Omega Constellation 'Manhattan' Chronometer Automatic Ref. 1202.30.00 (or similar 90s variant)
Luxury Dress Watch / Luxury Sport Hybrid · Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier. The Constellation represents the brand's heritage in precision timekeeping and elegant design.
Period: Neo-Vintage (1990s). Stylistic indicators include the integrated 'half-moon' case design, the four iconic 'Griffes' or claws at 3 and 9 o'clock, and the Roman numeral engraved bezel characteristic of the Manhattan redesign.
Type
Luxury Dress Watch / Luxury Sport Hybrid
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier. The Constellation represents the brand's heritage in precision timekeeping and elegant design.
Movement
Automatic, self-winding chronometer. Likely Omega Calibre 1120 (based on ETA 2892-A2), 23 jewels, 28,800 bph, approximately 44-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 35.5mm (Full Size for the era), Thickness: 9mm, Lug-to-lug: Integrated (approx. 40mm), Lug width: Integrated proprietary link.
Description
The Omega Constellation Manhattan is a masterclass in 1980s and 90s luxury design. Characterized by its integrated bracelet and the functional 'claws' that originally held the gasket and crystal in place, it offers a slim, architectural presence on the wrist that transitions perfectly from office to formal events.
Key Features
Distinguishing 'Griffes' (claws) at 3 and 9, the gold star on the dial, integrated bar-link bracelet, and the Roman numeral bezel.
Dial Description
Silver/Champagne sunburst dial with applied gold-toned baton indices. Features luminous dauphine hands, a date window at 3 o'clock, and the signature applied gold star at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed surfaces and polished 'claws'. Often available in two-tone, this specific example appears to be the full steel or white metal variant.
Crystal Type
Flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Based on the photo, there appear to be minor surface abrasions or dust.
Bezel Details
Fixed stainless steel bezel with engraved Roman numerals (I-XII). Features four polished 'Griffes' (claws) that visually clamp the crystal and case back to the mid-section.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown, small and serrated, partially recessed into the case side for a streamlined profile. No chronograph pushers.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated stainless steel bracelet with 'cylindrical' horizontal links (frequently called the 'bar' bracelet) and a sliding fold-over clasp with Omega branding.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down or snap-on caseback featuring the 'Observatory' medallion, depicting eight stars representing Omega's historic precision records.
Movement Type
Automatic, self-winding chronometer. Likely Omega Calibre 1120 (based on ETA 2892-A2), 23 jewels, 28,800 bph, approximately 44-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally 30 - 50 meters (3-5 ATM). Suitable for light splashes only. Not recommended for swimming due to potential gasket degradation over time.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland. Movement is a highly refined and chronometer-certified version of an ETA base (in-house finished).
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s to early 2000s based on the '1120' era dial layout and the specific bracelet link style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward 'integrated' luxury watches. While the Submariner defined the diver, the Constellation Manhattan defined the modern dress-sport crossover for the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible scratches on the bezel and 'claws'. Softening of the edges suggests significant wear or previous polishing. Dial appears clean, though lume may have aged.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $1,800 USD depending on mechanical health and presence of original box/papers. Full steel versions are slightly less than gold-accented versions.
Care & Maintenance
Service every 5-7 years. Given its age, water resistance seals should be tested annually before any exposure to water. Ultrasonic cleaning for the bracelet is recommended to remove dirt between the bar links.
Similar Watches
Cartier Santos (Square case, integrated look), Rolex Datejust (more traditional lugs), or the modern Omega Constellation Co-Axial (larger, updated movement).
Interesting Facts
The 'Manhattan' design was originally penned by Carol Didisheim in 1982. It became a global icon of status in the 1990s, famously endorsed by Cindy Crawford, becoming one of the most recognizable watch designs in the world.