Omega Constellation Manhattan Quartz (Ref. 1272.75 / 123.20.24.60.55.001 lineage)
Dress Watch / Integrated Bracelet Luxury Watch · Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier. Renowned for precision and the historical Constellation line which was once their flagship chronometer series.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Modern Luxury (1990s-2000s design). Defined by the 'Manhattan' design language featuring integrated lugs and functional 'griffes' or claws.
Type
Dress Watch / Integrated Bracelet Luxury Watch
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group). Luxury tier. Renowned for precision and the historical Constellation line which was once their flagship chronometer series.
Movement
Quartz Movement, likely Omega Calibre 1456. High-precision battery-powered movement with rhodium-plated finish and approximately 32 months of battery life.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 24mm to 27mm (Ladies' size); Thickness: ~7.5mm; Lug-to-lug: N/A (Integrated); Lug width: N/A.
Description
The Omega Constellation is an icon of feminine luxury watchmaking. This 'Manhattan' style model represents the evolution of Gerald Genta's influence on integrated bracelets. The contrast between the striking black dial and the diamond indices creates a 'night sky' effect. It is a jewelry-adjacent timepiece that prioritizes elegance and ease of wear through its quartz heart.
Key Features
Signature 'Griffes' (claws) on the bezel sides, integrated bracelet transition, diamond-set dial, and the iconic star logo at 6 o'clock.
Dial Description
Black dial with a circular 'diamond-dot' pattern. 12 applied diamond hour markers. Polished gold-toned baton hands. Omega logo and namesake star at 6 o'clock.
Case Material
18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel (Two-Tone). The bezel is solid gold; the case body appears to be gold-plated or steel with gold accents. Brushed/Satin finish on the case.
Crystal Type
Domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside. Condition appears clear in the photo.
Bezel Details
Fixed 18k yellow gold bezel featuring engraved Roman numerals. It includes the signature four 'claws' (griffes) at 3 and 9 o'clock used for holding the crystal and caseback together.
Crown & Pushers
Gold push-pull crown, small and fluted for a streamlined profile. No crown guards.
Bracelet or Strap
Integrated 'Constellation' bracelet with horizontal cylindrical links (often called the 'half-moon' or 'pipe' link design). Two-tone steel and gold bars with a concealed folding clasp.
Caseback Details
Solid screw-in caseback featuring the 'Observatory of Geneva' medallion with eight stars, symbolizing Omega's historical precision records.
Movement Type
Quartz Movement, likely Omega Calibre 1456. High-precision battery-powered movement with rhodium-plated finish and approximately 32 months of battery life.
Water Resistance
30 Meters (100 Feet / 3 ATM). Splash-resistant only; not recommended for swimming or showering due to age and dress-watch construction.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. In-house Swiss quartz movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1995-2005 based on the dial layout, the specific font of the Constellation script, and the bracelet link style.
Cultural Significance
The Constellation became the face of Omega's luxury marketing in the 90s, famously worn by Cindy Crawford. It helped define the 'luxury sports-dress' category for women.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches and light dings on the gold bezel and bracelet links. Gold plating on the bracelet bars shows some potential wear/tarnishing. Dial and crystal appear intact. Level of 'stretch' in the integrated links is moderate.
Value Estimate
$1,200 - $2,200 USD depending on diamond authenticity, total gold weight (solid vs. capped), and presence of original box/papers. Two-tone models are currently seeing a resurgence in market interest.
Care & Maintenance
Battery replacement every 2-3 years. Check water resistance gaskets during battery changes. Clean bracelet with a soft brush and soapy water to prevent grit from wearing down the gold-capped bars.
Similar Watches
Cartier Santos Galbée (Squarer, industrial aesthetic), Rolex Lady-Datejust (More traditional case, non-integrated), Tudor Royal (Integrated bracelet alternative).
Interesting Facts
The 'claws' were introduced in 1982 to ensure water resistance by pressing the sapphire crystal against the gasket; they later became purely aesthetic. The stars on the caseback represent eight records Omega set at observatory trials in the mid-20th century.