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 of the movements in this new series was the Caliber 561. Made exclusively for the Constellation, it was one of the very finest volume-produced automatics from the era and is the mechanism that powers the Constellation featured here.
Here are some of its features:
- Officially certified as a chronometer by the C.O.S.C., the highest distinction that can be given to a watch based on its accuracy
- Twenty-four (24) rubies (seven more than in many watches) to reduce friction
- Long 50 hour running reserve keeps the watch consistently running, even when not worn daily
- Original silver "Omega De Luxe" dial
- Classic and elegant gold capped waterproof style case. Gold cap is much thicker than gold plating, and the case has no wear through.
It measures 35.5mm in diameter, about the size of a Rolex Datejust.
Its original case with Observatory logo on the back is in very good condition with signs of previous polishing to the back. On the wrist it presents nicely.
Its original dial is untouched and has warmed to a light sepia tone giving it a true vintage look.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it and installed a correct new-old-stock Omega crystal. The small recessed crown on this model often makes these watches difficult to wind, but after servicing this watch winds very well.
It is running very strong and true keeping time nearly on par with a new Constellation in our testing position.
For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new leather strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
- Manufacturer: Omega
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 24,474,891
- Year built: c. 1966
- Model: Constellation, ref. CD 168.004
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic, Date
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 14K gold cap with stainless steel back
- Case condition: Very good with light wear to the top and signs of previous polishing to the back of wrench slips
- Dimensions: 35.5mm wide (excluding crown) 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver, signed Omega and Constellation, hand-riveted gold hour markers topped with black, original and untouched
- 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
- Band: Leather, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
- Crystal type: Signed Omega, correct new-old-stock
- Width between lugs: 18mm
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it and installed a correct new-old-stock Omega crystal making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true keeping time nearly on par with a new Constellation in our testing position. 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 C.O.T. international warranty.
- 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
