I recently inherited my Dad’s 1970’s Omega Constellation, after my father lost his battle with Parkinson’s.

My mother bought the watch for him as a gift. It is the watch that began my fascination with luxury watches, namely Omega. My first Omega was a Quartz Seamaster I purchased around 1996 after earning a nice bonus. I still have the Seamaster.

Can anyone tell me more about my Dad’s Constellation?

 

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

You have a top-of-the-line automatic day-date Omega Constellation that, based on the dial and case style, dates to the late 1970s. It is a chronometer model (as all Constellations were), which means the internal watch mechanism was specially adjusted at the factory for precise timing. It's a great heirloom to have from your father.

Here's an excerpt of an Omega catalog from 1977 showing a similar watch to yours:

(thanks)

If you intend to wear your watch (and you should!) we generally recommend taking it to an independent watchmaker specializing in vintage watches for a complete service. They will open the watch, clean the movement, lubricate all of the moving bits, reassemble the watch and adjust the timing. And then you will have a heirloom that will last for decades with a little routine maintenance.

 

Thank you! A few more questions:

1. I can adjust the day, but unclear how to change the date. Can anyone share how to do so?

2. I’m in Kentucky, U.S.A. How do I find an Independent Watch repair shop?

3. What’s the Model #?

4. Should I Insure it? If so, approximate value?

Thanks again!

 

1. I believe the date is quick set and can be changed by pulling and pushing the crown. The day is set by rotating the hands.
2. Try this search to find an AWCI (American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute) professional near you specializing in vintage watches. You may also try the NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) search page. Local jewelers may also have recommendations for you.
3. The model number is located on the inside caseback of your watch. Your watchmaker can open the watch and provide you with this number.
4. A watch similar to yours sold at auction for $338, as seen here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Om...080582?hash=item2cd55b2246:g:swQAAOSw8OpbFFmqPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Thanks again!

 

What a wonderful heirloom you have! Here is some more information on this series of Omega Constellations:

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2010/06/omega-constellation-calibre-751.html

 

What a treasure. Enjoy.

 

I have the same watch, bought new in 1970 as a college graduation present to myself. Still worn today in rotation. It was quite a unique design back in the day with its contoured integrated bracelet. The ridged bezel is white gold, and is probably one of the inspirations for the modern Omega Globemaster. The self winding 751 movement has been very reliable and accurate. Mine has the original hesalite crystal with cyclops, but I think it was also available without the cyclops. I believe the model number is ST 368.0845.

https://www.omegawatches.com/watch-omega-constellation-omega-st-368-0845

 

Are you near northern Kentucky? I’m just outside of Cincinnati and can recommend a solid watchmaker who really enjoys working on vintage Omega’s.

 

could it be a 1021 rather than a 751
http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&Omega_1012

 

I say that because on the C Case 'connies' the write up on the face moves South when the 751 movement was replaced by the 1021

 

Nope - the 1020 series will have a bar on the dial between the day and date, where the 750 series will not.

 

thanks, I didn't know that

 

Brilliant user name

 

No sir, I am in Bowling Green, Kentucky 22 miles from the Tennessee state line. But I have friends in NKY.