Omega Constellation Cal.561 18ct 1966 – Museum Quality

£4,450

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Inspected, Serviced & Guaranteed

New Old Stock – Museum Quality Example

Omega Model Ref. 168005/6 in 18ct Yellow Gold

Omega Swiss Made Case, 34.5mm Diameter, Excluding the Omega Crown

Mint Example, Solid 18ct Gold Dial with Onyx Inlaid Batons & ‘Dauphine’ Hands

Certified Chronometer 24 Jewels, Cal.561 Movement in Sparkling Condition

Watertight Screw-Down Case Back with Crisp, Unworn Constellation Motif

High Quality Black Alligator Strap and Gold Plated Omega Buckle

All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition

Vintage Omega Presentation Box Included, as Shown

VGWL 12 Months’ Written Warranty Included*

VGWL Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee

Free Worldwide FedEx Delivery

Free UK Special Delivery

Sold 4th July '20
VGW Reference: OM996
Price £4,450

£4,450

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Highly Recommend
The service from Vintage Gold Watches was as per usual Fantastic, the watch arrived when expected and was extremely well packaged as usual. The watch was even nicer than the photos and went straight onto my wrist. Another fantastic acquisition for my growing collection. VGW is the first and so f
Andrew S via Feefo 29/1/2024
Verified Buyer
I have no hesitation in recommending.
From start to finish the service I have received has been excellent. Kirsty has kept me informed all the way and the level of the finished repair to a very old and worn vintage watch was exemplary.
Bryn H via Google Review 23/2/2024
Verified Buyer
Even better in real life
My watch has just arrived and it looks even better in real life! Just wanted to say a massive thank you to John and everyone there for the help you gave me in securing my dream watch. Cannot recommend your company highly enough. Thank you so much. Mike
Mike G via email 29/11/2023
Verified Buyer
New Vacheron
The watch arrived safely together with all its paperwork and looks lovely both on and off the wrist. It is very beautiful and understated. So a definite “yes” from all of us. Happy Christmas to you all Very best wishes Stephen
Stephen R via Email 6/12/2023
Verified Buyer
ABOUT THIS WATCH

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.

Description

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.

The Omega model reference 168005 example seen here is in museum quality condition. It has seen little or no use. The case, dial and movement are all in very close to the original condition in which it left the Omega factory in 1966. It is simply the best, original condition, 1960s Omega Constellation, we have ever seen.

The Dial

The dial was made in solid 18ct gold dial and is hallmarked on the inside. It is original, unrestored and untouched and it is in almost perfect condition. This is the classic Omega Constellation dress watch dial of the 1960s. Onyx inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices are matched with onyx inlaid ‘Dauphine’ hands. The style is perfect for both evening wear or everyday use, as you so wish.

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

The lens is the correct original Omega part, which as can be seen has the tiny Omega symbol included in the very centre of the lens. It is clear and scratch-free.

Please take a close look at this fabulous original and unrestored dial. The condition is the best we have ever seen on a 1960s Constellation.

The Movement

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

Omega movement design and manufacture really reached a peak in the 1960s. This helped to make Omega the most successful and most highly regarded popular brand among the general buying public. At the time, for example, this top of range Omega sold at a premium over the equivalent Rolex Oyster Perpetual. As can be seen, the spectacular beryllium bronze movement looks superb and is in perfect condition.

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 +2 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 48-hour power reserve when fully wound. We are therefore highly confident in offering 12- months warranty on this watch movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’, ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ and ‘Cal.561 Adjusted 5 Positions’ with the Serial No. 24,447,303 which dates the manufacture of this watch movement to 1966.

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.

The Watch Case

The heavy three-piece 18ct yellow gold watch case measures 34.5mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1960s Omega Constellation case which is in immaculate condition.  All the lines and edges are as crisp as the day it was manufactured. The case has been gently cleaned and carefully inspected, which was all that was required to bring it to its pristine condition. There are absolutely no 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 remains absolutely crisp and distinct, indicating this watch has seldom been worn, if at all. The screw-down case-back and sealed crown make this watch water resistant to 30 meters*.  These watch cases are very sturdy, watertight and robust making this watch perfect for everyday use should you so wish.*

Inside the screw-down case-back, all the markings are correct and as expected for an Omega Swiss made case, signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’ and ‘Swiss Made’ with Swiss Geneva 18ct hallmarks.  The case-back also carries the Omega model reference number 168005/6.

*Although originally specified as water resistant to 30 meters, 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 Strap and Buckle

The watch is finished with a high quality black Alligator strap and matching gold plated Omega buckle which we feel suits the watch beautifully. 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. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their wonderful range of 18mm straps and if you prefer, let us know your choice and we will order and fit this to your 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 1966.

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 in perfect museum-quality condition. If you are seeking the perfect example of a Constellation 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 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 first 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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you.

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