Omega Constellation Pie-Pan Cal.561 18ct 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 its 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 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

Here we have the range topping Omega Constellation  from 1966, in 18ct solid yellow gold and with a simply stunning original, unrestored and untouched two-tone ‘Pie Pan’ dial. The oversized 37mm 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.

The Dial

The beautiful original, unrestored and untouched gilt, two-tone dial is finished with onyx inlaid ‘baton’ hour indices and matching original Dauphine hands. This is the ‘pie-pan’ dial which is the most sought after of dials among Omega collectors and is so called because it resembles the shape of an upturned pie pan.

This outstanding dial catches the light beautifully, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs. The centre part of the dial appears slightly lighter depending on how the dial catches the light. However, this reverses under certain angles to the light.

The dial is signed with an applied Omega brand and signature with ‘Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified’ below, along with ‘Constellation’ on the bottom half of the dial and finally, ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.

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.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself.  Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

This Omega Chronometer Grade Cal.561, 24 Jewel Automatic Movement was one of Omega’s first full rotor automatics, as opposed to the ‘Bumper’ automatic movement which had been the standard until this point. This movement is held in high regard by Omega aficionados.

The movement has been given a full overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. This involves completely dismantling the watch to all its component parts and then ultrasonic cleaning, inspection under high magnification and reassembly using only correct original Omega replacement parts where required. Our watchmaker’s work is amazing and following careful calibration and testing, this watch is now running within +9 seconds per day with a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. This is truly exceptional for a watch of this age. We are therefore more than happy to offer this watch with our 12 months’ warranty on the movement*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co Swiss’ and ‘Twenty Four Jewels’ with the Calibre number 561, along with the serial number 19654966 which dates this watch to manufacture in 1966.

*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 37mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This is the classic 1960s Omega Constellation case which is in incredible condition with all the lines and edges 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 almost no marks of any kind visible to the naked eye.

The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is well defined, indicating this watch has not been worn excessively or overpolished.  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.*

The case was made for Omega by Dennison in the UK who made watch cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers at this time. Dennison and Sons in Birmingham and Shackman and Sons in London, both produced top quality cases for almost all of the watch brands you see on this website. As this case was made by Dennison & Co it is of exceptional quality.

Inside the screw-down case-back, all the markings are correct and it is signed: ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’ along with ‘Made in England’ and ‘A.L.D’, with the case serial number 1685004 and 459265, along with 18ct hallmarks.

Although originally specified as water-resistant to 30 meters, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed.

*As ever, 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 straps and if you prefer another, let us know your choice and we will be only too happy to order and fit this to your watch.

Box and Papers

This watch comes complete with the original Omega guarentee booklet which dates the watch correctly 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 was comes complete with the original Omega Constellation presentation box.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

A truly beautiful top of the range, 1960s 18ct yellow gold Omega Constellation in excellent 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.

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.

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.