Omega Constellation Watch

The Omega Constellation Watch first arrived on the scene in 1952 and was an instant classic. Different styles have been made off and on throughout the years, up to the present day. Fans of the Constellation series wait in excitement for new styles to come out and for older styles to go on the auction block.

In 1964 the Omega Constellation "C" was referred to as "The $1,000 Watch," its price at the time. Corrected for inflation, the watch would retail for $6,870.70 in today's dollars! A self-winding "Integrated Line" of Omega Constellation watches was introduced in 1970. It was one of the first models anywhere to be equipped with a real, integrated case and bracelet.

Another Constellation model from the 1970s is the "Yellow Gold Constellation Omega Automatic Chronometer," a water-resistant 18K yellow gold watch that was self-winding. In 2009, a fake made it through to an auction conducted by Antiquorum. The auction house was quickly taken to task by Constellation experts and collectors, because there were clues even in the lot description that this watch was not authentic. Someone paid $3,600 for it, which was returned after Antiquorum realized its mistake.

Any solid gold Omega Constellation encased in Switzerland since 1952 will have a number of common identification marks, including a stylized Omega trademark, marks showing where the gold assay took place, and a code identifying the maker of the case. "Suisse" and "Swiss Made" appear on the case backs and differ slightly from production run to production run. A "Responsibility Mark" is a legal signature by the case maker guaranteeing the quality. It is a means of holding the case maker to account if a metallurgical discrepancy is discovered.

Gold articles made in Switzerland are 18 karat, but both 18 karat and 14 karat gold are sold in the United States. A "Common Control Mark" is a statement of purity and is a legal requirement for all cases made in Switzerland. The stamp on Omega Constellation watches is on the bottom side of the back and consists of two diagonal lugs. If a purity of, say, .750 is stated, it will contain 75% gold, 10% copper, and 15% silver in a yellow gold case. The 18 karat white gold is 75% gold, 10% palladium, 10% nickel and 5% zinc.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the standards a watch must meet to be declared a genuine Omega Constellation, or even a Swiss chronometer, but are listed to show the level of care given to authenticating such watches before sales and auctions.

The redesign of the entire Omega Constellation watch line for 2009 has certain resemblances to earlier Omega Constellation models. On each one, the Constellation star is at the 6 o'clock position. The bracelets have the classic horizontal links, but a newer style of bracelet, the "Mono Rang," featuring butterfly clasps has been redesigned for better comfort and fit.

The range of styles offered in the 2009 Constellation collection is unmatched in the Constellation history, proving the remarkable staying power of this brand of luxury watch.