Omega Constellation Automatic Ultra-Thin, late 1970s

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Why We Love It This beautiful 1970s Omega comes from the personal collection of our Founder. The Constellation was once Omega’s flagship model. A contemporary to the original Speedmaster, Seamaster SM300, Railmaster and DeVille lines, the Connie was a popular choice during its day and age, known for their award-winning precision movements. Over the years Omega produced many different Constellation models, with a wide variation in case shape and dial design. This particular model, a Reference 355.0814, dates to the late 1970s and is proof that Omega was clued in to the popular design language of the time. Featuring an eye-catching rectangular case with an integrated steel bracelet, this watch is truly a conversation starter. Looking closer, you'll notice factory bevels along the case edges and its lovely tapered bracelet, as well as a framing bezel with a high polish finish. Its clear that this Constellation drew its inspiration from the Gerald Genta masterpieces of the era. Looking closely at the dial, you'll be absorbed by its rich black glossiness, and when you play with it in the light you'll notice a crazed 'spidering' effect. This is an unusual occurrence for an Omega from this era and gives off a 'shattered window' texture that many collectors strongly desire. Our founder bought this rare model from the grandson of the original owner, who bought it new in India in 1978. Complete with papers, this funky piece is only marginally thicker than a first series Royal Oak, comes with an Observatory-certified automatic movement, integrated bracelet, outstanding dial, and a whole lot of bragging rights. Our Founder's only request? Give it a loving home! The Story The Constellation line was launched by Omega in 1952, after a limited production of a watch commemorating their centennial in 1948 that was aptly named the Century. While the Century was never intended for retail production, it received such wide acclaim for both its sumptuous case design and it's chronometer-level accuracy that Omega decided to launch a new line. Beginning with their self-winding movement, Omega built a watch that matched their ideal for what a modern (at the time) watch should be. Omega adorned the newly-minted Constellation line with a likeness of the Cupola of the Geneva Observatory. This observatory was one of several in Europe that put watches through a rigorous testing process with accuracy standards much more stringent than those of the Control Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, or COSC. These tests, lasting between 30 and 50 days, were broken down into eight categories of overall accuracy. Watches that passed the rigorous scrutiny were dubbed Observatory Chronometers and were awarded a special Bulletin de Marche from the Observatory that tested it. The cupola is a reminder of the watch's superior engineering, the eight stars a nod to Omega's acing of every category of the observatory accuracy tests in 1931. For a closer look at the history of the Constellation line, have a look at the Omega Museum Online, HERE .