Omega Constellation Model Ref.2852.6 SC 1956

Omega

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the ’50s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over these years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster into space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

Description

Here we have a superb example of the range topping Omega Constellation from 1956, with an original, unrestored and untouched black dial which remains in tip-top condition. The good-sized 35mm diameter watch case is in superb all-round condition and contains the very high-grade Omega Calibre 505 Chronometer movement, which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability.

The Dial

The beautiful completely original, unrestored and untouched cross-hair black dial is simply superb. This is a classic Omega Constellation dial design which has become highly sought after in recent years, especially in as good a condition as this one, and it isn’t difficult to see why. Furnished with pink gilt ‘arrowhead’ hour indices, mixed with pink gilt Standard Arabic numerals at ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ all swept by original unrestored pink gilt ‘dauphine’ style hands, it really catches the light beautifully and looks far better in real life than in the photographs. The style is classic 1950s Omega and is perfect for both evening wear and regular everyday use.

The dial also carries the applied gold Omega brand and is signed ‘Omega’, ‘Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified’ with ‘Constellation’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ below the ‘6’.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. Also the dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the image you’re seeing may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

This Omega Calibre 505, 24 Jewel, Chronometer grade movement wasOmega’s first full rotor automatic, as opposed to the earlier ‘Bumper’ automatic movement which had been used until this point.

As can be seen, the original beryllium bronze automatic movement is in wonderful condition following a full an overhaul and service by our vintage Omega specialist watchmaker. The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co. Swiss’ and ‘Twenty-Four 24 Jewels’ with the serial number 15347336 which dates manufacture to 1956. The movement winds, runs and sets smoothly and is working perfectly and keeping excellent time.

These high grade Cal.505 movements, being chronometer rated, are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability, making this watch perfectly suitable for everyday use. This watch has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and is calibrated to run arrow straight within +9 seconds/day! This is truly outstanding for any watch and particularly amazing for a watch of this age. This movement also has a 46 hour power reserve when fully wound. The automatic winding mechanism is very efficient and if worn regularly each day this watch will never need winding. We therefore have total confidence in offering this Omega with our 12 months warranty on the movement*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The sturdy three-piece steel watch case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown. This watch carries a wonderful press-fit case back which fits on with a very satisfying ‘pop’, the case-back carries a rare solid pink gold Constellation Observatory motif which is almost as new.

The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very lightly hand-polished, as this was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition, with no scratches, dings or marks of any kind visible to the naked eye. The case-back, bezel and case body are all in beautiful condition with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The watch has been only lightly used and very carefully looked after, which has meant that after careful inspection, the case has simply required a professional clean and gentle hand-polish to bring back the almost new look of the watch.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’, along with the case number 2852.6.SC.

*Although originally specified as water resistant to 20 metres, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new high quality, black alligator strap and steel Omega buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1956.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box is included in the sale of this watch.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful first series Omega Constellation dress watch, which is in wonderful condition and comes with the peace of mind that comes with a steel cased vintage watch which is, of course, more than sturdy enough for everyday use.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage steel watches.

Thank you.