been fitted with a new Hirsch leather strap. The watch comes with our standard 12 month guarantee.
Please see vintage watch care advice here.
Specifications:
Case diameter: 34mm
Case material: stainless steel
Strap width: 18mm
Time keeping: grade A
Omega cal 340
