Omega introduced a revamped, ladies’ version of its Constellation watch in 2018, and followed that up with an extensive series of 39-mm men’s models earlier this year. Now the Swiss brand rounds out the contemporary Constellation family with a range of timepieces sized slightly larger, at 41 mm, and enhanced with bezels in polished ceramic.
The new Constellation Gents models — whose cases are crafted in stainless steel, 18k Sedna gold or yellow gold, or a combination of both — represent the latest evolution of the Constellation dress watch, which debuted back in 1952 and was notable for its “pie-pan” dial. The redesigned version that followed it in 1982 established the barrel-shaped case with four “claws,” half-moon facets at the top and bottom, mono-link bracelet, and indices on the bezel — all elements that have factored into every version since, including the softer, rounder 1995 iteration, the enlarged “Double Eagle” models of 2003, and the previous revamp in 2009. These new 41-mm men’s models, however, are at the moment available only on straps rather than bracelets.
In keeping with their (slightly) more modestly proportioned predecessors, the new Constellation Gents feature polished and beveled edges along the cases and bracelet; a slimmer bezel with redesigned Roman numerals; a slimmer profile and more elegant finishing for the claws; a subtly reshaped, conical crown; redesigned slim hands and hour markers visually inspired, Omega says, by the triangular facets of New York City’s Freedom Tower. These versions’ dials also have a subtle detail: a sunbrushed motif emanating not from the center but from the applied star at 6 o’clock. Replicating the flat, metallized glass bezels of the 1952 Constellation on these new models are new, curved bezels made of polished ceramic, with numerals executed in either Omega’s Ceragold or Liquidmetal — two high-tech substances used in previous Omega models. The only exception is the steel model whose steel bezel has blackened Roman numerals. The straps are alligator leather with an antibacterial rubber lining for maximum comfort, connected to the case by a metallic link. Omega has designed the case and strap connection so that the wearer can exchange the strap with any of the bracelets from the 39-mm Constellation Gents collection.
Inside the case, beating behind a sapphire exhibition back, is the movement, Omega’s co-axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8900/8901 (the latter designation, used in gold cases, features a gold rotor), which meets both the official chronometer standards of the Swiss testing agency COSC and also the eight criteria set forth by Omega’s own certification, including the ability to resist magnetic fields to a level of 15,000 gauss. This self-winding caliber, also equipped with Omega’s co-axial escapement and a rotor decorated with Geneva waves, stores a 60-hour power reserve in two series-connected spring barrels.
The Omega Constellation Gents 41-mm editions range in price from $6,500 in steel to $20,400 in gold. Want more new Omega watches for 2020? Click here for our report on the Seamaster Planet Ocean America’s Cup edition and here for details on the recently released Speedmaster 38 “Moonwatches for Ladies.”
| Manufacturer: | Omega S.A., Stämpflistrasse 96, 2504 Bienne, Switzerland |
| Reference number: | 013163412101001, 013163412103001, 013133412106001 |
| Functions: | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Movement: | Omega Caliber 8900/8901, automatic, co-axial escapement, Master Chronometer certification, 60-hour power reserve, antimagnetic to 15,000 gauss |
| Case: | Stainless steel, Ceragold, or yellow gold, polished ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal and caseback |
| Strap and clasp: | Alligator leather strap with rubber lining |
| Dimensions: | Diameter = 41 mm |
| Price: | $6,500 (steel), $20,400 (gold) |
