REVOLUTION_International_Vol 54

WHEN THE STARS ALIGN
One of the bright sparks of watchmaking in 2020 is the launch of Omega’s Constellation
Co-Axial Master Chronometer, based on an iconic design from the 1980s.
WORDS ADAM CRANIOTES
The Constellation is just about as storied a name in the annals
of watchmaking as one could hope for. Launched in 1952, the
Constellation collection is one of the oldest in Omega’s stable
of already legendary collections, and throughout its long history, it has
continually adapted to the changing tastes of the world around it.
In order to understand the Constellation as it exists today, it’s
necessary to jump into the wayback machine and set the dial to 1982 —
the era of big suits, even bigger shoulder pads, and unlimited expense
accounts. It was then that the Constellation Manhattan made its debut,
OMEGA
CONSTELLATION CO-AXIAL MASTER CHRONOMETER
MOVEMENT Self-winding caliber 8800 (for stainless-steel model)
and caliber 8801 (for gold models); hours, minutes and seconds;
date; 55-hour power reserve
CASE 39mm case in stainless steel, 18K yellow gold or 18K
Sedna gold; water-resistant to 50m
STRAP Black, blue, green, brown or gray leather, or matching
metal bracelet
the addendum to the venerable Constellation moniker and a not-sosubtle
nod to the city famous for minting millionaires and crooks alike.
In the early ’80s, the Quartz Crisis was in full effect, so naturally,
this new addition to the Omega family ticked and tocked. This was
hardly a handicap, however, as the design of the watch was the main
calling card. Almost intensely rounded, with deep scallops at the lugs
— “half-moon facets” in Omegaspeak — the most arresting visual
elements were the two sets of “claws” that curved around from the
back to hold the sapphire crystal snug in place against the case. In
with the vibe of the times, the bracelet, if so equipped, was an
affair.
Fast forward to 2020, and the Constellation is back with a
In 2018 the women’s collection received an update,
the men’s collection now follows suit with. The result is a pared
more contemporary take on the iconic design, yet with all of the
cues present and accounted for.
In addition to the updated case, the hands and indexes have been
to evoke the soaring height and acute angles of New York
Freedom Tower. In a nod to the sporting intentions of the
the hands also feature a sliver of lume, though with a
rating of 50 meters, the Constellation is more suited
lounging by the pool rather than diving on the Andrea Doria.
The Constellation’s 39mm case is available in stainless steel, 18K
gold and Omega’s proprietary Sedna gold, with an equally
range of dials including black, white, silver, brown grey and what
refer to as a “silk-embossed” finish in either white, champagne,
blue. One can also choose from a sleek “mono-rang” bracelet or
leather strap; the latter is available in black, blue, green, brown and
gray. Overall, there are 26 different variations in total.
In keeping with its history of award-winning chronometry,
the Constellation features Omega’s in-house Co-Axial Master
Chronometer caliber 8800 movement, which is METAS-certified and
can resist magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss.
With prices ranging from US$5,850 for steel on leather to
US$33,300 for the Sedna gold “full monty”, Omega has ensured that
there’s a Constellation for everyone.
74 THE MODERNIST