Omega Constellation Chronometer ST 168 0056 (1973)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This classic and highly wearable vintage Constellation is defined by its iconic C-shape case geometry and a beautifully preserved, vertically brushed silver dial. Complete with a crisp solid gold observatory medallion on the caseback, this 1973 example represents a celebrated era of Omega design and chronometer-certified mechanical performance. Brand: Omega Model: Constellation Reference Number: ST 168 0056 Serial Number: 36149079 Movement: Automatic Caliber 1012 Dial: Silver with vertical brushed finish Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +9+12s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The exceptionally clean and attractive original silver dial features a distinct vertical brushed finish. Applied indices with black inserts provide excellent contrast against the bright surface. The dial shows very minimal signs of aging, and all text printing remains crisp and intact. The baton hands, also detailed with black inserts, are honest original components that display light, age-appropriate wear, including minor oxidation and surface marks visible on the metal edges under magnification. Case and Crystal The classic C-shape case is well-preserved, retaining strong original geometry. The brushed finish on the top surfaces remains well defined, complementing the smooth integrated bezel that shows matching brushing and light handling marks. The stainless steel case exhibits light superficial scratches consistent with careful wear over the decades. On the reverse, the caseback observatory medallion is remarkably crisp, with all eight stars clearly visible. The watch is fitted with a signed Omega crown featuring well-defined knurling. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, showing no significant scratches or crazing visible. Movement Inside is the chronometer-certified automatic Caliber 1012, featuring Omega's signature copper-colored movement plates. While the main plates appear relatively clean, the automatic winding rotor exhibits severe dark tarnish, spotting, and significant corrosion. Despite the visual degradation of the rotor, the movement measures +9+12s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is paired with a modern black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap appears new or very lightly used and is secured with an unsigned steel pin buckle. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents beautifully on the wrist, highlighted by an excellent dial and a strong case with light superficial scratching. The hands show minor oxidation under magnification. While the timegrapher results indicate very strong performance and the movement plates are clean, the automatic winding rotor suffers from severe tarnish and corrosion. Dimensions The case measures 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This Constellation delivers the celebrated C-shape case design alongside a remarkably clean vertically brushed dial. The crisp eight-star observatory medallion and strong timekeeping performance make it a highly appealing piece for daily wear. History The Omega Constellation has represented the pinnacle of the brand's chronometer production since its introduction in 1952. In the late 1960s, the line evolved significantly with the introduction of the C-shape case, famously penned by Gerald Genta. This design shifted the Constellation away from the earlier pie-pan dials and faceted lugs into a more integrated, fluid aesthetic that perfectly captured the architectural trends of the era. The Caliber 1012 inside continued Omega's dedication to precision, ensuring these elegant watches remained reliable and highly capable chronometers. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OCC-0056