Omega - Constellation Megaquartz - 196.0014 - Men - 1972

Vintage Omega Constellation Electroquartz f8192 Hz – Ref. 196.0014 – Cal. 1301 Beta 21 – Circa 1972

An important and highly collectible early quartz wristwatch from Omega, produced at the beginning of the 1970s. This model is correctly known as the Omega Constellation Electroquartz f8192 Hz, not Megaquartz. Reference 196.0014 is powered by the historic Omega calibre 1301, based on the Swiss CEH Beta 21 quartz movement. It was among the earliest commercially available analogue quartz wristwatches and represented exceptionally advanced technology at the time.
The watch is dated to approximately 1972. Its substantial stainless-steel case, integrated bracelet and fluted bezel are characteristic of Omega’s bold early-1970s design. The silver sunburst dial is original and remains in very good condition, with applied steel baton markers featuring dark onyx inserts, matching hands, central seconds and two distinctive red date displays positioned at 12 and 6 o’clock.

The movement is the correct Omega calibre 1301, CEH-B21, operating at a quartz frequency of 8192 Hz. The Beta 21 platform was developed by the Centre Electronique Horloger in Switzerland and was used by a small number of leading Swiss manufacturers during the first generation of quartz watch production.

The watch is in very good technical condition, fitted with a new battery and currently running correctly. The date mechanism operates properly. The mineral crystal, crown, case and bracelet are all appropriate for the model.

The stainless-steel case is well preserved, retaining its attractive combination of brushed surfaces and polished details. There are only normal, light signs of use consistent with the age of the watch. The Constellation medallion on the case back remains clearly defined.

It is fitted with its original, signed Omega stainless-steel bracelet and folding clasp, reference 1210/202, visible inside the clasp. The bracelet remains in very good condition and is adjustable. Its total length, including the watch, is approximately 20 cm.

Specifications
Brand: Omega
Collection: Constellation
Model: Electroquartz f8192 Hz
Reference: 196.0014
Approximate year: 1972
Movement: Omega calibre 1301, CEH-B21
Movement type: early analogue quartz
Frequency: 8192 Hz
Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds and date
Case material: stainless steel
Crystal: mineral glass
Dial: original silver sunburst dial
Bracelet: original Omega stainless-steel bracelet
Clasp reference: 1210/202
Bracelet length with watch: approximately 20 cm

Dimensions
Width without crown: 39 mm
Width with crown: 39 mm
Length: 44 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
A rare and historically important Omega combining the Constellation name with first-generation Swiss quartz technology. It is an excellent proposition for collectors of early electronic watches, unusual Omega references and distinctive 1970s designs.


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