Pre-Owned Omega by Analog Shift Constellation 40960064/AS05179

Why We Love It

The Constellation was once Omega’s flagship model.

A contemporary to the original Speedmaster, Seamaster SM300, Railmaster and DeVille lines, the Connie was a popular choice during its day and age, known for their award-winning precision movements and high-concept design execution. Over the years Omega produced many different Constellation models, with a wide variation in case shape and dial design. 

This particular example, a Reference 368.0852, dates to circa 1974 and uses a very period case design that clearly drew its inspiration from Gerald Genta's masterpieces with its integrated bracelet and dual personality - bridging the gap between a pure dress watch and a luxury sports model.

Looking closer, you'll notice a brushed-silver dial with a framed date window and applied baton indices, a matching pencil handset, and a signed blade clasp. This Constellation is powered by the Calibre 1011 automatic-winding movement with chronometer certification -  of course sporting the observatory engraved caseback. 

This lovely Connie offers Omega pedigree and performance in a package that has neo-classical styling that is coming back in a big way.

What more can you ask for?

The Omega Story 

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today. 

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn. 

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.