Omega Constellation Cal.551, Pie-Pan, Steel 1964

Omega

Since the company was founded in 1848, Omega has pioneered a huge range of innovations. Britain’s Royal Flying Corps chose Omega watches in 1917 as official timekeepers for its pilots and again in 1940, RAF Pilots watches were supplied by Omega. The 1940s also saw the first tourbillon wristwatch and the first of the famous Seamaster watches, whilst the 1950s and ’60s introduced the legendary Constellation, Speedmaster, Seamaster 300 and Railmaster. Over the years, everyone from John F. Kennedy to Elvis wore Omega watches on official duties. What’s more, in 1962, astronaut Wally Schirra took his Omega Speedmaster to space on NASA’s Mercury Sigma 7 mission, and in 1969 two Speedmasters landed on the moon, worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.

The Omega Constellation has remained Omega’s flagship Chronometer grade automatic dress watch since 1952. It was a development of the highly successful Omega Centenary Chronometer Automatics, 2499 and 2500, launched just a few years previously to coincide with the celebration of Omega’s first 100 years of high-end watch manufacture.

Description

Here we have a superb example of the range topping Omega Constellation from 1964, with an original, fully restored ‘Pie Pan’ dial. The good-sized 34mm diameter watch case is in superb all-round condition and contains the very high-grade Omega Calibre 551 Chronometer movement, which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability.

The Dial

The ‘Pie Pan’ is so called because it resembles the shape of an upturned pie pan and these are the most sought after dial types among Omega collectors. The example here has a starburst silver-white dial which catches the light beautifully.

This is the classic example of a Pie Pan dial with Onyx inlaid hour indices, matched with the original restored ‘Dauphine’ hands. The dial is signed with an Omega sign and signature, along with ‘Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified’ and ‘Constellation’ with a silver star.

A new correct replacement Omega lens has been fitted as part of the restoration. This carries the minute Omega symbol in the very centre of the dial.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

The original Omega Calibre 551, 24 Jewels, Chronometer grade movement, designed by Marc Coulomb, is a true classic which has certainly stood the test of time. Millions of these movements were produced between 1958 and 1969 and it was very carefully designed for chronometer level accuracy. In fact, this movement was part of a record breaking run of 100,000 Omega movements sent for chronometer testing, all meeting standards twice as high as those required for normal chronometer certification. It’s fair to say therefore that the Cal.551 was produced during a period when Omega’s movement production was at its all time peak!

The automatic winding mechanism in the Cal.551 uses a plate mass on a 360 degree pivot, about the centre of the watch. This is the newer and superior winding mechanism to the ‘bumper’ winding mechanism used in earlier Constellation movements such as the Cal.354.

The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker. This involves fully dismantling the movement to all its components, ultrasonic cleaning of all parts, inspection of all critical surfaces under high magnification and replacement as required with genuine new original parts. Next, careful reassembly and oiling, using all the correct lubricants to manufacturer’s specification before final testing and calibration. This watch is therefore now running, winding and setting perfectly, having been calibrated and timed at +8 seconds per day! Please note, this timing is outstanding for any watch of this age. The watch movement also has an excellent 42-hr power reserve. We are therefore more than happy to provide our 12 months’ warranty on this watch*.

The movement is signed ‘Omega Watch Co, Swiss’, ‘Adjusted to five (5) positions and temperature’, ‘Twenty Four 24 Jewels’ and carries the calibre number 551, along with the serial number 21220756 which dates the manufacture of this watch to 1964.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

The Watch Case

The sturdy three-piece steel watch case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the Omega signed crown.

The case has been cleaned, carefully inspected and very lightly hand-polished, as this was all that was required to bring it back to its current tip-top condition, with no scratches, dings or marks of any kind visible to the naked eye. The case-back carries the famous Constellation motif which is almost as new.

The screw-down case-back and sealed crown make this watch water resistant to 20 metres*.

The case-back, bezel and case body are all in beautiful condition with no scratches, dings or other damage visible to the naked eye. The watch has been only lightly used and very carefully looked after, which has meant that after careful inspection, the case has simply required a professional clean and gentle hand-polish to bring back the almost new look of the watch.

The inside of the case-back is signed ‘Omega Watch Co.’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘Swiss Made’, along with the case number 167.005.

*Although originally specified as water resistant to 20 metres, this has not been tested and is not guaranteed. As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap and Buckle

The watch has been fitted with a new high quality, Black Crocodile Omega strap and steel Omega buckle. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige, free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings and signatures, are all correct, dating the watch to 1964.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The watch also comes complete with a high-quality hardwood presentation box as shown in the photographs.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful first series Omega Constellation dress watch, which is in immaculate condition and comes with the peace of mind that comes with a steel cased vintage watch which is, of course, more than sturdy enough for everyday use.

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We, therefore, consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept payment via PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

If you have any questions please call on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on  +44 207 727 7095.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. Also outright purchases of similar watches. We will also offer Watch Service, Watch Repairs & Watch Restoration, please see here.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.