Omega Constellation ‘Pie Pan’ 18ct 1962 on Original 18ct Bracelet

Omega

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 1950s 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.

The Omega Constellation has remained Omega’s flagship Chronometer grade automatic dress watch since 1952. It was a development of the highly successful Omega Centenary Chronometer Automatics, 2499 and 2500, launched just a few years previously to coincide with the celebration of Omega’s first 100 years of high-end watch manufacture.

Description

Here we have the range topping Omega Constellation from 1962, in 18ct solid gold with a simply stunning original, unrestored solid gold ‘Pie Pan’ dial. The good-sized 34mm diameter watch case is in superb all-round condition and as with all Omega Constellations, the watch carries the ‘Constellation’ motif on the case-back. This is crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has been lightly used and well cared for.

Vintage Constellations on their original integral 18ct Omega bracelets are almost never seen these days because this was a very expensive option when new. To find one on a Pie Pan, particularly in this condition, is incredibly rare.

The Dial

The ‘Pie Pan’, is so called because it resembles the shape of an upturned pie pan. These are the most sought after dial types among Omega collectors. However, this is also a rare, solid gold, original unrestored dial, which is in tip-top condition.

The dial has a slight vertical grain effect which catches the light beautifully. Applied onyx inlaid gold baton hour indices are paired with original restored Dauphine hands. The dial is signed with an applied pink gold Omega sign and signature, along with ‘Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified’ and ‘Constellation’ with a pink gold star.

A new correct replacement Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the minute Omega symbol in the very centre of the dial.

Movement

The original very high grade, ‘Officially Certified Chronometer’, Omega Calibre 561 automatic, copper-plated beryllium-bronze, 24 jewel movement, is as can be seen, in superb condition.

Omega movement design and manufacture really reached a peak in the 1960s, helping to make Omega the most successful and highly regarded brand among the general buying public. At the time, this top of the range Omega sold at a premium over the equivalent top of the range Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date.

The movement has been fully overhauled and serviced, meaning complete disassembly to all its component parts, careful inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Omega parts, then careful reassembly and adjustment before final calibration. This watch winds, sets and runs perfectly accurately and reliably within +6 seconds per day, averaged over 5 positions. This is no exaggeration, we have checked and confirmed these test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. Please bear in mind, this level of performance is outstanding for any watch, particularly of this age. The movement also has a 46-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore highly confident in offering a 12 month warranty with this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ and ‘Cal.561 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the serial number 19891887, which dates the manufacture of this watch to 1962. These movements are highly respected for being robust, exceedingly accurate and highly reliable, making this watch perfect for everyday use or evening wear only – as you wish. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day, this watch will never need winding and seldom need resetting. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly, just as it should.

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

Watch Case

The sturdy three-piece ribbed, 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. The case was made for Omega by Dennison in the U.K. who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Both Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London produced top-quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website.

Inside the screw-down case-back, we find the markings are all correct and as expected with The Omega Watch Co. triangle and ‘Made In England’ plus the A.L.D Dennison manufacturers stamp. Birmingham U.K. 18ct hallmarks date the watch case to 1962. The case-back carries the Omega model reference numbers 1685415 and 276553.

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 make this watch water resistant to 20 metres*.

*Although originally specified as Water Resistant to 20 metres, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Bracelet

The original, integral, heavy woven link Omega 18ct bracelet is in close to as new condition and is of original full length at 18cm to 19.5cm. This is adjusted using the three-step Omega ladder locking catch. The bracelet has simply been cleaned and lightly polished to bring it back to the condition you see here. This watch and bracelet will fit an average to a slightly larger sized wrist, however, it can also be tailored by ourselves, free of charge, following the purchase of the watch.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1962. Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If 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”.

A vintage Omega presentation box, as shown in the photographs, is included in the sale of this watch.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1960s 18ct Omega Constellation with its original bracelet in wonderful condition. If you are looking for a great example of a top marque Omega with one of Omega’s best ever automatic movements, this watch ticks all the boxes. The movement is of a very high grade and is 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 use, wear, treasure and enjoy! Even though vintage gold Omega watch prices continue to climb, we still feel sure that top class examples such as this are underpriced. This is because as time passes and the world market for vintage gold Omega watches continues to grow, limited supply means 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. 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 note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a 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 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.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.