1968 Omega Constellation ‘Linen Dial’

The History

Omega’s Constellation started life as the limited production Omega ‘Century’ developed for the brand’s centennial in 1948. The Century was meant to embody what Omega was all about at the time: high quality, high finishing, and automatic chronometer accuracy. After rave reviews, the brand developed the Constellation for commercial production in 1952.

Many Constellation references and variants are out there. The ‘Pie-Pan’ dials, particularly those with fancy angled lugs, are considered the most collectible but have long been difficult to find in excellent condition. When in the market for a Constellation of any kind, pay close attention to dial and case condition above all else— all of the variants were extremely high-end Omegas of their time and will wow an owner today so long as the example is original.

The Reference

The ref. 153.014  is a variant of the Constellation you really do not see often. This reference was produced for a relatively short period between the smaller cased ‘Connies’ of the 1950s and ‘60s while just prior to the integrated bracelet era of the model line in the ‘70s. The inspiration of fanciness from early references like the Pie-Pans is clearly felt, however, in a case that looks more ‘70s era of design than anything else.

For real watch heads, the most important characteristic of the ref. 153.014 is the movement. Omega’s caliber 712 was the thinnest automatic the brand had ever offered at the time— earning the moniker of ultra-thin— and was, as any Connie should be, chronometer-certified.

This is not your grandfather’s 34 or 35mm round Omega Constellation. It is a bit more of a wearer but the finish quality is right up there with any of the brand’s best.

The Case

Case condition on this example is humbly great to excellent. The lugs and case-sides retain all of their original bevels and geometry, a light sleeve polish is all that has taken a bit of sharpness away from these corners. The original brushed finish appears untouched on the face of the case or bezel.

There appears to be some dirt, gunk, or ‘wrist-cheese’ rather than corrosion to the case in between both sets of lugs, around the caseback, and at the edge of the crystal. We believe this to be easily removable and not true damage.

A correct omega-signed crown is fitted to the watch that we believe to be original, there is nothing to tell us otherwise. The caseback is free of any swirls, scratches, or gouges and appears unpolished.

The Dial and Hands

The rarer ‘linen’ style texture dial is in excellent original condition with no obvious marking, spots, or flaws. As a broad category, Constellations have refinished dials more than your average vintage watch so close attention must be paid. Good news here as there are no concerns as to the originality of this example’s dial.

Our two hands are doing just fine— condition is excellent.

The Movement

The ultra-thin full-rotor automatic caliber 712 is running and keeps good time according to the seller.

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