Omega - Constellation - 168.001 - Men - 1963

Presented for auction by Second Vintage

The Omega Constellation stands as a towering pillar of mid-century horological achievement, representing the absolute pinnacle of the brand's precision engineering and elegant design language. Introduced in the early 1950s as Omega's flagship chronometer, the Constellation quickly became a global symbol of status and accuracy. This particular example showcases the highly coveted pie-pan dial, a signature design element that has captivated collectors for generations. With its sophisticated architectural dial, robust chronometer-certified movement, and timeless proportions, this timepiece offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of the most historically significant and recognizable vintage dress watches ever produced.

Brand: Omega
Model: Constellation
Reference Number: 168.001
Serial Number: 20952860
Movement: Automatic Caliber 561, 24 Jewels
Dial: Silver sunburst pie-pan dial with applied indices, showing visible spotting, speckling, and age-consistent patina throughout.
Case Size: 36 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Gold-capped stainless steel
Production Year: 1963
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and distinct dial patina. Movement has been serviced, and performing well within vintage tolerances.

Dial and Hands
The watch features the iconic and highly desirable pie-pan dial, characterized by its faceted outer edge that slopes downward to create a striking three-dimensional effect. The dial presents a silver sunburst finish that plays beautifully with the light, adorned with applied gold-tone faceted indices featuring distinct black inserts for enhanced legibility. The applied Omega logo, Constellation star, and framed date window at three o'clock add further depth to the dial architecture. The dial shows clear signs of its age, with noticeable dark spotting concentrated near the center, general speckling across the sunburst surface, and visible edge wear. The luminous material on the dial and hands has aged heavily, darkening over time. The gold-tone dauphine hands remain well-preserved, complementing the elegant vintage aesthetic while showing light surface oxidation consistent with the overall patina of the watch.

Case and Crystal
The 36 millimeter case features a luxurious gold-capped upper section paired with a robust stainless steel caseback, a hallmark of Omega's premium mid-century case construction. The case displays strong, faceted lugs that retain their distinct profile, though they exhibit expected surface scratches, light nicks, and honest signs of wear accumulated over decades of use. The scalloped gold-tone crown features the Omega logo and remains in highly functional condition. Protecting the dial is a domed acrylic crystal that offers a warm, vintage distortion at the edges and remains clear for easy reading. Turning the watch over reveals the screw-down stainless steel caseback, proudly bearing the solid gold Constellation observatory medallion. The medallion retains its structural integrity, with the observatory dome and surrounding stars remaining fully visible despite some natural softening from wear.

Movement
Powering this Constellation is the esteemed Omega Caliber 561, a beautifully copper-finished automatic movement renowned for its durability and chronometer-grade precision. The movement features 24 jewels and is stamped with its adjustment to five positions and temperature, cementing its status as a highly capable vintage engine. The rotor and bridges display Omega's classic finishing, with clear engravings of the caliber and serial number. The movement has been serviced and is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +10 to +15 seconds per day with strong amplitude.

Strap
The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap that features striking contrast stitching in white and gold tones. The strap provides a comfortable fit and pairs excellently with the gold and black accents found on the dial.

Condition
This timepiece is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows honest, age-appropriate wear with surface scratches and slight softening of the lug facets, while the gold capping remains intact. The dial exhibits significant, distinct patina, including visible spotting, speckling, and darkening of the luminous plots, which provides a highly authentic vintage character. The observatory medallion on the caseback remains well-preserved. The mechanical health is excellent, making this a highly capable and charismatic vintage wearer.

Dimensions
The case measures a classic 36 millimeters in diameter, excluding the crown. This dimension provides an incredibly versatile and elegant presence on the wrist, sitting comfortably under a cuff while maintaining enough visual weight to stand out in a modern context.

Remarks
A pie-pan Omega Constellation is an essential cornerstone for any serious vintage watch collection. This reference 168.001 perfectly captures the golden era of Omega's design and mechanical mastery. The distinct patina on this example ensures that it is a completely unique piece, wearing its history proudly on its dial while still functioning as a reliable and elegant daily companion.

History
Launched in 1952, the Constellation was designed to be Omega's ultimate statement of precision, building upon the brand's record-breaking success at the Kew-Teddington and Geneva observatory chronometer trials. The line was distinguished by the observatory medallion on the caseback, symbolizing these achievements. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Constellation evolved through various dial designs and case shapes, but the pie-pan dial remains the most celebrated and archetypal variation. Driven by the legendary 500-series calibers, these watches set the standard for luxury automatic chronometers and remain some of the most respected vintage timepieces in the horological world today.

Payment and Shipping
Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase.
Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent).
Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age.
Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description.
If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you.
As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends.

/ Second Vintage

SKU: OME-ACC-0002