THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 14393
YEAR: 1960
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
Here at Fathom, we make it our mission to procure the most diverse and wonderful vintage watches in the country—and to present these amazing, and sometimes overlooked, pieces to the world in all their glory. Selfishly, though, it’s just so enjoyable to admire and study them, and to imagine the days in which they were first born.
The Omega Constellation we have here is one of those time capsules we can’t help but love. The Constellation was introduced in 1948, originally as the limited-production Centenary Chronometer. It proved so popular that Omega decided to continue production, and in 1952 the Constellation as we know it today was formally born: a collection of automatic chronometer watches at the very top of Omega’s range.
Over the years, Omega produced the Constellation in numerous variations—different dial designs, bracelet constructions, and case metals ranging from steel and gold-plate to 9 ct and 18 ct gold. In mid-20th century Britain, however, Omega faced a problem: high import duties on precious-metal watches made it uneconomical to import fully assembled gold cases. To solve this, Omega partnered with the British firm Dennison, which produced cases domestically to Omega’s exacting standards. These proudly carried British hallmarks, “Made in England” signatures, and the A.L.D. stamp for Aaron Lufkin Dennison.
This particular watch is one of those Dennison-cased Constellations—and holding it, you’d never guess it turns 65 this year. The integrated 18k yellow gold case is in fantastic shape, with minimal polishing over its lifetime. The bracelet is a work of art in itself, comprising hundreds of individual links that drape beautifully around the wrist, while the clasp is as delightful to use as it is to look at. It will accommodate a 20 cm wrist. The gold dial has aged with charm, developing subtle darker patina in places. Onyx baton markers and the Constellation star complete the canvas.
The movement has been freshly serviced and is running at +2 seconds per day with 300 amplitude and a 0.3 ms beat error. One can only imagine the life the original owner led when purchasing this piece 65 years ago. Today, it remains an unbelievably cool watch—available for not much more than its melt value.