Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic mid-century Omega Constellation automatic chronometer, reference 168.005, featuring a highly sought-after black dial with gold-tone indices and hands. It is powered by a copper-finished, 24-jewel automatic movement and is paired with a stainless steel beads-of-rice bracelet. The caseback interior bears the hallmark of Centrale Boîtes (CB), one of Omega's premier historic case makers.
Story
Introduced in 1952, the Constellation was Omega's flagship line, designed to showcase their absolute mastery of precision timekeeping. The observatory emblem on the caseback commemorates their historic victories at the Geneva Observatory trials.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt, Omega evolved from a small assembly workshop into one of the world's most prestigious watchmakers. Renowned for precision, Omega was chosen by NASA for Apollo missions and has served as the official Olympic timekeeper since 1932. The Constellation line represents the pinnacle of their mid-century dress watch production.
Condition & Value
The watch shows honest wear consistent with age. The acrylic crystal is heavily scratched and will need replacement or polishing, but the dial underneath appears well-preserved. The movement shows some surface dust and minor oxidation, requiring a professional service to ensure reliable timekeeping.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.