Omega - Constellation - 168.044 - Men - 1970-1979

Now available at auction from Second Vintage The Omega Constellation has long stood as the ultimate expression of the brand's precision watchmaking, serving as its flagship chronometer line since the mid-twentieth century. This particular example perfectly captures the bold, experimental design language of the 1970s, moving away from traditional round cases to embrace a distinctive cushion-shaped silhouette. It offers collectors a compelling blend of high-grade chronometer mechanics and retro-futuristic styling, making it a highly charismatic addition to any vintage portfolio. Brand: Omega Model: Constellation Chronometer Reference Number: 168.044 Movement: Omega Caliber 1001 Automatic Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied black-inlaid indices, showing visible spotting and age-related patina Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and visible dial patina. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Dial and Hands The dial features a sophisticated silver-tone base with a pronounced vertical brushed finish that interacts beautifully with the light. It is appointed with applied, faceted baton indices featuring black inlays, which are perfectly complemented by the matching black-inlaid stick hands. The dial furniture includes an applied gold-tone Omega logo and the signature Constellation star above the six o'clock position. A stepped date aperture is positioned at three o'clock. Upon close inspection, the dial exhibits clear signs of vintage aging, most notably dark spotting and speckling concentrated along the upper right quadrant and outer edges, along with general surface patina. The hands show mild, age-consistent oxidation, maintaining the authentic, untouched character of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 33 millimeter cushion case features a heavy 40-micron gold plating, as denoted on the inner caseback, presenting a distinctive television-screen profile characteristic of the era. The case shows honest vintage wear, with visible surface scratches, scuffs, and a slight softening of the original factory edges across the brushed and polished surfaces. The original scalloped crown is signed with the Omega logo and displays appropriate handling wear. The stainless steel caseback remains in excellent shape, proudly bearing the deeply embossed Constellation Observatory medallion with all eight stars clearly defined, symbolizing Omega's historical precision records. The crystal protecting the dial shows light surface wear consistent with age. Movement Powering this timepiece is the heavily refined Omega Caliber 1001, a self-winding chronometer-certified movement featuring 20 jewels and adjusted to five positions and temperature. The movement displays Omega's signature copper-toned finishing and the distinctive cut-out rotor design. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher records a deviation of -15 to -17 seconds per day. The movement presents cleanly, reflecting the high-grade engineering expected from the Constellation family. Movement have been serviced and performs strongly. Strap The watch is fitted with the original period-correct stainless steel multi-link bracelet in a classic brick-link style. The bracelet integrates smoothly with the case and features a fold-over clasp adorned with an applied gold-tone Omega logo. The bracelet accommodates a wrist size of up to 19 centimeters and exhibits moderate stretch, surface scratches, and wear patterns that align with the overall vintage condition of the watch. Condition This Omega Constellation is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows expected surface wear and scratches to the gold plating, while the caseback medallion remains crisp. The dial displays noticeable spotting and speckling, particularly around the perimeter, which is a common aging characteristic for dials of this period. The mechanical health is outstanding, with the chronometer-grade movement running with impressive precision. Dimensions Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 19 cm Remarks This timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a mechanically superior Omega Constellation wrapped in undeniable 1970s charm. The combination of the TV-shaped case, the highly capable Caliber 1001, and the honest, worn-in aesthetic makes it an appealing vintage daily wearer with true horological pedigree. History Introduced in 1952, the Omega Constellation was designed to be the brand's premier dress watch, housing only their finest chronometer-certified movements. The line was created to celebrate Omega's numerous precision victories at the Kew-Teddington and Geneva observatory trials, a legacy forever immortalized by the observatory cupola and eight stars engraved on the caseback of every Constellation. By the 1970s, the collection evolved to include avant-garde case shapes and integrated designs, reflecting the changing tastes of the decade while maintaining the strict chronometric standards that defined the Constellation name. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-OCC-0053