![]() ![]() That adaptability is among the defining features of the Constellation, right up to the early ‘80s, and the introduction of the Constellation Manhattan, that is. Image: The KeystoneĪs the quartz era came, so too did square cased, battery powered Constellations, eager to be on the forefront of the brand’s technological prowess. The C-Case references were obviously emblematic of their time and showed off a remarkable dexterity of the Constellation ethos. Word has it that Gerald Genta, who worked with Omega under contract from the mid ‘50s, contributed to this design as well. The Constellation received its first major redesign in the mid ‘60s with the so-called C-Case, bringing an era specific design that integrated the lugs more directly into the shape of the case. Let’s pause for a moment to acknowledge that Omega does indeed honor this very aesthetic within the Globemaster side of the Constellation family, complete with the pie pan dial, star at 6 o’clock, and observatory medallion on the caseback. These are the Constellations that many of us think of when we hear the word, but this is a watch that has never really stood still. These watches had character that holds up today as original and approachable, and thankfully prices haven’t become obscene on nice examples. These dials feature a raised central stage that falls off at angles created by connecting the hour markers. Ah yes, the pie pan dial, a detail that likely pulled many of us into the world of vintage watch collecting. The Constellation saw a number of variants and upgrades through the years, from sniper dials to precious metal cases, and of course, that pie pan dial. It was a great looking watch and, unsurprisingly, the Constellation that followed was pretty good looking as well. That watch was called the Centenary, and it provided the foundation for what would become the Constellation proper in 1952, both mechanically (with the 331 ‘bumper’ movement) and aesthetically (‘Lyre’ lugs and dauphine hands). The seeds of the Constellation were planted with a watch built to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary, which happened in 1948.
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