The second half of the 1950's and the 1960's were an important time for Omega. In 1955 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. Then in 1960 produced 20,000 Constellations in succession that all achieved chronometer status with no failures.
One such movement was the 500 series. These robust movements were 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 desirable De Luxe dial with striking large gold indices
- Long 46 hour running reserve keeps the watch consistently running, even when not worn daily
- Precision micrometer regulator for small timing adjustments
- Classic and elegant waterproof style case with 14K gold Constellation emblem on the back
It has fully Omega parts down to even its period correct Omega band and buckle, which show only light signs of being worn
Its shapely case is scratch-free with signs of previous polishing. It retains all of its star on its observatory logo medallion on the back.
Its striking silver dial was well-restored in vintage times and shows only light aging under magnification. While we usually associate this reference with having a cal. 505 24 jewel Omega movement, this one has a cal. 552 24 jewel Omega movement that is not chronometer signed and likely swapped during a needed servicing at some point.
One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than most brand new Omega chronometers in our testing recording position.
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.
Note: 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, approx. pg. 367. We have previously sold three watches to the Omega Museum for display and sold a similar Constellation in steel with black dial to a private collector who sent us an offer slightly higher than the Museum's offer to us in somewhat of a private bidding war between the two to us for it.
- Manufacturer: Omega
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Movement no.: 21,245,615
- Year made: c. mid 1950's to early 1960's
- Model: Ref. 2852-8 SC
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds, Automatic
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: Stainless steel and gold
- Case condition: Scratch-free with signs of previous polishing. It retains all of its star on its observatory logo medallion on the back.
- Dimensions: 35mm wide (excluding crown), 42mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Silver, signed Omega and Constellation, hand-riveted gold wide vintage styled markers, luminous dots, "De Luxe" version, well-restored during vintage times, only slight aging visible under magnification
- Hands: Original, gold, luminous dauphines
- Movement type: High grade caliber 552, 24 ruby jewels, shock resistant, micrometer regulator
- Movement markings: Omega Watch Co., Cal. 552, 24 Jewels
- Width between lugs: 18mm
- Band: Period correct Omega Teju lizard band and Omega buckle, only lightly worn
- Crystal: Acrylic, unsigned, excellent condition
- Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
- Timing: Timed on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than most brand new Omega chronometers in our testing recording 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 extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- 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
