Rising Demand for Vintage Omega Constellations


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!  

The First Omega Constellation



It is well known that the Constellation line was developed in response to the enthusiastic take-up of the limited edition Omega Centenary 2499 and 2500 models.  Featuring high-grade chronometer movements and elegant case and dial ensembles, the Centenary models heralded a new high point in precision watchmaking.

The first Omega Constellation to be assembled was the above calibre 352 RG model in case 2648 (click on pictures for larger view).  The case, with plumped middle, lyre-shaped lugs and chamfered bezel, was identical in design to the Centenary models, the exception being the introduction of an observatory medallion on the outer case back. 

The very first examples of the Omega Constellation 2648 to come off the production line in 1952 are believed to have been 18 karat gold cased models with slightly grained silvered dials, upon which a ‘cartouche’ appeared with a printed Omega logo. This dial design was also used in some Seamaster 2520 chronometer models. However the life span of the dial design was very short in both lines, and was soon replaced with domed ivory and guilloche dials. 

Thus the above 18 karat Omega Constellation, with sharp case and dial in good condition for its age, can claim at least four firsts: first model number, first movement series (352 RG), first dial design and one of the first  examples to come off the initial production run in 1952.  A handful of firsts that make this example one of the rarest Constellations in existence.