Why This Watch Matters Ah, the Omega Constellation – this one has just enough warm patina and all the right details. The Full Story Omega has one of the most diverse watch catalogs of any Swiss watch brand, and one of the collections the company has continuously produced for decades is the Constellation. Omega released the first Constellation in 1952, and it's still a cornerstone of the modern brand. Today's Constellation dates to circa 1954 and features a few characteristics that would go on to define the collection over time. The dial has the Constellation branding on it, of course, as well as an applied star logo. The caseback features a depiction of the Geneva Observatory with eight stars that represent the eight observatory chronometer competitions Omega won in the 20th century. As you might expect, this Constellation was a chronometer-rated watch – it says so right on the dial. The Constellation was Omega's answer to what a technically superior dress wristwatch could look like. On this platform, the brand really stretched its legs from a design perspective. From cross-hair dials to arrowhead styled applied markers, like the example we have here, Omega dug into the details with the Constellation, offering numerous variations of not only case metal but total dial design, all within the same product line. In this example, the large applied, arrow-head hour markers really sing. These are sought-after by collectors and give dimension to the overall look. The hands match in a gold tone that has developed enough patina to match the rest of the watch and are free of any lume. In fact, there's no luminous material on the dial or hands. We're all about these non-lume dials lately, which offer a nearly worry-free wearing experience; there's much less risk of damaging the watch with an errant bump. We were drawn to this example in particular due to the great patina on the two-tone dial and hands as well as the sharp case. We love the different finish on the edge of the dial versus the center coupled with the patina - it gives the watch a unique look. This is the one in your watch box that will always stand out. Even the most seasoned collectors can appreciate the sharp facets on these lugs while respecting the age that the dial and hands show so gracefully. We paired this Omega with our Bedford strap in olive green. The green brings a bit of everyday wear to the look while the finish of the Bedford offers a layer of texture to play off of the dial patina. The Fine Print Maker: OmegaModel: ConstellationReference: 2852-1SCYear: 1954Case No: N/AMovement No: 14655345Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 35mm diameter; 11.25mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: NoCaliber: Omega, self-winding, caliber 503Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Bedford Watch Strap In Olive GreenLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Unique patina - Gold Observatory medallion caseback- Two-tone "No lume" dial with cross hair Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Wear on dial This Constellation is in very good, honest condition. The case is strong and crisp with scratches throughout. The facets on all the edges of the case, especially on the lugs, are clearly visible. The caseback has some more noticeable scratches, most likely from it being opened. The Observatory caseback emblem and stars are clearly visible as are the surrounding engravings and have a bit of patina. The dial is in good condition and has developed patina throughout. The dial has also developed a fine spotting throughout. The edge of the dial shows some wear. Depending on the light the dial can be a darker or lighter gold/ champagne color. There is some concentrated patina on the dial between 12 and one o'clock near the edge. The hands and applied details on the dial are in good condition and have developed some patina that matches the dial surface well. The dial, case, movement, crown, and bracelet are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
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