Originally introduced in 1952, following the the highly-successful "Centenary", the Omega Constellation was designed as a luxury dress-watch, manufactured to achieve Chronometer status by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (or COSC). The Constellation has since become synonymous with luxury-chronometer watches, crafted at the highest level - with elegantly-refined cases, highly-finished dials and ultra-precise movements.
This stunning Omega Constellation “De Luxe” example is from 1956 (with serial number 114 XXXXX). Whilst the aesthetics are undeniably attractive, it is the condition that stands out. The round, solid-gold case and lyre-shaped lugs are perfectly-preserved, while the double-bevelled bezel retains its original shape. As with all Omega Constellation examples, the case-back bears the hand-engraved symbol of Omega’s famous records for precision, the Observatory medal - referencing the chronometer trials’ location, with eight stars in the sky to represent each chronometer record broken 1931.
Although the Constellation model is known to many simply by the name, a number of much rarer examples exist, designated the Constellation “Luxe” range - effectively highly-premium equivalents of the classic Omega Constellation. This example, the reference 2799, was the first “De Luxe” model to feature an O-ring rubber-based gasket between the press-in case-back and the case.
The solid-gold dial is exceptionally well-proportioned, featuring hand-riveted, faceted indexes for the hour markers. The centre of the dial subtly features an inner-minute track and is lightly-brushed, balanced with an outer high-polished 'pie pan' edge. The classic styling is further expressed through Omega's gold Daulphine handset, complementing the unique shaping of the gold hour markers perfectly. The Omega emblem and logo are applied, along with the small Constellation star logo at six o’clock.
The watch carries Omega’s self-winding, chronometer certified calibre 354 (adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures) at its heart, beating at 19,800 A/h, with a power reserve of 42 hours.
Where the Constellation itself is considered collectable, this “de Luxe” example is considerably rarer. Having been preserved in near-original condition, it is surely one of the best examples of one of Omega's rarest watches, that may not reappear on the market for some time.
Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.
Closer look
| Brand: | Omega |
| Model: | Constellation 'De Luxe' Ref. 2799 |
| Movement: | self-winding Cal. 354 chronometer-certified |
| Functions: | hours, minutes, sweep-seconds |
| Features: | unrestored dial, original crown |
| Case: | 34 mm 18-carat yellow gold |
| Crystal: | plexiglass |
| Bracelet: | 18-carat gold flat-link bracelet |
| Year: | July 16, 1956 - delivered to Italy |
| Box & papers: | Omega Extract of the Archives |
