Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. Comes with a period vintage Omega box but no papers.

Launched in 1969 and dated to the same year, this Omega Constellation chronometer date was a ground breaking design and a departure from the regular round cases. The Ref.166.056 is the code for this design in steel while Ref.168.042 is for the same in 18ct gold and both numbers were engraved onto the back cover. The massive solid gold case ensures that this watch weighs a rather nice 61grams that's worth S$5063 (S$83/gm) just on it's weight alone and the original period design featured an innovative strap that measures up to 26mm which overlaps the lugs to meet the case band and cut to fit within the lugs. This strap is not available anymore but can be custom made today and would taper from 26 to 16 or 18mm at the buckle. This was the end of the decade and entering the 1970s when stylists experimented with large case designs that reflected the new space age.

This watch is fresh to the market from a large collection and presents in very good condition with factory finishing and never polished. It has very light surface wear and the profile remains sharp and crisp to the touch except for a scratch across the upper lug @ 2 o'clock. We discovered numerous marks on the case band between the lugs that were likely caused by an after-market bracelet (missing) that scratched it but these marks are not visible when a strap is fitted to the watch and is inconsequential.

The original hexalite crystal is in mint condition and has the mystery Omega logo. The dial has the OM double marks at bottom of the dial which signifies "Or Massif" (French) or solid gold manufacture for the dial and hands remain in near mint condition despite the watch coming to 55yrs old.

Upon unlocking the back cover, you'll be greeted by the gleaming pink gold chronometer grade movement that shines. This movement has a hack seconds and quick-set date features and was superior to Rolex by almost a decade.

A rare piece to come by in precious alloy and in this minty condition. This Constellation can still be worn as a daily watch as long as you keep it away from moisture and she'll serve faithfully for many decades to come.

Fun fact, a present day equivalent Constellation in gold costs a princely S$36600.00

1969 was the year that Richard Nixon was sworn in as the 37th president of USA and Yasser Arafat was elected as the leader of PLO. This was a very busy year in the air as the Boeing 747 and Concorde took their first flights and the NASA Apollo program culminated with the first landing on the moon by 20 July, Omega was there and this watch was made.