Manufacturer: Omega Year: 1958 Reference No: OT14355 Movement No: 15'769'264 Case No: 229'353 Model Name: Constellation Grand de Luxe Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Automatic, 505 Bracelet/Strap: Brick link Grand de Luxe bracelet Clasp/Buckle: Concealed Omega folding clasp Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Movement, dial and case signed Accessories: Accompanied by Omega Extract from the Archives Literature: The present Omega Grand de Luxe is prominently featured in Omega Watches by John Goldberger, page 192
Catalogue Essay
The present Omega Constellation Grand Luxe in rose gold was at the time of its production by far the most expensive model of Omega’s line. Made in 1958, it did not only feature the legendary observatory tested calibre 505 but also the incredibly well made Grand Luxe gold bracelet imitating the shape of a hand finished leather strap. The dial, adorned with four diamonds, is rather unusual as the Omega’s signature is applied below the centre. Knowing that a large portion of the Grand Luxe’s production was sold to royal families in the Middle East it is possible that the large blank space on the upper half of the dial was originally reserved for either a portrait or the signature of the country’s ruler.The specimen offer here for sale is in overall very good condition and still features the original period crystal, recognisable by the microscopic Omega symbol placed in the centre.
Omega's rich history begins with its founder, Louis Brandt, who established the firm in 1848 in La Chaux de Fonds. In 1903, the company changed its name to Omega, becoming the only watch brand in history to have been named after one its own movements. A full-fledged manufacturer of highly accurate, affordable and reliable watches, its sterling reputation enabled them to be chosen as the first watch company to time the Olympic Games beginning in 1932. Its continued focus on precision and reliability ultimately led their Speedmaster chronograph wristwatch to be chosen by NASA in 1965 — the first watch worn on the moon.
Key models sought-after by collectors include their first, oversized water-resistant chronograph — the reference 2077, early Speedmaster models such as the CK 2915 and 2998, military-issued versions of the Seamaster and oversized chronometer models such as those fitted with their prestigious caliber 30T2Rg.