Omega - Constellation - 168.010 - Men - 1966

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage

The Omega Constellation stands as one of the most significant pillars of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, representing the pinnacle of the brand's mass-produced chronometer achievements. This specific iteration, housed in the iconic C-shape case famously penned by legendary designer Gérald Genta, perfectly captures the architectural shift in watch design during the late 1960s. Combining robust stainless steel construction with a highly refined, officially certified chronometer movement, this Constellation offers collectors a quintessential piece of Omega’s golden era, balancing elegant dress watch proportions with enduring everyday wearability.

Brand: Omega
Model: Constellation
Reference Number: 168.010
Serial Number: 24849445
Movement: Caliber 564 Automatic Chronometer
Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, showing fine stardust patina and localized spotting near eleven o'clock
Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown)
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Production Year: 1966
Condition: Good vintage condition with honest dial aging and a sharp, well-preserved case. The movement have been recently serviced and performs strongly.


Dial and Hands
The watch features a classic silver dial finished with a delicate sunburst texture that catches the light beautifully. Furniture includes applied, faceted baton indices featuring black inserts, which harmonize perfectly with the applied Omega logo, lettering, and the signature Constellation star positioned above the six o'clock marker. A framed date aperture is neatly integrated at the three o'clock position. Careful inspection of the dial reveals authentic signs of its vintage nature. The surface displays a fine, overarching stardust patina, accompanied by a distinct, localized cluster of age-related spotting and discoloration situated along the outer edge between the ten and eleven o'clock positions. The original dauphine hands, also featuring black inserts, show light surface oxidation and age-consistent wear that matches the overall character of the dial.

Case and Crystal
The 35mm stainless steel C-shape case remains in highly attractive condition, showcasing the distinctive integrated lug profile that defines this Genta design. The case retains excellent geometry, with a clear and pleasing transition between the brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. Honest, light handling marks consistent with careful wear are present, but the case edges remain sharp and well-defined. The watch is fitted with its correct, Omega-signed fluted crown. Turning the watch over reveals a beautifully preserved screw-down caseback featuring the famed Geneva Observatory medallion. The eight stars and the observatory dome are crisp, retaining their intricate factory detailing without the heavy polishing often seen on these models. The dial is protected by a domed acrylic crystal, which features the microscopic Omega logo etched directly into its center.

Movement
Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Omega Caliber 564, an automatic chronometer-certified movement renowned for its durability and precision. The movement features 24 jewels, a swan-neck regulator, and is adjusted to five positions and temperature, reflecting its high-grade chronometer status. Visually, the caliber presents beautifully, retaining its vibrant signature copper-toned plating with crisp, legible engravings, including the serial number 24849445. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a variance of -10 to -11 seconds per day with strong amplitude. The movement have been recently serviced and performs strongly.


Strap
The watch is fitted with a period-correct black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile grain pattern. It is secured by a classic stainless steel pin buckle, providing a comfortable and elegant contrast to the silver dial and steel case.

Condition
This Constellation is presented in good vintage condition. The case is a particular highlight, remaining sharp, thick, and retaining its factory finishes and a remarkably crisp caseback medallion. The dial presents an honest vintage aesthetic, with the aforementioned localized spotting near the eleven o'clock position and an overall stardust patina that speaks to its undisturbed history. The movement is clean, well-preserved, and performing with exceptional mechanical health.

Dimensions
The stainless steel case measures a classic 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The C-shape design and integrated lug structure provide a substantial and highly comfortable footprint on the wrist.

Remarks
The reference 168.010 represents a brilliant intersection of Omega's technical prowess and Gérald Genta's visionary design language. The combination of the robust C-case, the visually striking silver dial, and the highly capable Caliber 564 makes this a highly wearable and historically significant piece for any serious vintage enthusiast.

History
Introduced in 1952, the Constellation line was created to showcase Omega's absolute mastery of chronometer-grade movements. The collection quickly became the brand's flagship dress watch, distinguished by the Observatory medallion on the caseback, which paid homage to Omega's numerous precision records set at the Kew-Teddington and Geneva observatory trials. By the mid-1960s, the introduction of the C-shape case modernized the Constellation, moving it away from the earlier pie-pan dials into a new era of sleek, geometric design that would influence watchmaking for decades to come.

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-OCC-0033