Here we have an incredible retro Omega watch which combines form and function. A chunky steel design with a highly accurate, state of the art movement. Dating from 1974 this is an Omega Megaquartz f2.4 MHz reference 396.0806. It has the black waffle finish dial which catches the eye. It has the inset chapter ring with the hours/minutes track in bright white. It has the red Omega logo applied at 12, balanced with the red date window at 6. It is signed with the constellation model, with the applied ‘Omega’ text and ‘megaquartz f2.4MHZ’ signing. The hands are of a broad style with the white painted finish to the tips.
The Stainless-Steel case is formed from a solid block. It is a large watch, measuring 32.7mm x 49mm. It has the polished bezel with the bevelled sides. It is a beautiful canvas for the brushed finishing. The original bracelet reference 1209/202 is fitted to the watch, creating the integrated flow. The case back is held in place with four screws and has the clear Omega logo. Inside it is signed with the reference 396.0806. The movement is the Omega Calibre 1510 Megaquartz movement which originally had a yearly variation of just 12 seconds. 
 
The Omega Megaquartz movement utilised a Quartz crystal which oscillated 2.4 million times per second (2.4 MHz). The high frequency, along with other ingenious design features, enabled it to achieve a monthly variation of one second. Its sibling ‘Marine Chronometer’ with the same movement, is still the only watch to hold the title of ‘certified marine chronometer’.
 
At the time, the Megaquartz was state of the art. In 1974/75 the calibre 1510 was priced at £210, while a Speedmaster professional cost £124.50.
 
Production numbers were very low, with the 1510 f2.4MHz Constellation Megaquartz having an estimated production of around 1000-2000.
 
It was wrongly assumed that the 1510 was inferior to the 1511/1516 Marine Chronometer, which was also reinforced by the price difference. However, this was purely down to the marketing, and both were identical in performance. The Marine Chronometer was merely premium priced due to its accreditation and Omegas decision making.
 
The crazy, large and heavy Retro case was manufactured in Italy by Fernando Fontana and produced in Sesto Calende. It was cut from a single block of steel in the style of a truncated pyramid. 
 
This particular variation has the Black waffle dial. It is one of three waffle dial variations with the hour markers extending inside the chapter ring past the minute markers. The rectangular caramel colour surrounding the dial is related to ageing of the usually clear seal. 
 
An incredible retro design, combined with one of the most accurate movements ever produced. A true piece of horological history and a real icon. 
 
This is watch only, with no box or paperwork. 
 
All credit for information goes to the wonderful Omega Megaquartz website.
https://www.omegamegaquartz.com/
 
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference. The bracelet will fit up to an 8" wrist circumference. 
 
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
 
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good condition with no cracking to the finish. The applied Omega logo and date window surround has some light corrosion.   
 
Hands:
The hands are original and are in very good condition. 
 
Glass:
The crystal is original and is in good condition with no marking. 
 
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good condition. 
 
Case:
The case is formed of stainless steel. It is in in strong original condition with the brushed finishing.
 
Case back:
The case back is in good condition with the original brushed finish. The Omega logo is clearly defined. There is only light scratching. 
 
Strap:
The watch comes on a its original bracelet which is in good original condition. It will fit up to an 8” wrist circumference. 
 
Movement:
The movement is an Omega calibre 1510. It is a 13 jewel quartz movement. It has been regularly maintained by its previous owner. It has a monthly variation close to original specifications.
 
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 32.7mm
Case width with crown: 34.75mm 
Case length: 49mm 
Case Depth: 12.9mm
Lug width: 18mm