THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 168.005/6
YEAR: 1966
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

The Omega Constellation range was, in essence, Omega's answer to the 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. Like the steel example we have, this has the longer "dog leg" lugs, which are still in exceptional shape. Often, these are over-polished and rounded, but these haven’t been touched. The crown is later as it’s not hexagonal, but this does make it a lot easier to wind (if you know you know).

The watch came to us running superbly at -4 s/d, 255 amps, with a beat error of 0.1 ms. We have paired the watch with a black Saffiano leather strap, a tremendous combo.