Omega chronometre movements of the 1950s and 60s are regarded as some of the best production movements ever made. They add significantly to the collectibility of Constellation watches.
While existing publications repeat the mantra that Constellation movements of the 50s and 60s were the 'Best Of the Best Of' production movements, there is scant detail on why they achieved such stature. So, in a series of four articles I will investigate the iconolatory of these famous calibres and review the 300, 500, 700 and 1000 series Constellation movements with a view to adding some breadth and, hopefully, a little substance, to our understanding of why Constellations of that era are so highly thought-of and valued.
PART FOUR: The final article on in-house movements - the 1000 family
PART THREE: A large article on the mid-500 series.
PART TWO: An updated version on the evolution of the early 500 Constellation calibres
PART ONE: The launch and history of the 300 series calibres.
Wow, fantastic work, thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am new to collecting watches and picked up your link from Wikipedia. Imagine my surprise, not only at the outstanding information but that it was posted from someone from my own home city!! This has been an invaluable learning tool for me. I am now on the hunt for my first "connie" purchase and wondering if you are able to provide any leads for a "safe" first purchase as I think ebay could be high risk.
ReplyDeleteThanks again
Hi Bluesky2
ReplyDeleteYou can email me directly by clicking on the 'about me' link on this blog which will give you the email address.
eBay is high risk, but if both the buyer and the watch are researched the risk can be minimised and you can get a good buy. Bricks and mortar establishments are usually more expensive and there are reasonable deals to be had through internet watch sites.
Your first step is to decide which style of Connie you want to purchase and come to some conclusions on the calibre of the movement.
Email me and I'll assist yoou through the process.
regards
desmond
Loved this series of articles - amazingly researched and very informative!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the evolution of the ladies movements of the period (something that many collectors seem to ignore!).
Do you know if there is any info online about these smaller movements?
Cheers,
Alex.
Hi Alex,
ReplyDeleteNot much about the ladies movement I'm afraid - the best ones went into some of the ladies Connies, that I know.
Omega bought our the Rayville factory in the early 60s mainly for its knowledge of miniatured women's calibres . Then the famous 660, 670 and 680 (661, 670, 671 and 681) series was produced in Ladymatics. Earlier than that they produced the workhorse 455 ladies calibre. and well as the excellent handwinds 620, 625 and the 630 series.
These ladies movement were technical marvels, particularly the automatics and Ive yet to come across a history and horological assessment of them.
Maybe this is custom-made for you? :) Someone has to do it :) You'd always have a berth on this blog is yoou cared to research and write on them.
Suffice to say this area has been totally neglected because its mainly men who collect watches and hence the focus has always been on the male calibres
Regards
Desmond