Description

Here we have an 18ct yellow gold Omega Constellation in amazing condition from 1968 with a solid gold brushed dial. This watch carries the truly excellent Calibre 564, 24 Jewel movement which was Omega’s state of the art movement during the early 1960s. This is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability and self-winding efficiency.

The heavy 18ct watch case measures 35mm 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 fairly distinct, indicating this watch has been lightly used and has been very well cared for.

This watch has an immaculate unrestored dial and a watch case in museum standard condition. The movement in particular, is in spectacular condition. We believe from the condition, this watch has hardly ever been used.

Omega Constellations have always been highly regarded for their accuracy and dependability, making this one of the most practical vintage dress watches you can buy.

The Dial

The original unrestored solid gold dial has a ‘sunburst’ finish which is hard to discern in the photographs. This adds just the perfect amount of texture to compliment the bold onyx inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices. These are matched with the original, restored ‘Dauphine’ style hands, providing the classic smart 1960s functional aesthetic.

The dial carries the applied gold OMEGA brand and Signature, with ‘Automatic’, ‘Chronometer Officially Certified’ with ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’. An aperture at ‘3’ displays the date register.

This is the original unrestored and untouched dial which is in immaculate condition. This, along with the condition of the watch case and movement, indicates to us this watch has been very rarely used.

The Movement

This is the very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 564 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze 24 Jewel movement which as can be seen, is in absolute tip-top, sparkling condition.

These movements have a very efficient self-winding mechanism and are highly accurate and reliable. This makes this an ideal watch for regular use, should you so wish. Once set and worn, you will seldom need to make any adjustments if worn daily.

The movement has been fully overhauled by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means disassembling the watch movement down 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, therefore, winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +9 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 kind of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 46 hour power reserve when fully wound. We are highly confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co. Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’, and ‘Cal. 564 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the serial number 26978994 which dates the watch to 1968. These watches are well known for their exceedingly robust, accurate and reliable movements making this watch perfect for everyday use or simply as 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.

Watch Case

The heavy 18ct yellow gold waterproof* watch case measures 35mm, excluding the correct original Omega signed crown. It is in the typically robust design of the period, with strong sweeping lugs and a screw-back. The case was designed to be waterproof and dustproof, made in two-parts with a solid upper body which has an integrated, shallow chamfered bezel and a separate case-back which screws into the upper case.

The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very gently hand-polished to remove some tarnish, 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 usually worn to a far greater extent, 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 metres*.

Inside the case-back, all is as expected with the correct branding and correctly signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Swiss Made’, along with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the Omega model reference number 168 018.

*Although originally specified as ‘Water Resistant to 20 metres’, 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 black Alligator 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 1968.

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 then 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.