FS: Vintage 1960s SS Omega C-Shape Constellation w/ Stunning BLUE VIGNETTE Dial

[tomvox1]

Up for sale from my personal collection is this beautiful and uncommon circa 1968 all-stainless steel Omega C-Shape Constellation ref. 168.017 with original & ultra rare blue vignette/dégradé dial. For Omega, these vignette dials are primarily found in the later, small square Constellations of the early ’70s, and it is highly uncommon to find one in a C-Shape Connie. This type of dial features a high gloss lacquer finish with a color tone beneath that grows darker the further it gets from the center, in this case a stunning blue colorway that transitions from bright cobalt to a deep navy at the edges. This example also features a very subtle, attractive but hard-to-see-without-a-loupe “spidering” or “ice crackle” effect when viewed from certain oblique angles, which is a common occurrence on these dials as the lacquer ages and contracts. 

Accompanied by its long brick-link ref. 1040 bracelet, this is a very special steel Constellation for the sophisticated collector. And at a very ergonomic 34.5mm in diameter, it’s really suitable for any wrist size or gender, especially as the fashion trend in watches heads back to more modest dimensions. Overall, the watch is in Excellent vintage condition with a case that appears unpolished and the very special original Near Mint blue vignette dial being the most remarkable aspect. This Connie also features the highly regarded caliber 564 Chronometer movement with quickset date under the hood. 

This asking price for this elite example of classic Omega C-Shape Constellation is $1,875 USD, which includes fully insured domestic US shipping. International shipping will be +$75 due to increased shipping fees. Bank Wire or other direct transfer always preferred but Paypal is OK on this watch at +2% to the buyer (no F&F). Payment must be made in US DOLLARS. Watch will ship upon full clearance of the funds, as well as any necessary bank vetting. Feel free to contact me via DM or at tomvox1@gmail.com or tomvox1@hotmail.com

































CASE & CASEBACK: Classic late-1960s, sweeping C-Shape Connie case in all-stainless steel measures an elegant 34.5mm wide x 40mm long x about 11mm to the top of the crystal. The case does not appear to have been polished and the original chamfers and satin finish to the sides are still visible. There are some nicks and marks from the years, especially to the edges — Very Good+ unpolished vintage condition overall. The flat integrated bezel also appears to retain its original brushed finish and has a couple of minor dings. The outer caseback has scuffs and scratches but the famous Observatory logo in steel is super crisp with nicely textured background — likewise Very Good+ unpolished condition for the external caseback. The inner back is very clean and bears the correct ST 168.017 reference, the case maker’s “KB” signature and all the other correct nomenclature of the period. It screws down smoothly and tightly, just as these water resistant, well engineered and substantial screw-back cases were designed.

DIAL & HANDS: The star of the show on this Constellation is, of course, the quite rare vignette aka dégradé dial, with its hypnotic gradations of blue. It also features hand-riveted white gold bar markers, applied OMEGA and Omega logo, Connie star and faceted date window frame. This is a luminous dial with all the original tritium lume plots still intact and perfectly matching luminous hands, so it is correctly signed “T SWISS MADE T”. Featuring its original white printing, the only “flaw” one can ascribe to this beautiful dial is the aforementioned “crackling” of the glossy lacquer finish, which is only barely visible at certain angles with the naked eye and which a lot of collectors, including me, find quite handsome — Near Mint original condition. The luminous-filled, thin baton-style hands and silver sweep seconds are also Near Mint with only minor signs of age. As is correct for this generation of Omega luminous material, the plots and hands will glow brightly and briefly when exposed to UV light and then fade fairly rapidly. Simply put, this is a gorgeous and endlessly appealing Constellation dial and if you are a fan of blue dial watches, as I am, this is about as good as it gets from an aesthetic perspective.

CROWN: Period-correct (I believe) signed Omega knurled steel winding crown is Excellent+. The crown sits snugly against the case, winds smoothly, pulls out to the time-setting position as it should and also rapidly quicksets the date when pulled out to the second detent position. 

CRYSTAL: Domed Hesalite crystal with Omega symbol in the center and silver tension ring is in Excellent condition with just some older polish-resistant marks/scratches.

MOVEMENT: Under the hood is Omega’s excellent 24-Jewel caliber 564 full-rotor auto movement adjusted to 5 positions and temperature, with rapid date change via pulling out the crown, one of the last iterations of arguably the best mass-produced movement family in the history of horology. The movement serial number of 27,18xx,xxx dates it to circa 1968. I had this movement fully serviced some years back and it is still running very well, with strong power reserve, accurate timekeeping and proper function of the quickset date mechanism.

BRACELET: This lovely Connie comes on a period correct ref. 1040 No.12 Stainless Steel brick link bracelet with “518” end links. There are superficial scratches to the bracelet and the Omega-signed deployant buckle but it is still tight for its age and the clasp closes crisply — Excellent vintage condition for a 50-year old bracelet. The end pieces do have some play to them and do not sit quite flush to the case. At full extension while on the watch, this bracelet will fit a maximum of about a 7.5 inch wrist. It can obviously be micro adjusted down from there via the holes on the clasp and there are also several removable links. This watch has a 19mm lug width.

As a matter of policy I make NO guarantees for the water resistance of this watch in any way, shape or form.

This great Vintage Omega Constellation is offered with a 3-day inspection period from the date of receipt and may be returned for a full refund less any shipping costs incurred by the buyer. This refund is unconditional and once I get the watch back in exactly the same condition as it was sent to you, your money will be refunded. Of course, once the 3 days are over the sale will be considered FINAL.

Thanks for looking,
T.
tomvox1@gmail.com or tomvox1@hotmail.com