What kind of watch is the Omega Constellation? Learn about its history and past models

The Constellation is one of Omega's signature collections. While it is often thought of as a women's watch, it was originally popular as a highly accurate men's watch. Let's take a look back at the history of the Constellation along with its successive models.

The History of the Omega Constellation [1950s-1960s]

The early Constellation watches were developed with a focus on slimming and diverse designs. Let's take a look at the history of the first model, from the birth of the first model to the arrival of the classic "C-line" case.

The first model was born in 1952

The first Constellation model was born in 1952. It is a collection that appeared as a mass-produced version of the Centenary, which was released to commemorate Omega's 100th anniversary. Like the Centenary, the Constellation is a chronometer with an automatic winding movement.

The most distinctive feature of the first Constellation model is its 12-sided dial design known as the pie-pan dial. Nicknamed for its resemblance to a pie pan, it is sometimes called one of the most beautiful dial designs in watch history.

The case back is decorated with the Geneva Observatory motif, a symbol of high precision, and the constellation from which the collection is named. These patterns are only available on the early 18K gold models, and are engraved by hand.

Flat dials adopted from the mid-1960s

The evolution of the early Constellation is synonymous with the evolution of Omega's automatic watches. The Constellation II of the early 1960s, equipped with the Caliber 550 series, which succeeded in making the watch thinner, and the Caliber 560 series, which added a date display, marked the completion of the watch as a practical watch.

From then on, Constellation began to pursue a variety of designs. In the mid-1960s, the dial design was changed to a flat dial, which led to a wider variety of options.

The masterpiece "C-line" case was introduced in 1964

The Constellation II, which achieved a thinner movement, adopted a waterproof structure adapted from the Seamaster, in which a metal bezel ring supports the crystal. This has succeeded in significantly improving water resistance without changing the thickness of the case.

The Constellation III, with its so-called "C-line" case, further evolved into a bezel-less model. This model has gained worldwide acclaim as a masterpiece, and remains highly sought after among antique Omegas.

The Constellation III, introduced in 1964, featured a design in which the lugs were integrated into the case sides and the lug tips were truncated. Omega has recently acknowledged that Gérald Genta was responsible for the design of the "C-line" case.

In 1969, a model with an integrated bracelet was released, which was a precursor to the so-called luxury sports model. Around this time, Constellation watches also incorporated various other design elements.

The History of the Omega Constellation [1970s-1990s]

Since the 1960s, Constellation has gone through many trials and errors until the appearance of the Manhattan. We trace the path from the appearance of quartz to the Manhattan.

A model equipped with a quartz movement is now available

Following the quartz revolution brought about by Seiko in 1969, Constellation models equipped with quartz movements were also introduced.

The quartz model released in 1970 featured a thick quartz movement, the Beta 21. While the three-dimensional crystal made the case appear thinner, this type was becoming outdated as the scratch-prone three-dimensional plastic crystal was no longer popular.

It was against this backdrop that the Constellation Megaquartz was released in 1972. The crystal was made of shatter-resistant sapphire, and the case was a two-piece structure with no bezel.

In 1977, the Constellation Chronometer Quartz Crystal model was released, featuring the company's unique thin quartz movement, the Cal. 1340 series. The success in making quartz movements thinner once again allowed greater freedom in the design of the Constellation.

"Manhattan" with distinctive bezel claws

In 1982, the Manhattan was released, featuring the distinctive four-prong bezel. It was essentially the successor to the Constellation Crystal, which was introduced in 1977. It featured a thinner case and also used the integrated bracelet introduced in 1969.

The second-generation Manhattan, released in 1995, was equipped with not only quartz but also automatic movements. The bezel and crystal became three-dimensional, and water resistance was improved to 50m.

The four prongs on the Manhattan watch were added for practical reasons, to support the sapphire crystal to ensure water resistance.

The History of the Omega Constellation [2000s to Present]

Since the 2000s, the Constellation has evolved alongside the Manhattan. We will introduce the process from the introduction of the Double Eagle to the current fifth generation.

