We review the Omega Constellation Globemaster Co-Axial Master Chronometer Annual Calendar. This high-spec model features a reconstructed exterior that extracts the design codes of the classic Constellation, and is also certified as a Master Chronometer, boasting high precision and anti-magnetic properties.
Article published on June 2023, 4
Another Constellation, an ultra-high-precision aircraft
This review is of the Omega Constellation Globemaster annual calendar model. What comes to mind when you hear the name "Constellation"? Perhaps the 12-sided Pie-Pan dial, Gérald Genta's C-Line, the Manhattan, or perhaps the MegaQuartz. Since its introduction, the Constellation has graced the Omega lineup in a variety of different forms.
The Constellation is a collection that was launched in 1952 as a high-precision watch equipped with a center-seconds automatic movement. So what is the Globemaster? It is the name given to the Constellation developed for the North American market.
This model inherits the characteristics seen in the early Constellation (Globemaster). This is clear when you look at the dial. However, in addition to its appearance, this model also had a major feature of high precision.
Automatic winding (Cal. 8922). 25,200 vph. Power reserve approximately 55 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 41 mm, thickness 14.6 mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 1,485,000 yen (tax included).
Omega established a new certification process called Master Chronometer in 2015. The reason behind this was the discrepancy that had arisen between the previous certification standards and the company's quality. Just to be clear, this discrepancy occurred in the direction of Omega's quality exceeding the certification standards.
The Master Chronometer standard requires high accuracy of 0 to +5 seconds per day, anti-magnetic properties (allowing the watch to continue functioning accurately even in a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss), an accurate power reserve, and water resistance. Unlike COSC-certified chronometers, these certifications must be obtained for the entire case, not just the movement.
The Constellation Globemaster, released in 2015 (the three-hand model, not the annual calendar model reviewed here) was the first model in the world to receive this certification.
The company is now steadily acquiring Master Chronometers in its collection, and its debut as the first of these models gave the Constellation Globemaster the impression of being an ultra-high-precision watch.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the current Constellation is a model that follows the Manhattan line, with an integrated bracelet and a claw-shaped bezel. This model is another Constellation that throws a wrench into the situation.
A modern remake of an iconic design
Perhaps the most obvious indication of this model's Constellation lineage is its dial. Named for its resemblance to a pie pan, the 12-sided pie-pan dial is one of the iconic designs of early Constellations. At 6 o'clock, it features a three-dimensional star, a symbol of confidence in precision.
The entire dial is finished with an opaline finish, which has a slightly rough texture like an eggshell. While it lacks the glamour of a sunray finish, its subdued texture gives this watch a sophisticated character.
The indices, hands, logo, and printed lettering are all a deep blue, and the elegant cursive month display between the indices indicates that this is an annual calendar model.
The function remains the same even when displayed through a small window, but the way the hands slowly rotate over the course of 12 months visually indicates that the unit of one year repeats itself.
The indexes are simple bar-type indices, with a white Super-LumiNova center that contrasts with the blue border. The hour and minute hands are pencil-shaped.
Compared to the combination of wedge-shaped indexes and dauphine-shaped hands that was common in early Constellations, this gives a more refined and modern impression.
The four hands are arranged concentrically in the center, which gives the watch a certain height, but this is cleverly hidden by the domed sapphire crystal. The gently curved shape and distorted edges make it seem as if there is no clearance between the dial and the sapphire crystal.
The fluted bezel, which shines in the light, adds a touch of elegance to the matte dial. This finely and sharply engraved decoration is one of the most striking designs of this watch.
Fluted bezels are a design found on many models, regardless of brand, but the edges can become chipped or crushed over time. However, there's no need to worry about that. The bezel on this watch is made of tungsten carbide, a super-hard alloy.
The case side and lug are seamlessly connected. The 41mm diameter case is quite voluminous, so I didn't notice it at first glance, but I think this is based on the C-line Constellation motif.
Designed by Gérald Genta in 1962, the C-line had a streamlined form, and some models even featured a fluted bezel.
In addition to its solid thickness, the line leading to the lug tip is sharper than the original C-line, and when combined with a pie-pan dial, it has been reconstructed as a new standard for Constellation.
The middle case is satin-finished and has beveled edges on both sides, giving it a three-dimensional look. At 3 o'clock, a simple, notched crown is attached, with an Ω mark embossed on top.
Looking at the case back, you can see an observatory medallion set in the center of the sapphire crystal. This design symbolizes the high precision that has been a hallmark of the Constellation since the first generation. The case back itself is secured to the middle case with four screws.
This model comes with a brown alligator strap, which also features an attractive design. The tip is approximately 2mm thick, but it thickens as it approaches the case, reaching approximately 6mm at its thickest point. This is likely the result of careful calculations to match the thickness of the case in some places without detracting from the elegant design.
There is a notch where the strap joins the case, allowing you to see the spring bars from the outside, which also makes it easier to change the strap.
If you try to find the position of the spring bar by inserting a spring bar remover between the lug and the case, you may poke the inside of the lug and damage it, or you may damage the strap. This notch eliminates that worry.
The strap is equipped with a D-buckle. When closed, the tip of the strap is completely hidden, giving it a clean look. To fasten it, simply press it lightly and it will snap into place, and to release it, simply press the push button.
When adjusting the size, some force is applied to the strap, but because the mechanism is simple, the thickness is relatively small.
