Here we have a 1969 Omega Constellation Chronometer reference 168.041. It has the well sized 40mm stainless steel tonneau case with the hidden lug design. The fluted bezel is formed of 14ct white gold and catches the eye. The dial is the silver tone with the horizontally brushed finish. The baton hour markers have the silver and black tone and mix of finishes. The day/date window sits at 3 o’clock, with the Italian day abbreviation. Above the dial sits the flat-top crystal with the Omega etched logo to the centre. To the right is the subtly recessed crown with Omega logo. It has the screw back to the rear with the famous Observatory engraving to the centre. Inside it is signed with the Omega name and reference number. The watch is powered by the Omega calibre 751 automatic movement, which has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.

It is watch only with no box or paperwork.

The 168.041
The model is something of an oddity in the Constellation family due to its size and case shape. It is very far removed from some of the more classic circular cases and dial designs just ten years prior, such was the injection of the space age into late 1960s/early 1970s designs!

It is often mis-profiled too, getting confused with the similar integrated bracelet reference 168.045 and with some of the larger Geneve models from the same period.

This reference was offered on a bracelet ref 1163, which has a 20mm end link width, with the width spanning the whole case. The original Omega leather strap also took the same path, expanding to fill the case width after the lug attachment, both of which were all part of creating an integrated design.

The watch
The dial is the silver tone and has the dished edge which rounds the exterior of the dial off nicely. It creates a break between the horizontally brushed finish to the main face and the texture of the fluted bezel.

The horizontally brushed finish catches the light nicely and provides a depth of intrigue to the dial. The baton hour markers are applied and have an interesting mix of finishes, as well as having the luminous plots applied to the bottom. The top of the markers has the powdered finish in the charcoal tone, whilst each end has the polished silver bevel. The result is an impactful yet subtle design. The marker at 12 o’clock is differentiated by the double dash and the day/date window sits at 3 o’clock as to balance with the markers. Surrounding the window is the applied silver tone capping with the rounded corners. The day wheel has Italian day abbreviations, with the Arabic date signing.

Below 12 O’clock is the applied, mirror polished Omega logo with the ‘Constellation’ line text and ‘Automatic’ signing. The Omega signing sits above 6 o’clock with the Chronometer text below. The base of the dial has the ‘Swiss Made’ text.

The hands are of index style, with the black painted finish. They are inset with the luminous in-fill which has the aged tone. The central second hand has the tapered design and is also black painted. The tone of the hand ties in nicely with the charcoal finish to the hour markers.

The dial and hands are protected by the raised flat sided and flat-top acrylic crystal. It is the original crystal which has the Omega etched logo to the centre.

The case is a large vintage dress watch at 40mm, which you would expect to make it feel chunky. However, it wears neatly on the wrist due to the shallow depth of 10.5mm and the hidden lug design, mounted underneath. This allows the strap to remain tight against the wrist, which pulls the watch in.

The case is the tonneau shape with the satin brushed finish to the front. The front is flat and slopes to the top and bottom. To the edge is the polished bevel which provides a focal point, dividing the finish of the top and the sides. The bezel is formed of 14ct white gold and is eye-catching with its notched design and the fluted finish, which shines in the light.

The sides are very subtly curved with the light satin brushed finish. The crown is semi-recessed into the case from the front, with full access to the rear. The crown is original and reference correct with the Omega logo to the face.

The rear of the case is subtly curved to allow it to sit comfortably on the wrist. It has the linear brushed finish with the polished bevelled edges. The case back screws in place and has the circular brushed finish surrounding the famous observatory design, which is well defined. The medallion depicts the Geneve Observatory, with eight stars. These eight stars symbolise Omega’s records in the observatory chronometer trials in Geneve and Kew-Teddington, between 1933 and 1952.

Inside the case is signed with the Omega signing and the reference 168.041. It is also signed with the initials S.F. which stand for Schmitz Freres, the Grenchen based case manufacturer. They were famous for waterproof design such as the ‘Clamshell’ case construction, later turning their skills to some dressier designs for Omega.

The watch is powered by the Omega calibre 751, which was based on the second-generation calibre 5xx movements. It is a Chronometer grade automatic movement which operates at a frequency of 19,800 BPH. It has the day wheel and quick set date, which is operated by pulling the crown out fully.
It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to Chronometer standards, with a daily variation of +5 seconds per day, an amplitude of 280 degrees and a 0.0m/s beat error.

The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
A further condition report is below.

Dial:
The dial is original and has spots of ageing to the lacquer. There are two noticeable areas of wear near the hand stack the centre. The signing is good and clear and the applied silver tone finishes shine brightly.

Hands:
The hands are original and are in good condition with the black painted finish intact and the intact aged luminous.

Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original and has the Omega etching to the centre. It is free of obvious marking.

Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition. It has the defined Omega logo to the face and functions well.

Case:
The case is stainless steel and is in strong condition with light scratching associated with age and wear. It maintains its original satin brushed finishes with the polished bevelled edges.

Caseback:
The case back is in strong vintage condition. The Observatory engraving has good definition, and the original circular brushing is visible. It has light scratching and a slightly deeper mark from a poor opening attempt in the past.

Strap:
The watch is on a new genuine leather strap, which is non-Omega. It will fit any wrist size.

Movement:
The watch is powered by the Omega calibre 751 which is a Chronometer grade automatic movement. It has the day wheel and quick set date, which is operated by pulling the crown out fully.

It has been recently serviced and is keeping time to within Chronometer standards. It has a daily variation of 4 seconds per day, with an amplitude of 280 degrees and a 0.0m/s beat error.

Case dimensions
Case width: 36mm
Case width with crown: 37.5mm
Case length: 40.25mm
Case depth: 11mm
Lug width: 20mm