Omega Constellation Master Chronometer Small Seconds
March 31, 2021Omega unveils new models in its Constellation family with a small seconds sub-dial, captivating dial colours and diamonds, a new 34mm case size, and, more importantly, all powered by the brand’s superior Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre. The hallmark claws and half-moon facets that have distinguished the Omega Constellation Master Chronometer Small Seconds since 1982 are immediately recognisable, as are the bezels engraved with classic Roman numerals or the brilliant light of 38 diamonds.
Omega’s Constellation started life as a men’s chronometer in 1952. By 1982, the Constellation had expanded to include women’s watches. Designed by Carol Didisheim and known as the Constellation Manhattan family, one of the distinctive features of the new collection was the four screwed “griffes” or claws extending from the case over the dial. An arresting visual effect, the claws also held the sapphire crystal and gasket firmly against the case to ensure water-resistance. Another feature was the scalloped half-moon facets at either end of the case. Now in its fifth-generation following a makeover in 2018, the 29mm Constellation was one of the first models to receive Omega’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8700.
Mechanical Constellation (not quartz) models for women have been available to date in 29mm – and even larger 36 mm and 39mm unisex formats – all endowed with Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibres. For 2021, the Constellation welcomes a new 34mm case size with a case height of 11.7mm available in a choice of 18k Sednagold, stainless steel or a combination of steel and gold. Corresponding to the 2018 makeover, the brushed surfaces of the case contrast with the polished bevelling along the case body and bracelet. The famous claws are also polished and bevelled, hugging the sides of the case at 3 and 9 o’clock. All four models are water-resistant to 50 metres.
Available till now in a three-hand & date format, the Constellation adds a small seconds sub-dial to the mix. Positioned at 6 o’clock and intersected by the round date window, the small seconds is echoed by another circle corresponding to the central minutes track.
The first and most luxurious model to join the Constellation family is the 18k Sedna gold model with its rich burgundy sun-brushed dial, diamond-set bezel and incremental diamond hour makers placed in gold holders. The largest diamond is placed at noon, and the size of the diamonds diminishes as they move towards the date window. Diamonds are also used to frame the small seconds dial and the minutes track. The skeletonised leaf-shaped hour and minute hands and the small seconds hand are also crafted in Sedna gold. A Constellation mono-rang integrated bracelet in Sedna gold completes the picture with its brushed links and polished central bars and bevels. Fitted with a feminine butterfly clasp, the bracelet has a 2mm comfort-adjustment system.
Other Omega Constellation Small Seconds will be released during the year, including a Sedna gold and stainless steel version with a glowing white mother-of-pearl dial, set with diamonds in the bezel and incremental diamond hour markers. Unlike the full-gold model, diamonds frame the small seconds counter but not the minutes track, and the watch comes on a dusty pink leather strap.
Another upcoming release will be the two-tone steel and Sedna gold model with an integrated mono-rang bracelet and a light chestnut sun-brushed dial with diamond indices, Roman numerals engraved on the brushed bezel and gold hands. A peacock-blue dial graces the all-steel version of the watch, also set with diamond indices, engraved numerals on the bezel and 18k white gold hands. In all four models, the leaf-shaped hands, the applied Omega logo and constellation star are all crafted from Sedna or white gold, depending on the case material.
With its level of precision, performance and magnetic-resistance, tested first by COSC for its chronometry credentials and then by METAS, the Master Chronometer movements powering these watches are unrivalled in the industry. The calibre 8803 powering the full-gold model has a silicon balance spring, beats at 25,200/3.5Hz and provides the Constellation Small Seconds with 55 hours of power reserve. The rotor and balance bridge are also crafted from Sedna gold, and the bridges are decorated with Geneva waves. The steel and two-tone steel and gold models are fitted with Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8802 and differ from the 8803 with their rhodium-plated rotor and bridges.