Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Omega Constellation Burgundy Ceramic and 18k Gold Case, 1970s
- Maker / attribution
- Omega (maker)
- Date
- 1970s
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- gold
- Stock no.
- W-2271
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2271)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Omega Constellation Burgundy Ceramic and 18k Gold Case (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2271), this is a wristwatch by Omega, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Bulang & Sons
The Constellation has always been an important line for Omega, showcasing its most elegant watches housing the brand’s finest movements. Today we have the funkiest and coolest one ever in 18k yellow gold and ceramic! This cool Omega dress watch measures 34 x36 mm across and is in square form ceramic. The case is in amazing condition and still has the lacquer on the case back. The watch has a faceted sapphire crystal. The watch has the original signature Constellation case back with an observatory and eight stars. The watch has a simple champagne dial and sigma markings. The watch is fitted with the original burgundy strap that matches the burgundy ceramic with gold-plated Omega buckle. The movement is the Ultra flat cal 712 automatic movement. This watch is in untouched condition and we have decided to not service this time capsule. Coming with this one is also its original Omega box.The watch is running , but for everyday wear a service might be recommended! We are happy to assist with this if the buyer would prefer the watch to be serviced. This is so cool & and we dare You to find another one ! Please reach out to discuss this watch more – we’re here to help you guys! Specifications: - Omega Constellation ref 157.0003 - 36x34 mm ceramic case with gold caseback - Champagne dial - Red cabochon crown - Cal 712 automatic chronometer movement - Serial mvmt 239xxxxx dating to the 1970s - Original Omega gold plated buckle on Omega strap - Original Omega box - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Related records
Instruments · 1950–1976
Omega Megaquartz 2400 marine chronometer, 1950–1976
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch / timer by Omega, 1960–1979
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch / timer by Omega, Switzerland, 1960–1979
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1960–1979
Stopwatch by Omega, Swiss made, single-button type reading 0 - 60 seconds in fifths and 0 - 5 minutes in minutes on subsidiary dial, 1960-79.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva