I am trying to learn about the first of the "C-Shape" Constellations. Most sources suggest that the first of these C-Shape Constellations was the Reference 168.009, introduced around 1964. This leads me to ask about the one shown below (offered by a NYC dealer), which is marked 168.008. How is this one different from the 168.009? Might these be a variation in the watches (008 versus 009) or is this just a weird marking on the case-back?

There was an excellent discussion of the mysterious 168.008 reference in 2012 -- https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-constellation-c-case-rare-or-franken.305/ I am wondering whether there is new information on the question.

Thanks in advance for any information on this one!!

Jeff

 

Thanks, gatorcpa . . . very interesting to see your suggestion that it is a separate reference, with distinctive features. I am new to the "C-Shape" Constellations, but find them very interesting. This case reference last almost 15 years for Omega, and it also seems to have been the predecessor for the Seiko dive watches and Autavia chronographs. It all starts with a brilliant design, by Genta, then we see it copied / adapted / mass produced by Seiko, as well as brands like Heuer, Tissot and Eterna, that used the C-Shape cases.

 

So I wonder how Genta drew the watch -- all yellow gold or two tone? Or perhaps he drew it in both configurations. I'm not sure what a watch designer actually produces, in terms of different variations / executions / etc.

 

The 168.(0)008 case came in 9 variations based on information available I have (remember the numbers don't indicate the case material, and that is done through 2 letters). Very limited parts are listed for each case, but the cases are as follows:

BA1680008 - 18CT 2N CLEAR YEL.GOLD CASE CAL. 0561 - note that 2N colour is "light yellow"
BA1680008SP - YEL. GOLD CASE 18CT 2N18 CAL. 0564
BB1680008 - 18CT. YEL. GOLD CASE CAL. 0561 - this is just regular yellow gold so 3N
BB1680008SP - 18CT. YEL. GOLD CASE CAL. 0564
BC1680008 - WHITE GOLD CASE 18CT CAL. 0561
BC1680008SP - WHITE GOLD CASE 18CT CAL. 0564
BD1680008 - 14CT YEL.GOLD PALE CASE CAL. 0564 - this is 1N "pale yellow"
BD1680008SP - 14CT YEL.GOLD PALE CASE CAL. 0564
ST1680008 - STEEL CASE CAL.561

No indication of what the SP models have that is different than the non-SP models. No bezels are listed, but I doubt they would all have white gold bezels (in particular I doubt the steel case would have a white gold bezel but I can't confirm this).

Looking at the dials that are listed (some have photos I can look at and some dials are even still available). The BA cases show two dials that have silver backgrounds with gold stick markers, but also one with a gilt background and gold stick markers.

The BB cases have a silver background dial with gold stick markers.

The ST case has a silver dial with silver stick markers. There is also a version of this same dial with luminous dots at each marker for the steel cases.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Al

 

Huge thanks for this information . . . very interesting!!

 

The mysteries of Omega.

 

If you look at the BD pale yellow cases, both the SP and non-SP versions are for Cal. 564, so not sure that theory holds. People have in the past said that this stands for Special Pushers, but of course it shows up on watches that don't have pushers, so my belief is that it varies based on the specific case in question and just means it has something different about it.

The 168.(0)005 shows the exact same pattern, right down to the pale yellow gold case being both 564's.

For example if you look at the SM300 models, the 166.(0)024 without the SP uses the non screw down crown, where the SP version uses the screw down crown. Of course I don't think any of these dress models used a screw down crown, and in fact the SP and non-SP versions of each case material use the same crowns.

Cheers, Al

 

Not sure about this reference, but a few other steel C-cases have solid gold bezel (fluted style), e.g. 168.027.

 

Well the steel case for that reference shows a steel bezel. However there is a white gold bezel available and it is shown for the white gold case but can be bought separately of course - it's actually still available, but not cheap!

 

No, not at all, as I said the white gold bezel is still available.

 

Guys:

Thanks so much for this very informative discussion. As is so often the case, I posed what I thought of as a simple question, and received layer-upon-layer of excellent information. Great stuff!!

A closing question, perhaps -- what do you guys think of the watch shown in my first message in this thread? Does it appear to be all original? Can readers suggest fair market price (either on the forum or in message (to [email protected])?

I really want to find a nice 168.008, 168.009 or a later steel model!!

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

No worries - I'm not saying it's impossible that they came from the factory with a white gold bezel. Who knows it might have been an optional upgrade of some kind back then...but just be aware that a steel bezel was and is available on the steel model, so you might be overpaying if you assume it's WG and it's not really.

 

Resurrecting an old thread because these 168.008s appear to be quite rare beasties and thought I would add to the knowledge base.
Up for auction (unfortunately not in particularly good condition) in the UK.
https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0179/lot-d90a5cc6-bf08-4f0a-9d87-aa8701149990