Omega Constellation Day Date

By the 1960s, the Omega Constellation had firmly established itself as one of the world's premier chronometer wristwatches. Introduced in 1952 as Omega's flagship dress watch collection, the Constellation combined exceptional mechanical performance with refined styling, earning a reputation that continues to resonate with collectors today. Few references capture the elegance of the era better than the day-date models, which paired practical complications with some of the most sophisticated dial work Omega ever produced.

This Constellation Ref. 168.019 is a particularly handsome example. Crafted in yellow gold and measuring a versatile 35mm in diameter, the watch features the distinctive 'tonneau-shaped' case that defined many late-1960s Constellations. A finely fluted bezel frames the dial, adding texture and visual interest while lending the watch a distinctly luxurious character.

The true highlight, however, is the lovely champagne 'linen-textured' dial. Its woven-like surface beautifully catches and scatters light, creating a sense of depth that changes constantly throughout the day. Applied baton markers and matching hands maintain the dial's clean, architectural aesthetic, while the framed day-date aperture at three o'clock provides useful functionality without disrupting the overall balance of the design. The applied Constellation star above six o'clock serves as a subtle reminder of the collection's chronometric pedigree.

Powering the watch is an automatic, chronometer-certified Omega movement, a testament to the manufacturer's longstanding commitment to precision and reliability. As with all Constellations of the period, the movement was adjusted to exacting standards befitting Omega's flagship collection.

Completing the watch is a rich brown alligator leather strap secured by a gold-tone pin buckle, a pairing that beautifully complements the warm tones of both the case and dial. Elegant without being ostentatious, this Constellation represents the kind of everyday luxury that Omega perfected during the golden age of Swiss watchmaking. More than half a century later, it remains a compelling reminder of why the Constellation remains one of the brand's most enduring collections.

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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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

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.