Description

Here we have a stunning 18ct yellow gold Omega Constellation from 1962 with a silver-white starburst cross-hair dial. This watch carries the amazing Calibre 561 movement which was Omega’s state of the art movement in the early 1960s. The heavy 18ct watch case measures 34mm in diameter and is in superb all-round condition. As with all Omega Constellations, this watch carries the ‘Constellation’ motif on the case-back which is very distinct, indicating this watch has been used sparingly and has been very well cared for.

This watch is immaculate, having just completed full restoration by our team. The movement in particular, is in spectacular condition. Omega Constellation movements have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability so these are considered to be one of the most practical everyday vintage watches you can buy.

The Dial

The beautiful original silver-white starburst dial with a ‘cross-hair’ and date function is simply superb. This is one of the most sought-after Omega dial designs in recent years and it isn’t difficult to see why. Furnished with gold ‘baton’ hour indices, inlaid with black onyx, and the original restored Dauphine hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is classic 1960s Omega and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.

The dial also carries the applied gold Omega brand and signature, with ‘Automatic’ ‘Chronometer Officially Certified’ and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.

A new correct replacement Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the minute Omega symbol in the very centre of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored by our dial restorers who are considered the best in the UK.

Movement

This is the original very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 561 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze, 24 jewel movement which is in sparkling condition.

Omega movements, design and manufacture really reached a peak in the 1960s, helping to make Omega the most successful and highly regarded brand among the general buying public. At the time, for example, this top of the range Omega sold at a premium over the equivalent top of the range Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date. As can be seen, the spectacular beryllium bronze movement looks superb and is in superb condition.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced, meaning complete disassembly to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration. This watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore highly confident in offering 12- months warranty on this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ and ‘Cal.561 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the Serial No. 19436127 which dates the manufacture of this watch movement to 1962. These movements are highly respected for being robust, exceedingly accurate and highly reliable, making this watch perfect for everyday use or evening wear only – as you wish. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day, this watch will never need winding and seldom need resetting. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly, just as it should.

 Watch Case

The sturdy three-piece ribbed, 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. The case was made for Omega by Dennison in the U.K. who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London, both produced top-quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website.

Inside the screw-down case-back, we find all the markings are correct and as expected with The Omega Watch Co. triangle and ‘Made In England’ plus the A.L.D Dennison manufacturers stamp. Birmingham U.K. 18ct hallmarks date the watch case to 1962. The case-back also carries the Omega model reference numbers 1685415 and 219473.

The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very lightly hand-polished as this was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition, with no scratches dings or marks of any kind visible to the naked eye. The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is almost as new. Being 18ct gold, this is often quite worn, but here it is still crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has hardly been worn. The screw-down case-back and sealed crown make this watch water resistant to 20 meters*.

*Although originally specified as ‘Water Resistant to 20 meters’, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is finished with a very high-quality brown Crocodile strap and matching gold plated Omega buckle which we feel suits the watch beautifully.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1962.

A vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1960s 18ct Omega Constellation in wonderful condition. If you are looking for a great example of a top marque Omega with one of Omega’s best ever automatic movements, this watch ticks all the boxes. The movement is of a very high grade and is equal to watches much more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Omega Constellation watches are highly collectable and the desirability of this watch means its value will always remain strong.

In addition to being perfectly practical for everyday use, this watch will make an excellent investment and heirloom piece, as well as be something wonderful to use, wear, treasure and enjoy! Even though vintage gold Omega watch prices continue to climb, we still feel sure that top class examples such as this are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Omega watches continues to grow, limited supply means prices will inevitably climb ever higher.