Omega Constellation 18ct 1966 Gold Dial!
£2,950
100% Genuine & All Original
Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed
Omega Constellation 18ct Tonneau Automatic
Heavy 35mm 18ct Gold Omega Swiss Made Case
Solid 18ct Gold Dial in Superb Original Unrestored Condition
Certified Chronometer 24 Jewels Cal.561 Movement in Sparkling Condition
Screw-Down Case-Back with Crisp, Hardly worn Constellation Motif
All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition
Vintage Omega Presentation Box Included
New High Quality Hirsch Grand Duke Leather Strap
VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee
VGWL 12 Months’ Warranty Included*
Free UK Next Day Delivery
Overseas FedEx £45
Omega Watches
Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 40s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 50s and 60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the years, everyone from John F Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
Description
In almost new condition, here we have the iconic top of the range Omega Constellation from 1966, in 18ct solid gold, with an 18ct solid gold dial. The decidedly substantial and heavy 35mm diameter Tonneau watch case is in immaculate condition and the watch has the Omega Constellation motif on the case-back, which is still crisp and in hardly worn condition, indicating this watch has led a remarkably sheltered life.
The Dial
This watch carries the much more exclusive and desirable 18ct solid gold dial which is original, unrestored and in tip-top condition. It carries the applied gold OMEGA brand and Constellation name, with ‘Automatic Officially Certified Chronometer’ at 12 o’clock and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’. Around the dial, the applied gold baton hour indices are inlaid with black onyx, as are the original gold hour, minute and sweep seconds hands which are in excellent condition. Please take a close look at the photos of this fabulous dial. Note – any imperfections you may see are caused by the camera or lighting.
The lens is clear and unscratched having been replaced by ourselves as part of the restoration. We have, of course, replaced this with an original Omega replacement part which carries the tiny Omega symbol in the centre of the lens, which you may just make out in one or two of the photographs.
The Case
This heavy 18ct solid gold case measures 35mm in diameter excluding the Omega signed crown. This Omega ‘Tonneau’ case is solid, strong and robust and measures 42mm top to bottom, giving it a good deal of ‘presence’ on the wrist, making it seem much more like a 36mm or 37mm watch.
Inside the screw-down case back, we find all the markings are correct and as expected with The Omega Watch Co. triangle and ‘Swiss Made’, along with 18K-0.750 Geneva hallmarks. The case-back carries the Omega model reference numbers 168009 and 168017. The rear of one of the lugs also bears a Swiss 18ct hallmark.
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 usually worn to a greater or lesser extent, but here it is still crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has hardly been worn. The screw-down case-back and sealed crown makes this watch water resistant to 30 metres*.
*Although originally specified as Water Resistant to 30 metres, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. Please note, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Movement
This is the very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 561 automatic, copper-toned, 24 jewels movement. As can be seen, it is in truly sparkling condition. The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced in May 2018 by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means fully dismantling the watch and movement, ultrasonic cleaning of all parts, careful inspection of critical parts under high magnification and replacement where required with genuine Omega parts. Then careful reassembly and oiling, using the correct lubricants to manufacturer’s specification before final testing and calibration. This watch is now running perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +6 seconds per day! This timing has been confirmed on our electronic timegrapher and is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. We therefore have no hesitation in offering this watch with our 12 months’ warranty*.
The movement is signed Omega Watch Co Swiss, Twenty Four Jewels, and Cal. 561 Adjusted 5 Positions with the serial number 21,307,747 which dates the watch to 1966. These watches are well known for their exceedingly accurate and reliable movements making this watch perfect for either everyday use or just evening wear only – as you wish.
*Please note – Our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is complimented with a very high quality Brown Hirsch Grand Duke Leather strap and gold plated Omega buckle, which we feel really suits this watch. However, if you have a preference for another colour or style, please let us know and we will do our best to supply and fit your preferred strap for no extra charge. (If a new Omega strap is preferred, this can be fitted for an extra £90.00) We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but we can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1966. Our detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months’ Warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided at the time of sale, along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If at any time, this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
The matching vintage Omega presentation box shown in the photographs is included in the sale.
In Conclusion
This is a simply stunning example of an 18ct Omega Constellation in wonderful condition. If you are looking for a classic 1960s Omega Constellation with one of Omega’s very best automatic movements, in top condition and WITH A SOLID GOLD DIAL, this watch ticks all the boxes. The movement is of a very high grade and an 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 wear, treasure and enjoy! Even though vintage gold Omega watch prices continue to climb, we still feel sure that top class examples are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Omega watches continues to grow, the finite supply means prices will inevitably climb ever higher. We promise you will be so pleased you bought this watch!
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please note we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch. All at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions, please call our landline 020 7727 7095 or mobile 07515 949 250 or if calling from overseas our landline number is +44 207 727 7095 or mobile +44 7515 949 250.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine Vintage Gold Watches!
Thank you.