Over the past three years values for pie pan Omega Constellations and other
notable Omega vintage watches have increased by up to fifty percent,
particularly 18k gold models. On the
supply side of the equation, there is a sizeable world inventory of
Constellations from the nineteen sixties, particularly in the middle to bottom
ends in terms of condition, however the availability of top quality examples
that meet factory specifications fully is not so fluid and big premiums are
being paid for sharp examples with original case finish and dials.
Where is the demand coming from? Certainly not the U.S. and Europe where
demand for new luxury watches has fallen.
The clamour for both new and vintage Omegas is coming from the emergent
Asian economies, particularly China.
As brand awareness and support for new Omega product
increases, it follows that a knock-on effect will be felt in the vintage market,
and nowhere has Omega brand awareness increased more than it has in China. In a survey published in December, the
Digital Luxury group revealed that two models in the Omega stable, the
Constellation and the De Ville, had achieved a whopping thirty-three percent market
visibility in the luxury sector. (See pie chart below).
With that kind of market penetration it is little wonder
that good quality Omega vintage stock has risen significantly in value across the board.
As the Chinese middle class grows and becomes more sophisticated in its use of discretionary
income, we can expect a similar love affair with both new and vintage
timepieces as that seen in sophisticated economies such as Taiwan and Japan. So, if a top condition pie pan Constellation
or other iconic vintage Omega watch is your grail, don’t wait too long!