Omega Constellation Cal.561 14ct 1966

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 1940s 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 these 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 into 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

The Omega Constellation is an iconic timepiece, having remained in continuous production since 1952 and one which has always represented Omega’s most luxurious precision chronometer timepiece. When launched, and throughout the 1950s and ’60s, the Constellation was more prestigious and more expensive than the equivalent Rolex Oyster Perpetual and also contained a finer movement.

This watch is completely original, unrestored and untouched and as you can see, looks simply stunning. The watch also carries the Omega Calibre 561 Chronometer Automatic movement which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. The 14ct yellow gold case measures an oversized 36mm and is in wonderful condition.

The Dial

The untouched ‘tropical’ dial is simply beautiful. This is a classic Omega Constellation dial design which has become highly sought after in recent years and it isn’t difficult to see why. This dial has a very unique feel due to being completely original, unrestored and untouched. Furnished with gold ‘baton’ hour indices inlaid with black onyx, and the original unrestored ‘dauphine’ hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is classic 1960s Omega and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.

The dial carries the applied gold Omega brand and signature, with ‘Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified’ and ‘Constellation’ with ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.

Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however, we decided in this case, due to its exceptional condition, to retain its originality and charm for the many collectors who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored.

The Movement

The Omega Cal.561, 24 Jewel movement fitted to this watch was one of Omega’s most highly regarded and successful movements, remaining in production for almost 20 years.

The movement is in tip-top condition having been overhauled and serviced by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled to all its component parts, carefully inspected under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts before careful reassembly and adjustment and calibration. The watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably and at the time of testing, immediately following its service, results were within +3 seconds per day. This is truly outstanding for any watch of this age and has been confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. The movement also has an excellent 50-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are more than confident in offering 12 months’ warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ and carries the Calibre 561, along with the serial number 24,484,193 which dates this watch to 1966.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

A very high quality, Omega swiss made 14ct yellow gold, advanced three-piece watch case, designed for improved water and dust resistance. This is an oversized case for the period at 36mm, excluding the original Omega crown. This watch case has wonderful straight lugs and carries the Omega Constellation motif on the case-back. Importantly, this is of full thickness, showing it has not been over polished. The watch case is in tip-top condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected, signed with the Omega Watch Co. brand, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ and Geneva Swiss 14ct hallmarks. The case-back also carries the Omega model reference number 168004/14.

The three-piece watch case was designed to be waterproof when new and all the rubber seals have been replaced. However, it has not been pressure tested and its water resistance is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A genuine, Omega brown alligator strap has been fitted with a gold-plated Omega buckle. We feel this finishes this watch perfectly, however if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please do let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of straps if you wish here.

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.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.

In Conclusion

A rare and exceptional vintage 14ct gold Omega Constellation dress watch in incredible condition. The movement is of a very high grade and on a par with watches far more expensive than this. Indeed when new, this watch would have cost more than the equivalent Rolex. Omega watches are highly collectable and the rarity of this watch means the value will always remain strong.

If treated with care, this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece, to use, wear, treasure and enjoy. It will also provide excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment, as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage Omega watches grows, limited supply and high demand from around the world will mean prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly 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 UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.

Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also 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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas +44 207 727 7095.

Finally, please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.