The First Omega Constellation



It is well known that the Constellation line was developed in response to the enthusiastic take-up of the limited edition Omega Centenary 2499 and 2500 models.  Featuring high-grade chronometer movements and elegant case and dial ensembles, the Centenary models heralded a new high point in precision watchmaking.

The first Omega Constellation to be assembled was the above calibre 352 RG model in case 2648 (click on pictures for larger view).  The case, with plumped middle, lyre-shaped lugs and chamfered bezel, was identical in design to the Centenary models, the exception being the introduction of an observatory medallion on the outer case back. 

The very first examples of the Omega Constellation 2648 to come off the production line in 1952 are believed to have been 18 karat gold cased models with slightly grained silvered dials, upon which a ‘cartouche’ appeared with a printed Omega logo. This dial design was also used in some Seamaster 2520 chronometer models. However the life span of the dial design was very short in both lines, and was soon replaced with domed ivory and guilloche dials. 

Thus the above 18 karat Omega Constellation, with sharp case and dial in good condition for its age, can claim at least four firsts: first model number, first movement series (352 RG), first dial design and one of the first  examples to come off the initial production run in 1952.  A handful of firsts that make this example one of the rarest Constellations in existence.



18 comments:

  1. Rob Stern7:52 am

    I found a watch just like this one in my wife's family safe. Case number is 2648 and the 2nd number on the case back is 11070650, which I can't find the meaning of. The movement serial number is 12370930. It has 18K hallmarks and Omega stamps. It has the original band and Omega pin buckle in gold. Would it be best to leave as is or restore with new crystal, band, etc? I would like to wear it for now and perhaps sell in the future.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Rob,

      The second number is just a case number whereas the 2648 describes the model.

      What ever you do, please consider not wearing the watch until the movement has been cleaned and oiled. It's hard to advise what to do with the watch without pictures. Click on the about me link opposite and you will find an email option.

      Happy to look at your pics and offer some observations about restoration and/or maintenance.

      Cheers

      Desmond

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    2. Rob Stern10:53 pm

      Thanks Desmond,
      I will get some pics to u. I will definitely have a service done before wearing. I had a great watchmaker in Colorado (Mike Knight if he is watching these posts) who restored a 59 Seamaster for me and he did a beautiful job. TY for hosting this forum and looking forward to your observations on my new discovery.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous5:42 pm

    Hi Desmond,
    First of all, kudos for what is definitely one of the best watch blogs around. I read it regularly and always enjoy the quality of your articles and posts.
    I recently saw a 1952 Omega Constellation calibre 352 in a solid 18k gold 2648 case with a very low serial number (12280xxx) and case number (11000xxx).
    Both these numbers are the lowest I have seen online -- and I conducted quite a bit of research -- which leads me to believe that the watch may be one of the earliest Connies in existence.
    I would like to send you some images to hear your opinion about the watch, but I cannot find your email address anywhere (the email button in the About Me page you refer to in some of your posts is nowhere to be seen..).
    How can I get in direct contact with you?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi

      Yes 12 million serial Connies are most certainly the earliest and it would be interesting to see the watch.

      I have removed the email tab, mainly because of being thoroughly peeved over the number of occasions I spent the time to evaluate pieces and never received an acknowledgement or thankyou in return, and also dealers who thought they could use me as a free evaluation resource.

      Just compose a post with your email on it and name. I wont publish the post, and will respond via email.

      Regards

      Desmond

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  3. Anonymous12:54 am

    Hi Desmond,
    Thank you for your interesting article about these early Constellations.
    I've got an 18ct Constellation similar to the above but with a 12.33M number and a waffle dial. Bit of aging to the dial but I have left as is. Working well and a pleasure to wear.
    Regards,
    Pat

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  4. Anonymous12:59 am

    Hi again - the dial is actually more stippled rather than waffle upon re-examination.
    Cheers,
    Pat.

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  5. Thanks for your post Pat. Interesting.

    I've seen other earlier serials with different dials, however as it was explained to me years ago Omega never used batches of its movement inventory in number order. The first dial style is as above, but there must have been numerous other contemporaries.

    Ive seen around three different guilloche dials from the period including your stippled version and also a real clou de Paris pattern.

    Cheers

    Desmond

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  6. Anonymous6:40 am

    Hi Desmond. A very interesting read! I also have an 18ct with a 12.33 number and a stippled/waffle dial. Cheers, Patrick.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That makes itvery early. Congrats on your acquisition Pat!

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete
  7. Anonymous6:03 pm

    Hi Desmond I have the first version of Connie 2648, cal 352RG, honeycomb dial with pink gold, and the inscription constellation is under the star. Is the dial original ? Cheers Andrey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrey, you will need to send me a high res pic to confirm.

      Click on my profile and you will find an email click-through

      Cheers Desmond

      Delete
  8. HI

    i have got an omega constellation ser no 12676088 18 k gold case and 18k gold beads of rice bracelet.i think the strap is very rare. do you know where these straps were made ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. a 12 million serial number dates the watch to around 1950, and so we can assume that the BOR bracelet was added later because they were not made until around 1959.

      An 18k BOR bracelet may have been produced in Italy, however I would need to see photographs of the stamps on the clasp to identify its maker.

      I think 'very rare' is a bit of a stretch, but they are certainly quite uncommon.

      Cheers

      desmond

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  9. Hi, I was just wondering how old this thread is as I have a pre constelation 352RG serial number12278xx.

    Happy to provide pictures if interested. I've had the watch for about 40 years or so.
    Kind regards

    Ian

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ian,

      The post is still live.

      Feel free to send some pic. There is an email click-through in my profile on the RH column.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete
  10. Anonymous3:04 pm

    Hi.
    I would like to enquire about my 2648, cal 352 Rg, 18K. The Constellation inscription is under the star

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Interesting. Hard to comment on it, save to say that the standard is that the Constellation name is above the star. You could send some pics to me for me to review it if you like. Click on the RH side 'Profile' and there is a click-through email address.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete