The 1960's were an important decade for Omega. In 1959 Omega introduced a new series of movements that would become famous powering their flagship watch, the Constellation, and would be officially certified by the "Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres" (Swiss watch governing body) as a chronometer, the highest honor given to a movement. The next year Omega produced 20,000 Constellations in succession that all achieved chronometer status with no failures.
One such movement in this new series was the Caliber 561. Made exclusively for the Constellation, the robust movement was one of the finest extensively produced automatic movements and is the mechanism that powers the Constellation featured here.
Here are some of its features:
- Beautiful and very desirable untouched silver pie pan dial
- Officially certified as a chronometer with 24 jewel movement
- Long 50 hour running reserve keeps the watch consistently running, even when not worn daily
- Precision micrometer regulator for small timing adjustments
- Classic and elegant so called "dog leg" waterproof style 14K gold case
It comes from the collection of watch collector and noted horology writer Bruce Shawkey.
It is fully Omega down to the dial, hands, winding crown, and even the waterproofing seal and signed crystal!
Its very elegant 14K gold case is in excellent condition and its observatory logo on the back still retains nice detail. Its original and untouched pie pan dial is just short of perfect mint.
Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with new Omega parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
We have timed it in five chronometer positions - amazingly after fifty five years it is still keeping chronometer grade accuracy in four positions.
We have installed the correct new-old-stock crystal for this reference from the 60's. For the finishing touch we have installed a new crocodile strap.
Accompanying the watch are its original signed papers and guarantee booklet.
Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
Note: An example of this model resides in the Omega Museum in Switzerland, and a published example can be found in Marco Richon's work, Omega: A Journey Through Time, 2007, pg. 367.
- Manufacturer: Omega
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 24,459,177
- Date sold: February 11, 1965
- Model: Ref. BD 168.005/6
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Semi Quick-Setting Date
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 14K gold
- Case condition: Excellent condition. Observatory logo on the back retains excellent detail.
- Dimensions: 34.5mm wide (excluding crown) 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver "pie pan", signed Omega and Constellation, hand-riveted gold hour markers, original and untouched, just short of perfect mint
- Hands: Original, gold, dauphines
- Movement type: Cal. 561, 24 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to 5 positions and temperatures, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring, micrometer regulator
- Movement markings: Omega Watch Co., Cal. 561, Adjusted 5 positions, 24 Jewels
- Width between lugs: 18mm
- Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn with gold plated signed Omega buckle of unknown origin
- Crystal: Acrylic, signed Omega, correct new-old-stock crystal for this reference from the 60's
- Servicing: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with new Omega parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
- Timing: Timed to precision in five chronometer positions on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
