Omega Constellation Ref. 168.017 (C-Shape)
Dress Watch / Casual Luxury Watch · Omega (Swatch Group), Luxury tier, renowned for precision timekeeping and rich heritage.
Period: Vintage (Late 1960s to 1970s) - Neo-Vintage design featuring the iconic integrated C-shape case geometry designed by Gerald Genta.
Type
Dress Watch / Casual Luxury Watch
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group), Luxury tier, renowned for precision timekeeping and rich heritage.
Movement
Automatic self-winding Omega Caliber 564, high-beat 19,800 vph, chronometer-certified, with quickset date and approximately 48-hour power reserve.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 35 mm, Case thickness: 11 mm, Lug-to-lug: 40 mm, Lug width: 19 mm. Wears slightly larger due to the integrated C-shape case architecture.
Description
An exceptional example of the classic Omega Constellation from the golden era of integrated case design. Designed by the legendary Gérald Genta, the C-shape case offers a distinctive architectural silhouette that bridges the gap between formal dress watches and versatile everyday pieces. The stunning silver linen dial paired with the white gold fluted bezel catches the light brilliantly, creating timeless vintage elegance.
Key Features
Gerald Genta C-shape case design, 18k white gold fluted bezel, linen-textured dial, chronometer-grade Caliber 564 with quickset date, and the observatory medallion case back.
Dial Description
Silver linen-textured dial, applied black-inlaid baton indices and matching hands, featuring a framed date window at 3 o'clock and the signature Constellation star at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
Stainless steel case with a fluted/textured white gold bezel, featuring brushed and polished finishing combinations.
Crystal Type
Acrylic crystal with internal cyclops lens over the date aperture, showing minor surface hairline scratches consistent with age.
Bezel Details
Fixed fluted bezel crafted in 18k white gold, providing a brilliant contrast against the brushed stainless steel case.
Crown & Pushers
Signed Omega stainless steel pull-out crown at 3 o'clock with the raised Omega logo.
Bracelet or Strap
Black leather strap with contrasting white stitching and a standard stainless steel pin buckle.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down stainless steel case back stamped with the iconic embossed Constellation observatory medallion and observatory cupola surrounded by eight stars.
Movement Type
Automatic self-winding Omega Caliber 564, high-beat 19,800 vph, chronometer-certified, with quickset date and approximately 48-hour power reserve.
Water Resistance
Originally water-resistant to 30 meters (splash resistant), but due to the vintage age and degraded rubber gaskets, water exposure should be strictly avoided today.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland, featuring an in-house Omega automatic movement.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1960s to early 1970s based on the C-shape case design and Caliber 564 movement.
Cultural Significance
A quintessential mid-century luxury timepiece that established Gérald Genta as a master designer before his creation of the Royal Oak and Nautilus. It represents the height of Swiss chronometer supremacy before the quartz crisis.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Case shows normal light wear with sharp original lines and brushing. Dial is exceptionally clean with intact lume plots. Crystal has minor hairline marks that can be easily buffed out. Movement winds smoothly and keeps good vintage time.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $1,200 and $2,500 USD depending heavily on the condition, presence of original box/papers, and whether it's paired with the original brick-link bracelet.
Care & Maintenance
Mechanical vintage watch requiring careful handling. Avoid exposure to moisture and magnetic fields. Recommended professional service every 4 to 5 years by a qualified watchmaker experienced in vintage Omega movements.
Similar Watches
Rolex Datejust 1601, Universal Genève White Shadow, Omega Seamaster Chronometer, and Longines Conquest.
Interesting Facts
The Constellation line was Omega's flagship chronometer series, representing the pinnacle of mechanical precision. The 'C-shape' moniker comes from the case shape resembling the letter 'C' when viewed from the side, which became one of Gérald Genta's most commercially successful designs.