Omega watch Chronometer Constellation 168.0065/168.865 Vintage 1973

SPECIFICATION

Reference : 168.0065/168.865
Movement : Omega, caliber 1011
Age : Circa 1973
Case Size : 34.5mm
Case Thickness : 10mm
Lug to Lug : 43mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : used Omega watch
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

 POINTS TO MENTION

• In great used condition with light signs of wear
  
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Fully serviced movement
  
• Omega signed crown
• Replacement Crystal
  
• Original used crystal to be included 
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Omega first introduced the Constellation in 1952, at the time it was Omega's flagship timepiece, the first models had a Cal. 354 bumper movement in them. Later in 1955, Omega introduced the Automatic Cal. 50x, followed in 1959 by the Cal.55x (no date) and 56x (date) versions. Many of the Constellations came with pie-pan dials, diamond indexes, and fancy lug configurations, and all the gold Constellations of that time had the Observatory of Geneva's hand engraved on the back. The stainless steel and stainless steel/gold versions had a gold medallion on the back with the Observatory of Geneva, the eight stars above the Observatory stand for the many exploits of Omega in the world Chronometer competition, celebrating the fact that all Constellations are Chronometer Certified. In 1964, Omega introduced its first Constellation with the “C” case, due to the case resembling two mirrored Cs, the “C” case was a modern move away from the popular round Constellations of the 1950s.

Omega adorned the newly minted Constellation line with a likeness of the Cupola of the Geneva Observatory. This observatory was one of several in Europe that put watches through a rigorous testing process with accuracy standards much more stringent than those of the Control Officiel Suisse des Chronometer, or COSC. These tests, lasting between 30 and 50 days, were broken down into eight categories of overall accuracy. Watches that passed the rigorous scrutiny were dubbed Observatory Chronometers and were awarded a special Bulletin de Marche from the Observatory that tested it. The cupola is a reminder of the watch's superior engineering.

THE WATCH

The 168.0065 Constellations did not conform in terms of design language of Omega watches of the time and was possibly one of the earliest occurrences of Omega releasing a "tribute" to a previously produced pie pan by Gerald Genta.

This double reference, flat dial variant is significantly rarer than its pie-pan counterpart and is often misidentified due to the presence of two reference numbers stamped inside the caseback. While it shares the same case and movement as the 168.0065, it differs in two key areas, the dial and the hands.

Though the two variants carry different reference numbers, the cases are physically the same. All are stamped with 168.0065 inside the caseback, but flat dial examples also include a second reference—168.865—beneath the first. The case design closely follows the original reference 14900 Constellation, measuring 34.5mm across with 18mm lugs, and featuring the sharply faceted dogleg lugs with carefully executed bevels that collectors prize.

The switch to the Calibre 1011, which is 0.75mm thinner than the earlier Calibre 551, allows for a slightly slimmer overall profile. This is most visible in the caseback: flat and flush on the Cal. 1011 models, as opposed to the slightly domed backs found on the earlier generation (14900) The 1011 which has Sweep seconds, date indication with quickset, a hack feature and is chronometer rated. Its an automatic movement with 23 jewels, hi beat at 28.800BPH and a power reserve of 46 hours approx.

OUR THOUGHTS

The 168.865 is a sleeper reference—technically refined, well-proportioned, and rarer than its pie-pan sibling. Its clean, understated dial and modern lines contrast with the more ornate and traditional design of earlier Constellations, making it a standout for those who appreciate vintage Omega with a contemporary edge.