THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 168.010/11
YEAR: 1966
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Omega Constellation range was, in essence, Omega's answer to the Rolex Datejust. Originally released in 1948, it was offered as a limited production watch - the Centenary Chronometer, as it was then called. It proved so popular that Omega decided to keep making it. Omega created a collection of automatic chronometer watches in 1952 that would become the Constellation as we know it today. 

The model had a revamp in the 60s with the help of Gerald Genta. The watch featured the now well-known 'Pie Pan' dial. The dial slants away towards the edge of the dial, producing the effect. The case back shows the Geneva Observatory, with eight stars that stand for the eight chronometer competitions Omega won.

The solid 18K gold example we have here has the gold sunburst dial with onyx inlay baton markers and the semi quick set date function. The dial is absolutely perfect with no marks. The star of the show here, however, is no doubt the incredibly rare and original uncut Omega 18K gold bracelet. It's extremely comfortable on the wrist, and rather hefty (100g gold...) One can only imagine the life the original owner led, purchasing this thing 60 years ago. The bracelet itself will accommodate a 20cm wrist.

The movement (unsurprisingly) is running great at +3 s/d, 277 amps, with a 0.2 ms beat error. This is truly an incredible thing in person, and still represent fantastic value (not much more than a steel Seamaster SM300 from the same year).