This C-model Omega Constellation was designed by Gerald Genta in 1964. Gerald Genta (1931-2011) is probably the best known watch designer of all times. He created Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model in 1971 and Patek Philippe Nautilus model in 1976. He has created and influenced in countless well known watch designs for brands like IWC, Cartier, Omega, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and later in his own watch brand Gerald Genta and Gerald Charles.
By this new C-design he brought Omega Constellation models to bold 1960-era. It was produced from 1964-1978. First 168.009 models used Omega cal. 561 movement, but it was later replaced with 564 (quick set date), Cal 682 and 751 (day-date) models, Cal 1011, 1012, 1021. The reference nos has evolved from 168.009, to 168.017, 168.011 and 168.029, 168.0056 and 168.0057
Base models were of steel, gold plated or steel-gold cap and solid gold and those were delivered with leather strap. AD:s were given possibility to offer various steel bracelets in different designs, at extra cost.Metal bracelets were an option and most iconic is the brickwork bracelet with reference nos 1040 with the 518 lugs end. Bracelet came in steel, gold plated etc and also in Milanese bracelets
My love for Omega Constellation in rose gold continues with this lovely C shape Constellation from 1967. According to information from the net, the original style
of Constellation thrived until the mid ’60s when it was redesigned. The new
“C-case”, "C Shaped", “C-type” design integrated the lugs, which no longer protruded from
the ends of the case, while also giving the case a tonneau “cushion” profile. Overall, the
influence of the space age in the new aesthetic was quite apparent.
The dial of the Constellation also saw some changes. No longer offered in the pie pan style, the contour of the dials were either flat or slightly domed. The indices, too, were re-imagined. The diamond indices of the past were now replaced with applied baton indices. In many instances, the dauphine hands were also replaced for ‘stick’ hands. Dials came in Silver, gold Glossy dial, silver and gold Guilloche dial and late with " Constellation" written under the logo under 12 o'clock.
Most of the C shape cases were with smooth bezel. Towards the later years of production, some of the C-cases were equipped with “knurled”, almost fluted engine turned bezels.
This is my second attempt in collecting the C shaped Constellation. Many years ago, I have collected several C Shape Omega which I have sold away. Initially, I have wanted only to collect Constellation with Pie Pan dial and arrow head markers but this one is too good to pass as it is a rare rose constellation.
This Omega Constellation wristwatch, ref. 168009/168017, was made in Switzerland around 1965. The watch is fitted with a automatic movement calibre 564, adjusted to 5 positions with 24 jewels and displays hour, minute, second and date. The watch case is made of 18K rose gold. The watch case is hallmarked. The watch case measures 34 mm in diameter and 10 mm in height. The watch weighs 59 grams.
It is not easy to photograph a rose gold watch. On its own, it looks like a yellow gold. It needs to be placed next to a yellow gold watch in order to bring out the rose color.
I have traded away two Sandoz monsoon divers watch plus cash top up for this beauty designed omega Constellation by Gerald Genta. Omega was so successful and is has produced thousands and thousands of watches.
In order to stay focused, I have decided on the following criteria :
1. Limited to Omega Constellation series from the 1950-60s
2. Watch must be in near mint condition
3. Preferably in solid white, rose and yellow gold
4. Pie pan dial and arrow heads markers preferred except for the C shaped
5. No Day Date series
For those who is keen to get one, please see here
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