We all know Omega for its sports drive. Still, the company has shown how masterful it is in creating stunning formal watches. I shall be honest here and admit that lately my focus has been predominantly addressed to collections like Aqua Terra and Planet Ocean. That’s because you guys email me frequently to keep you updated with news related to their imitations. Though, my heart belongs to the Constellation lineup, to be honest. Probably, it’s because I resonate with formal watches better by my nature.
Either way, this article is meant to explain why Constellation plays a specific role to me. So, honestly speaking, this post is more about my personal preferences rather than customers’ interest. Still, I hope I can open up an unknown side of the Constellation for you; the one you didn’t know. And maybe, after the reading is over, you could look at this collection through the prism of a higher appreciation if you didn’t do it before.
To get started, let me remind you that it all began in 1948 when the brand introduced its phenomenal Centenary timepiece. Yes, that was when the concept of the Constellation first appeared. With the stunning success of the Centenary model, the company decided to continue the same concept in a newer version with an even more expressive appeal. That’s how the Constellation collection appeared.
Historical retrospective
Sorry for looking so backward, but I can’t help considering the historical background of each watch. I just adore watches with history. Looking back at the history, I even disregard a watch’s physical or technical shortcomings, as its history is always more relevant to me.
Thus, when World War II ended, the company materialized the first concept of the Constellation watch. Actually, the line’s name is not incidental; it refers to the Constellation jet that somewhat helped the allied forces succeed during the war.
The first versions of the line were available in three material options: stainless steel, yellow, and rose gold, respectively. Apart from the material, watch enthusiasts could also choose between different finish grades. Therefore, three finish grades were available: Standard, Deluxe, and Grand Luxe options.
In the interior, all Constellation 1952 timepieces ran on an identical caliber. It was the Omega Caliber 35X bumper movement. Within a couple of years, the company removed the movement, replacing it with a full rotor Caliber 50X which has been constantly improved in further iterations.
All watches had the same exterior design, except for minor differences. The company preserved the basic aesthetics of the line for almost 2 decades, with slight shape changes in 1960. Therefore, the first rectangular option appeared in the collection, delighting the customers with the 2-versions straps (leather band or integrated bracelet).
It was in 1970…
…when the line came with major and modernized changes. Its “dress” look showcased an even higher level of formality and elegance. Though, it always preserved fragments from the initial concept that made it so famous. Among the first “beauties” from the new lineup was the Constellation Megaquartz f2.4 MHz. All iterated models were running on the 1500 calibre series, including 1510 and 1511-1516 versions.
The public saw a ”back to the roots” version in 1982. The new lineup re-introduced the round case and upgraded calibers to 1111 versions. What’s strange for me is that the ladies’ line of the Constellation appeared only in 2009. I’m not sure what took the company so long, considering the spectacular success of the men’s collection. Either way, the ladies’ line appeared in the sequence of other collection releases, as previously in 2003, Omega released the Double Eagle, and later in 2015, it introduced the Globemaster.
Currently…
The company offers about 25 models to choose from in the Constellation collection. And what a stroke of luck for those who resonate with this line, because all 25 models are simply stunning. And I’m not referring to the men’s line only. The ladies’ line is similarly attractive through its distinctive ”claws” and Roman numerals. Not to mention the specific star on the dials and the hand-engraved image on the caseback displaying the Geneva observatory. This engraving is actually characteristic of all modern Constellation timepieces.
So, what do I like the most in the history of this collection? I embrace the fact that during an after-war period, the brand found enough creativity and inspiration to keep materializing concepts, against all odds. The company’s movement upgrades during the Constellation history are worth all the appreciation. Not to mention the spectacular design changes that made the collection one of the most remarkable in the whole brand’s portfolio.
“Ambassadors” of the Constellation collection
We all know how fabulously James Bond starred with his 007 Omega watch in the popular blockbuster. Though, few know that the Constellation watch was similarly promoted by notorious celebrities. The truth is that the promotion was more “incidental” rather than deliberate, as it is used in the marketing industry. Either way, the Constellation watch was the timepiece of choice of the rock and roll king, Elvis Presley. The model he opted for was a caliber 504 Constellation stainless steel chronometer.
Another beloved artist wearing a Constellation timepiece was the Beatles member, Ringo Starr. In his case, the “main character” was a gold Constellation Manhattan that he was repeatedly wearing while performing.
Switching to the political field…
…you would never guess what leader was also a fan of the Constellation. At least, I remained speechless as I never thought Russian leaders would be ambassadors of Omega. Either way, it’s about the Soviet president who has been frequently seen with his Manhattan on his wrist. The person is no one else than Mikhail Gorbachev.
In the same context, the ladies’ line is similarly adored by celebrities. The iconic model and actress Cindy Crawford was a loyal fan of Constellation Manhattan. She shared the same appreciation for the collection as Nicole Kidman did. Still, Kidman was more in love with the Quadrella model.
How much are the Constellation watches currently?
In fact, the price range depends on multiple factors, including the materials, technical profile, complications, etc… Therefore, it is possible to acquire a Constellation for 2,700$ to 65,000$. You wouldn’t expect them to be cheap, would you?
Either way, I believe that even the highest price is totally justified, considering the design expressiveness and the technical architecture of the Constellation watches.
Apart from the prices for the new genuine models, it’s ugly likely for you to find these watches on platforms for pre-owned watches. As a general rule, these don’t lose value over time and their average price is around some thousand. It’s hard to give an exact number for the pre-owned prices, as there are plenty of factors influencing the final value. For example, the model, or better said, the rarity of the model has a lot to do with the price determination. The rarer the model, the higher the price, respectively. In the same context, it matters a lot if the watch features diamonds and precious metals or not. Last, but not least, the overall aesthetic condition f a Constellation watch has also a lot to do with the price establishment.
As a final solution…
…for those who are eager to own a Constellation but are not ready yet to pay the aforementioned thousands, Constellation imitations are a great way to save the issue. In such a context, the AAAReplica store offers all Constellation models at pretty decent prices. More than that, our replica manufacturers have made significant improvements in the latest iterations and I have to admit that these look great and work phenomenally. Try to discover the collection here; I don’t exclude that you’ll find an attractive model to begin with until you are ready for the next level: a genuine model.