Omega - Constellation Chronometer 'beads of rice' - No reserve price - 168.001 - Men - 1966

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This highly sought-after Omega Constellation reference 168.001 features the celebrated silver sunburst dial, beautifully aged with an even spotting patina that gives the watch tremendous character. Housed in a classic 36mm stainless steel case with distinctive dog-leg lugs, this chronometer remains a collector favourite, complete with its original beads of rice bracelet and signed decagonal crown. Brand: Omega Model: Constellation Reference Number: 168.001 Serial Number: 24452252 Movement: Omega caliber 561 automatic chronometer, 24 jewels Dial: Silver dial with applied indices and even spotting patina Case Size: 36mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +9+11s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver dial is a defining feature of this classic model, adorned with elegant applied indices. It displays a noticeable, even spotting and patina across the entire surface, lending the watch a distinct and honest vintage character. All printed text, including the chronometer certification, remains clearly legible. The dauphine hands exhibit surface oxidation and minor debris, aging consistently alongside the dial. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case retains its defined shape, including the characteristic dog-leg lugs, though it shows moderate surface scratches and signs of previous polishing. The smooth steel bezel exhibits light surface wear, while the signed decagonal crown remains present and functional, showing light surface wear. Turning the watch over reveals the gold-tone observatory medallion on the caseback, which is intact but shows some wear consistent with age. The domed acrylic crystal is clear, with no significant scratches or cracks visible. Movement Inside is the highly regarded Omega caliber 561, a 24-jewel automatic chronometer movement adjusted to five positions and temperature. The movement's signature copper-colored plating remains bright and well-preserved, with the rotor and bridges appearing remarkably clean. There are no obvious signs of corrosion or significant tool marks visible on the caliber. Recording +9+11s/day on the timegrapher, it is exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with its original signed stainless steel beads of rice bracelet, culminating in a clasp signed with the Omega logo. The endlinks are correctly marked '41'. This classic bracelet shows moderate surface scratches and normal wear, complementing the honest character of the case, and will accommodate a maximum wrist fit of 18cm. Condition Good vintage condition. The watch presents with honest wear consistent with its age, highlighted by the even spotting patina across the stunning dial and surface oxidation on the hands. The case and bracelet show moderate scratches and signs of previous polishing, while the gold-tone caseback medallion remains proudly intact. The movement presents exceptionally well visually. Supported by the timegrapher reading of +9+11s/day, the caliber is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case size is 36mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This reference 168.001 offers everything collectors look for in a mid-century Omega. The combination of the beautifully aged dial, the preserved caliber 561, and the original beads of rice bracelet make this a highly appealing and honest vintage chronometer. History The Omega Constellation was introduced in 1952 as the brand's flagship chronometer line, distinguished by its elite automatic movements and the signature observatory medallion on the caseback. The reference 168.001, produced during the 1960s, is particularly sought-after for its distinctive dial and elegant case geometry. Powered by the highly regarded 500-series calibers, these watches represent a significant achievement for mid-century Swiss watchmaking and remain a staple for serious collectors of vintage chronometers. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OCC-0057