Released in 1948 to celebrate Omega's 100th anniversary, the Omega Constellation has evolved from a flagship model to a relatively obscure offering in its modern context. Put forth initially as the limited production "Centenary Chronometer," it saw so much demand that in 1952 Omega decided to keep producing the watch and name it the Constellation. During the 1950s and 1960s, a gold Constellation was seen as an equal to the Rolex Day-Date due to their similar expense. Constellations were chronometer certified and were thus prized by their owners as not only being prestigious due to their 18kt gold construction but their high-precision movements. Powered by automatic movements, the Constellation was typically powered by a bumper movement whereby its oscillation weight would bump from side to side, rather than all the way around the movement like an ordinary automatic movement.

However, the Constellation’s design has evolved over the years, and so in 1982 it was redesigned as the Constellation Manhattan and turned from the dress watch it had been into the integrated bracelet design that we know today. Boasting a claw-style bezel whereby prongs hug the crystal, which have since evolved into two horizontal gadroons along the middle of the bezel as seen on the Constellation that we have here, the 38mm diameter ref. 1203.30.00, and an integrated bracelet design with the same gadroon-punctuated form, the Constellation is a stylish casual watch that introduces sportier elements into the Constellation’s rich history as a dress watch. Offered here, our example is marked as a special order commission from the Sultanate of Oman with its red Khanjar Dagger emblem on its sapphire crystal caseback marking it as one of the special order pieces that collectors fawn over due to their rarity and special place within the brand’s history.

The watch is in like-new condition. There are some very light handling or storage marks on the polished gold section of the bezel at three and nine o’clock, as well as on the polished steel ring of the display case back, which features a crowned Khanjar in red enamel. The integrated bracelet, with its plastic on the deployant blades still, has 12 links and fits an approximately 8" wrist. The watch comes in special Omani presentation boxes with all paperwork and guarantees, along with a royal gift card in an envelope featuring the Khanjar. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

With its casual design and rich history as a watch that has evolved through the ages, the Constellation is an intriguing value proposition from Omega that collectors like the Sultanate of Oman have appreciated for decades.