This exceptional 1972 Omega Constellation Ref. 168.046 is a wonderful example of Omega’s golden era. Elegant, technically sophisticated, and remarkably complete, it combines the timeless design of the Constellation with one of Omega’s most respected high-frequency automatic movements, and comes accompanied by its original presentation box, warranty card, and booklet.
The Constellation has long represented Omega’s pursuit of precision. Introduced in 1952 as a dedicated chronometer collection, the model quickly became one of the brand’s most prestigious offerings. Unlike a simple dress watch, the Constellation was built around the idea of precision timekeeping, with chronometer-certified movements at the heart of its identity.
This particular example dates to 1972 and belongs to the distinctive Ref. 168.046 family. Its design captures the transition between the refined elegance of earlier Constellations and the more contemporary styling Omega was embracing during the 1970s. It remains unmistakably a Constellation, but with the larger presence and sharper character that make this generation particularly appealing to modern collectors.
Inside is the Omega Calibre 1001, a 20-jewel automatic chronometer movement beating at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). This was an important generation of Omega movement engineering, combining automatic winding with the higher-frequency operation that allowed for excellent timekeeping performance.
The Calibre 1001 is also equipped with hacking seconds. When the crown is pulled into the appropriate setting position, the seconds hand stops, allowing the wearer to synchronize the watch precisely to a reference time. It is a small but significant feature that speaks to the Constellation’s identity as a precision instrument.
The movement offers an impressive 42-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to continue running for nearly two days when fully wound. The automatic winding system uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to replenish the mainspring, providing the convenience expected from a high-end everyday watch while retaining the beauty and tactile experience of traditional mechanical watchmaking.
The 20-jewel construction uses jeweled bearings at critical points throughout the movement to reduce friction and wear. Combined with the high-frequency balance and chronometer-focused engineering, the Calibre 1001 represents exactly the kind of sophisticated mechanical technology that made Omega such a significant force in Swiss watchmaking during this period.
The Constellation’s history is inseparable from Omega’s pursuit of accuracy. During the post-war decades, chronometer certification was one of the clearest demonstrations of a manufacturer’s ability to produce exceptionally precise mechanical watches. Omega became one of the most successful companies in this field, and the Constellation became the collection most closely associated with that pursuit.
What makes this particular watch even more special is its completeness. Included with the watch are the original Omega presentation box, original warranty card, and original booklet. Original accessories are increasingly difficult to find with vintage watches, particularly when they have survived together for more than fifty years. Having the original documentation and packaging provides an unusually tangible connection to the watch’s original life.
The bracelet is also supplied with enough original links to comfortably fit a 7-inch wrist, making this an especially practical example for someone looking to actually wear and enjoy the watch. Rather than being a watch that simply looks beautiful in a display case, it is ready to take its place on the wrist.
There is something particularly satisfying about a complete vintage Omega. The watch itself tells the story through its case, dial, movement, and bracelet, while the original box, warranty card, and booklet provide another layer of provenance. Together, they offer a glimpse into how this Constellation would have been purchased and presented when new in 1972.
The combination of the Constellation name, Ref. 168.046 case, Calibre 1001 chronometer movement, high-frequency 28,800 vph operation, hacking seconds, and original accessories makes this a particularly compelling vintage Omega.
For collectors who appreciate Omega’s technical history, the Constellation’s connection to chronometer precision, and the beauty of complete vintage sets, this is a wonderful opportunity. More than five decades old, yet still elegant and highly wearable, it represents a fascinating chapter in Omega’s evolution from classic post-war watchmaker to one of the world’s most important precision mechanical brands.
A beautiful and unusually complete vintage Constellation—original box, original warranty card, original booklet, original bracelet with extra links, and one of Omega’s most respected high-frequency automatic movements.
This exceptional 1972 Omega Constellation Ref. 168.046 is a wonderful example of Omega’s golden era. Elegant, technically sophisticated, and remarkably complete, it combines the timeless design of the Constellation with one of Omega’s most respected high-frequency automatic movements, and comes accompanied by its original presentation box, warranty card, and booklet.
The Constellation has long represented Omega’s pursuit of precision. Introduced in 1952 as a dedicated chronometer collection, the model quickly became one of the brand’s most prestigious offerings. Unlike a simple dress watch, the Constellation was built around the idea of precision timekeeping, with chronometer-certified movements at the heart of its identity.
This particular example dates to 1972 and belongs to the distinctive Ref. 168.046 family. Its design captures the transition between the refined elegance of earlier Constellations and the more contemporary styling Omega was embracing during the 1970s. It remains unmistakably a Constellation, but with the larger presence and sharper character that make this generation particularly appealing to modern collectors.
Inside is the Omega Calibre 1001, a 20-jewel automatic chronometer movement beating at a high frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz). This was an important generation of Omega movement engineering, combining automatic winding with the higher-frequency operation that allowed for excellent timekeeping performance.
The Calibre 1001 is also equipped with hacking seconds. When the crown is pulled into the appropriate setting position, the seconds hand stops, allowing the wearer to synchronize the watch precisely to a reference time. It is a small but significant feature that speaks to the Constellation’s identity as a precision instrument.
The movement offers an impressive 42-hour power reserve, allowing the watch to continue running for nearly two days when fully wound. The automatic winding system uses the movement of the wearer’s wrist to replenish the mainspring, providing the convenience expected from a high-end everyday watch while retaining the beauty and tactile experience of traditional mechanical watchmaking.
The 20-jewel construction uses jeweled bearings at critical points throughout the movement to reduce friction and wear. Combined with the high-frequency balance and chronometer-focused engineering, the Calibre 1001 represents exactly the kind of sophisticated mechanical technology that made Omega such a significant force in Swiss watchmaking during this period.
The Constellation’s history is inseparable from Omega’s pursuit of accuracy. During the post-war decades, chronometer certification was one of the clearest demonstrations of a manufacturer’s ability to produce exceptionally precise mechanical watches. Omega became one of the most successful companies in this field, and the Constellation became the collection most closely associated with that pursuit.
What makes this particular watch even more special is its completeness. Included with the watch are the original Omega presentation box, original warranty card, and original booklet. Original accessories are increasingly difficult to find with vintage watches, particularly when they have survived together for more than fifty years. Having the original documentation and packaging provides an unusually tangible connection to the watch’s original life.
The bracelet is also supplied with enough original links to comfortably fit a 7-inch wrist, making this an especially practical example for someone looking to actually wear and enjoy the watch. Rather than being a watch that simply looks beautiful in a display case, it is ready to take its place on the wrist.
There is something particularly satisfying about a complete vintage Omega. The watch itself tells the story through its case, dial, movement, and bracelet, while the original box, warranty card, and booklet provide another layer of provenance. Together, they offer a glimpse into how this Constellation would have been purchased and presented when new in 1972.
The combination of the Constellation name, Ref. 168.046 case, Calibre 1001 chronometer movement, high-frequency 28,800 vph operation, hacking seconds, and original accessories makes this a particularly compelling vintage Omega.
For collectors who appreciate Omega’s technical history, the Constellation’s connection to chronometer precision, and the beauty of complete vintage sets, this is a wonderful opportunity. More than five decades old, yet still elegant and highly wearable, it represents a fascinating chapter in Omega’s evolution from classic post-war watchmaker to one of the world’s most important precision mechanical brands.
A beautiful and unusually complete vintage Constellation—original box, original warranty card, original booklet, original bracelet with extra links, and one of Omega’s most respected high-frequency automatic movements.