1961 Omega Constellation Vintage Mens 14K Gold Watch with "De Luxe" Dial - Box and Papers

Omega

Item No. 8218SH

Today's offering showcases this classic and wonderfully original "De Luxe" dial Constellation complete with its original papers and box. They are becoming more and more difficult to find in excellent original condition and are rarely found with original numbered papers and original Constellation box.

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 551. The robust top-tier movement with 24 jewels (seven more than in many similar Omega's), one of the superior 500's series, 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 "De Luxe" 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 has fully Omega parts and even signed Omega crystal. We were fortunate to acquire it in such beautiful original condition.

Its very elegant 14K gold case is in better than near mint condition. The edge of the back shows fairly light signs of previous polishing. Otherwise it appears unpolished/very lightly polished and its observatory logo on the back retains crisp detail. The underside of two lugs have grooves from a previously installed gold band. Its original and untouched De Luxe dial is also better than near mint with only very light aging.

Its fine chronometer movement is near pristine. One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. After six decades it is still running strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new Omega. The smaller sized crowns on these make them excellent candidates to keep on a watch winder.

For the finishing touch we have installed a new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Accompanying the watch are its original numbered papers and guarantee booklet and original Constellation box.

Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function and a Connoisseur of Time timing certificate.

Note: The watch's page on the Omega website can be found here. 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.: 18,216,585
  • Date made: c. 1961
  • Model: Ref. BD 14381 / 2
  • Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Semi Quick-Setting Date
  • Designed for: Men
  • Case material: 14K gold
  • Case condition: Better than near mint condition. The edge of the back shows fairly light signs of previous polishing. Otherwise it appears unpolished/very lightly polished and its observatory logo on the back retains crisp detail. The underside of two lugs have grooves from a previously installed gold band. It retains most of the original factory brushing around the outside of the logo. Both hallmarks are perfectly crisp.
  • Dimensions: 34.5mm wide (excluding crown) 43mm long lug tip-to-tip
  • Dial: Silver "De Luxe", signed Omega and Constellation, hand-riveted gold hour markers, original and untouched, better than near mint
  • Hands: Original, faceted gold, dauphines
  • Movement type: Cal. 551, 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. 551, Adjusted 5 positions, 24 Jewels
  • Width between lugs: 18mm
  • Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
  • Crystal: Acrylic, signed Omega, original, very good condition
  • Servicing: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. It is very clean/near pristine.
  • Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running strong and true, keeping time nearly on par with a new Omega. 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 concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
  • Box/Papers: BOX - Original box; PAPERS - Original numbered papers that are part of the guarantee booklet; Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
  • Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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