Product Information
Product code: W1112cc Categories: Sold Items, Sold Omega Watches.Here is a great looking and very stylish 1968 Automatic Omega Constellation Date reference 168.017 that will look so good on the wrist no matter where or when it is worn.
With a brilliant classic retro look to it, the gold capped case is fitted in what is called the Constellation III or Constellation “C” case, as it was both the third design for the Omega Constellation watch, as well as its shape from end to end resembles the letter “C” by being rounded all the way to the lugs. Measuring 40mm in length by 35mm across plus the Omega crown, the watch sits so comfortably on the wrist, and with the dial so clean it is also very easy to read.
Fitted with the centre sweep second hand and date window, inside is the superb chronometer rated 24 jewelled Omega calibre 564 that has been been completely serviced and comes with our twelve month warranty.
The Omega Constellation is the highest quality of watch produced by Omega, and this one is just superb.
Stock# W1112cc
Maker: Omega
Model: Omega Constellation reference 168.017
Circa: 1968
$Sold.
Description
1968 Automatic Omega Constellation Date reference 168.017
This 1968 Automatic Omega Constellation Date reference 168.017 is also known as the Omega Constellation III or Omega Constellation C. This is because it was the third series of Omega Constellation cases to be produced, and is so-called thanks to its “C” shaped side. This Omega Constellation has the 24 jewelled automatic Omega calibre 564 movement.
A brief history on the Omega Constellation:
In astronomy, the term constellation refers to a group of stars whose movement through the celestial vault is consistent and predictable. What better name could there be for a line of watches whose name became synonymous with the world’s chronometers?
The name Constellation has been closely linked with the art of creating luxurious precision watches at the highest level. Since 1952, when Omega launched the Constellation range, it has always been defined by the combination elegantly refined cases and dials with ultra-precise movements.
The symbol of this line was to be the Cupola of the Geneva Observatory, where Omega had just reset its own record for precision in 1951. Surrounded by eight stars representing its greatest chronometer achievements at the world’s observatories. This included the 1931 “clean sweep” at the Observatory of Geneva where Omega broke the record for precision in every category.
The progenitor of the Constellation line is without doubt the appropriately named “Century”. A limited edition self-winding chronometer wristwatch launched in 1948 to celebrate the firm’s 100th anniversary. This watch, not intended for series production, was greeted with such enthusiasm that the decision was taken to create a watch with all the same qualities on an industrial scale.
The line would soon develop into a series of watches which were finished to different degrees. The Omega Constellation available in steel or gold, the Omega Constellation Deluxe only available in gold and finally the Omega Constellation Grand Luxe. This was available in gold and platinum with corresponding dial and the so-called “Brick link” bracelet. The Grand Luxe model was delivered in a solid silver presentation box.
In 1958 the Omega Constellation line was further expanded with the Constellation Calendar. It was available in the three different levels of finish from standard to Grand Luxe. At the same time the Constellation was advertised as being “For the man who already has a watch”. This was an allusion to the fact that a Constellation was so much more.
The form of the Constellation remained little changed until 1964 when the so-called “C-case” watches were introduced. The name was a reference to the form of the case, which resembled two interlocked Cs. The change would also be incorporated in the first ladies’ Constellation, launched in 1967.
This period would see much diversification in the form of the Constellation line including square watches and many pavé diamond models. Probably the most significant would be the “Integral” line launched in 1969 based on a 1965 patent. This hand-finished bracelet and case were integrated, forming a consistent and flowing design from one element to the other. This form of integration would soon be adopted by many other brands and has become one of the main features of the luxury sports watch.
The 1970s saw the introduction of quartz technology to the wristwatch and this also applied to the Constellation line. Some of the most accurate watches ever produced in series were developed for the Constellation line. These included the famous Marine Chronometer which is still the most accurate autonomous wristwatch. This is the only watch to be certified as a marine chronometer. However it wasn’t a Constellation Marine chronometer that stunned the watchmaking world with a 0 error rating. It was a calibre 1021 self-winding movement destined for a Constellation that held the distinction of achieving absolute perfection when it received its certificate marked “Especially good results”. It showed a variation of 0.00 after 15 days of testing in five positions and at varying temperatures.
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