The New Omega Constellation Gent’s Collection 39mm

The ever-evolving Constellation family introduces its fifth-generation collection for men. Omega’s answer to the luxury sports watch category, all 26 models in the new Constellation collection measure 39mm, feature numerous aesthetic upgrades and are now running on Omega’s Master Chronometer movement. Let’s have a first look at this new-gen Omega Constellation.

Showing its claws

The Omega Constellation started out life as a gent’s chronometer in 1952 and throughout its lifetime has undergone countless transformations. If you want to see how it has evolved, we invite you to read our in-depth coverage of the history of the Constellation here. The transformation that has most influenced the look of the current Constellation took place in 1982, the year the watch got its claws.

Originally conceived to hold the sapphire crystal and gasket firmly against the case to ensure water-resistance, the four claws reaching up from the case over the bezel would become the hallmark feature of the Manhattan Constellation sub-family. Other defining features like the barrel-shaped case with its half-moon facets, Roman numerals on the bezel, two-tone metal combinations and integrated bracelet with hinged links are still going strong.

Bodywork

The new Omega Constellation Gent’s Collection watches measure 39mm, a classic diameter that harks back to the first steel luxury sports watch (RO by AP) of 1972. The 26 new models in the collection are available in a variety of materials: 18k yellow gold; 18k Sedna gold (Omega’s proprietary rose gold); stainless steel; and two-tone steel and gold, both in yellow or Sedna gold.

Two years ago the ladies’ Constellation models were given a full makeover and now it’s the gent’s watches turn to polish their act. The first tweaks concern the finishes on the barrel-shaped case that still retains the smooth half-moon or scalloped edges of the 1982 model. The combination of beautifully brushed and polished surfaces and the polished and bevelled edges add a note of refinement to the silhouette of the watch. The circular brushed bezel is slimmer and the engraved Roman numerals have also been redesigned.

Even the iconic claws (polished) that grip the bezel at 3 and 9 o’clock are thinner and the crown now features a more elegant conical shape. Oddly enough, these new Omega Constellation have a water-resistance of just 50m, that’s half the water-resistance of models like the dressier 39mm Constellation Globemaster with Master Chronometer status or even the earlier 38mm models in the Constellation family with Omega calibre 8500 – not Master Chronometer though.

The metal bracelets are extremely well-built and referred to as “mono-rang” bracelet designs (single-link). New polished mid-bar links, contrasting with the brushed links, enhance flexibility while the slender profile of the bracelets is polished and bevelled. The clasp has a 2mm release adjustment for quick DIY alterations.

Facelift

As mentioned, this fifth-generation Omega Constellation comes with fresh new faces from classic black, silver, blue, white and brown to the new mottled (a bit “snowflake-like”) dials in blue, gold and grey. The metallic hands and hour markers have also been redesigned and the facets on the indices emulate the shape of the Freedom Tower in New York. Another signature feature is the applied gold star above the trapezoidal date window at 6 o’clock. In line with its luxury sports watch temperament, the hour and minute hands have a strip of lume in their centre.

Master Chronometer

Like the original models of 1952 that flaunted their chronometry, the new Constellation gent’s collection is equipped with Omega’s in-house Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8800. Beating at 25,200vph (3.5Hz) and with a 55h power reserve, this automatic movement features all the classic Omega innovations, such as Co-Axial escapement and a silicon balance spring. The METAS-approved chronometer movement also offers robust anti-magnetic properties capable of dealing with fields of up to 15,000 gauss. Visible through the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal caseback you can see the rhodium-plated finishes, the arabesque Geneva waves and blackened screws. The watch comes with a 5-year warranty.

Price

With 26 different models to choose from, prices vary a great deal depending on the metal or combinations of metal and the choice of a leather strap or a metal bracelet. To give you an idea, the entry-level steel-on-leather retails for EUR 5,500, and a Sedna (rose) gold with matching bracelet, the most expensive model, retails for EUR 29,800. This makes this watch a rather well-priced alternative to other luxury sports watches, and one of the only models in this 5k-6k Euros range. Below the full price list:

• steel on leather – EUR 5,500
• steel on steel bracelet – EUR 5,700
• steel-and-gold on leather – EUR 7,000
• steel-and-gold on bracelet – EUR 8,400
• Sedna gold on leather – EUR 17,500
• Sedna gold on bracelet – EUR 29,800
• yellow gold on leather – EUR 17,500
• yellow gold on bracelet – EUR 29,800

More information at omegawatches.com.