"Double Eagle" equipped with a coaxial escapement

The third-generation Manhattan, released in 2003, was equipped with the Caliber 2500 series co-axial escapement. This model, which brought the watch back into the spotlight as a mechanical watch, is commonly known as the "Double Eagle."

The flat, wide claws were designed to blend in with the bezel, and this exaggerated claw and bezel design would be carried over to the fourth-generation Manhattan.

The Double Eagle, available in a wide variety of materials and sizes, has become popular with watch enthusiasts of all ages and generations.

"Globemaster" inherits the design of the first model

The Globemaster is a new line of Constellation watches that was introduced in 2015. This model is a modern reinterpretation of the original Constellation design that was introduced in 1952.

The Globemaster's distinctive design features, such as the pie-pan dial with a raised dodecagonal center, the star at 6 o'clock, and the fluted bezel, were inherited from the early Constellation models.

Meanwhile, the Manhattan series exists as a separate line, evolving through multiple generations since its introduction in 1982. The latest, fifth-generation Manhattan was released in 2020, and the collection for men has also been expanded.

The Manhattan series offers a variety of case sizes, including 24mm, 27mm, 31mm, and 35mm, with a wide selection of models aimed at women, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

The fifth generation of the Master Chronometer-certified Manhattan

The fifth-generation Manhattan, a symbol of modern Omega, was released sequentially from 2019 to 2020, and its movement is a Master Chronometer certified model.

In addition to the 25mm, 28mm, and 29mm sizes for women, the brand has also added 36mm, 39mm, and 41mm sizes for men, once again expanding its men's collection.

The bezel and Roman numerals are now slimmer, and there is a gap between the bezel and the case to emphasize the three-dimensional effect. Improved processing precision has also improved the fit between the four prongs and the case. The four prongs no longer serve a practical purpose, but remain as an icon of the Constellation.

Recommended Current Omega Constellation Models

All of the current Omega Constellation models evoke the history of the collection. Here are four recommended current models for men.

Omega Constellation 36mm model

The 36mm model of the Omega Constellation is equipped with the Master Chronometer Caliber 8800, which boasts a power reserve of approximately 55 hours and excellent magnetic resistance of over 15,000 gauss.

The case and bracelet are made of 316L stainless steel, while the hands, brand logo, Constellation star, and indexes are all made of 18K white gold.

The bezel features four prongs, a half-moon design, and Roman numerals. The sun-brushed silver dial features a date window at 6 o'clock.

Omega Constellation Globemaster Annual Calendar Model

Among the Constellation models, the Globemaster is the fourth generation of the Manhattan. Its striking design includes an observatory on the case back and a 12-sided dial, reminiscent of the original model. The model shown here is a Globemaster equipped with an annual calendar function.

The annual calendar is a feature that eliminates the need for manual date adjustment except for the last day of February. In addition to its convenience, the month display on the outer edge of the dial is stylish and complements the splendor of the 18K Sedna™ gold case.

Offering a power reserve of approximately 55 hours, the Master Chronometer Caliber 8923 features an 18K Sedna™ gold rotor and bridges.

Omega Constellation 39mm model

The Constellation 39mm model, with its bezel decorated with blue Roman numerals, is equipped with the highly antimagnetic Master Chronometer Caliber 8800.

The grey ruthenium dial with horizontal satin finish is combined with blue hands, brand logo, stars and indexes, creating a light and airy atmosphere.

The blue leather strap features alligator leather on the front and non-grain calf leather on the back.

Omega Constellation Meteorite 41mm model

The Constellation Meteorite is Omega's new model for 24. It has a titanium bezel and a blue-coated dial.

The dials are made from real meteorite, and the pattern varies depending on the model. No two are alike.

The Cal. 8900 movement can be seen through the case back. The Constellation Meteorite is available in five different dial variations, so be sure to check out the other models as well.

A look back at the glorious history of the Omega Constellation

Although the Constellation collection is known primarily as a ladies' watch, it was originally created as a high-precision men's watch and has since been praised as a watch that symbolizes high precision and technical ability.

If you pick up your favorite model after learning about the collection's glorious history, you will likely grow to love it even more and use it for a long time.