Omega - Constellation Electronic f300 Hz - No reserve price - 198.003 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This remarkable timepiece captures a fascinating transitional era in horological history, marrying the prestigious Constellation lineage with revolutionary electronic tuning fork technology. Before quartz came to dominate the industry, the tuning fork movement represented the absolute pinnacle of precision timekeeping. Emitting a characteristic, gentle hum and featuring a perfectly smooth sweeping seconds hand, these early electronic watches offer a mechanical romance entirely their own. This particular example stands out with a heavily patinated dial that has aged into a striking, starry texture, offering a truly unique aesthetic for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Omega Model: Constellation Electronic f300 Hz Reference Number: 198.003 Serial Number: 32672468 Movement: Omega Caliber 1250 Tuning Fork Dial: Matte black exhibiting heavy, even stardust spotting with applied silver indices Case Size: 35 mm Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Good vintage condition with visually arresting dial patina and honest case wear Dial and Hands The matte black dial has undergone a dramatic and captivating transformation over the decades, developing a heavy, even spotting across its entire surface. Often referred to by collectors as a "stardust" patina, this localized aging of the finish creates a highly textured, starry night appearance. The dial features applied silver-tone baton indices with white central channels, complemented by an applied red Omega logo block prominently positioned at twelve o'clock. The typography remains crisp and legible, with serif and sans-serif text reading Constellation Chronometer and Omega Electronic f300 Hz. A date aperture at three o'clock is framed by a faceted silver window. The original baton hands feature matching white inserts but show clear signs of aging, with visible darkening and degradation to the luminous material. The outer minute track and residual lume plots display age-consistent wear and a creamy, darkened tone. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case is excellently proportioned and remains in impressive shape. The lug profiles retain their sharpness, showcasing well-defined transitions between the brushed case flanks and the smooth, polished bezel. The watch exhibits honest, age-consistent handling marks and light surface wear without any deep gouges or signs of heavy over-polishing. The Omega-signed scalloped crown is crisp and correct for the reference. Turning the watch over reveals a robust screw-down caseback featuring the iconic Constellation Observatory medallion. The medallion is beautifully preserved, with all eight stars distinctly raised against a frosted background, surrounded by a brushed outer ring. The domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and presents clearly, showing only minor surface wear consistent with careful vintage use. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Omega Caliber 1250, a tuning fork movement produced under license from Bulova. The movement is visually striking, featuring brilliant copper-toned base plates that remain exceptionally clean. Close inspection reveals crisp factory engravings, including the Omega name, the 1250 caliber designation, and the serial number 32672468, which dates the production of this watch to approximately 1970. The text "Unadjusted" and "Twelve 12 Jewels" are clearly visible, alongside the prominent tuning fork coils and the battery housing. The movement presents in highly preserved visual condition, maintaining the authentic mechanical character of its era. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed crocodile pattern and subtle edge stitching. It is secured by a standard stainless steel pin buckle, perfectly complementing the dressy yet technical nature of the Constellation case. Condition This watch is presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains strong and well-defined, showing normal, honest wear for a timepiece of its age. The dial is the defining feature of this specific watch, displaying significant, widespread spotting and stardust patina, alongside visible degradation to the luminous material in the hands. The movement is visually clean and well-preserved, and the caseback medallion retains excellent depth and detail. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm Remarks This Omega Constellation f300 Hz is a brilliant conversation piece that perfectly encapsulates the technological ambition of the early 1970s. The tuning fork movement is a marvel of mid-century engineering, while the unique, heavy stardust patina ensures that no two examples will ever look exactly alike. It is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an important piece of Omega’s electronic heritage housed within their most esteemed dress watch family. History Introduced at the dawn of the 1970s, the Omega Electronic f300 Hz collection utilized tuning fork technology originally developed by Max Hetzel for Bulova. Operating at a frequency of 300 hertz, these movements offered an unprecedented level of accuracy, far surpassing traditional mechanical escapements of the time. The Constellation line, already established as Omega's premier chronometer family, was the natural home for this cutting-edge technology. These watches represented the ultimate luxury in precision timekeeping just before the quartz revolution changed the industry forever, leaving tuning fork watches as a brief, brilliant, and highly collectible chapter in horological history. / Second Vintage SKU: OME-CXX-0002