Omega Constellation 'C-Shape'

By the late 1960s, Omega faced an enviable challenge: how do you modernize one of the most successful chronometer wristwatches ever produced? The answer came in the form of the Constellation "C-Shape," a bold redesign that carried the collection into a new era while preserving everything that had made it famous. Designed by Gérald Genta in 1964, the distinctive case marked a departure from the earlier Pie-Pan Constellations, embracing the sleek, integrated forms that would come to define watch design in the years that followed.

This Constellation Ref. 168.017 SP is a particularly handsome example. Its stainless-steel 'C-Shape' case measures 35mm in diameter and wears larger than the numbers suggest thanks to its flowing tonneau profile and broad brushed surfaces. The silver sunburst dial is beautifully restrained, allowing the applied baton markers and faceted hands to take center stage. A framed date aperture at three o'clock provides useful functionality without disturbing the dial's symmetry, while the applied Constellation star above six serves as a reminder of the model's chronometric pedigree.

Powering the watch is Omega's celebrated Calibre 564, one of the finest automatic chronometer movements of its era. Finished in Omega's signature copper-colored plating, the movement features an unusual quick-set date mechanism operated by repeatedly pulling the crown in and out—a delightfully mechanical solution from a period when brands were still experimenting with the best ways to improve everyday usability.

Turn the watch over, and you'll find the famous Constellation observatory medallion engraved into the screw-down caseback, a symbol that has represented Omega's chronometer achievements since the collection's introduction in 1952. The watch is fitted to a grey leather strap with contrasting white topstitching and a stainless-steel pin buckle, a pairing that complements the cool tones of the steel case and dial while maintaining the watch's versatile, everyday appeal.

Today, the C-Shape Constellation occupies a sweet spot in vintage collecting. It offers Gérald Genta design, a chronometer-certified Calibre 564, and some of Omega's most sophisticated casework of the era—all wrapped in a watch that remains as elegant and wearable today as it was more than 50 years ago.

The story of Omega is one that captivates generations of horological devotees. The second-largest watchmaker in the world in terms of annual turnover, the Bienne-based firm has been continuously producing watches since 1848, which it does today under the auspices of the Swatch Group.

Founded in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland as La Generale Watch Co, Omega was well ahead of the horological curve from the beginning, developing the first minute-repeating wristwatch in 1892 as well as the eponymous “Omega” caliber in 1894. This 19-ligne movement was revolutionary in that its parts could be replaced by any watchmaker in the world without modification, while its winding and time-setting via the crown provided an industry standard.

Omega became the timepiece supplier of choice for the British Royal Flying Corps in 1917, while the Americans followed suit in 1918, choosing their watches for the U.S. Army. Awards for precision chronometry became almost commonplace, while 1932 saw them become the first watch brand to time an entire Olympic Games. Their Marine, which debuted the same year, is regarded as the first commercially available diver’s watch.

During the Second World War, Omega supplied well over 100,000 timepieces to British forces, making it the largest watch supplier to the British and her allies. These watches, from the unique 6B/159 to the famed “Dirty Dozen” W.W.W, remain highly collectible today.

1948 saw the launch of the original Seamaster: Built upon the tool watch legacy of the brand’s timepieces from the War, it’s since become a byword for reliability and legibility, both as a dress watch and, more recently, as a serious diver’s tool. The Speedmaster, released in 1957 and originally marketed for the auto-racing market, first rocketed to space on the wrist of American astronaut Wally Schirra in 1962. However, it became a household name when, in 1969, it accompanied Buzz Aldrin on the Moon, and later helped save the space-stranded crew of Apollo 13 in 1970 by timing a critical rocket burn.

Today, Omega’s watches — all of which feature in-house movements — run the gamut from svelte dress pieces to the venerable Speedmaster in all its guises. Providing an unquestionable value proposition, Omega is a brand that deserves to be at the center of every serious watch lover’s collection.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.