Omega - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Omega
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 2782
    Movement No: 14’765’050
    Case No: 11’380’035
    Model Name: Constellation
    Material: 18K white gold and diamond
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 354, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 34.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Omega Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial and diamond markers on July 4, 1956 and delivered to Switzerland.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Introduced in 1952, the watch was meant to be reflective the spirit of the modern age, post-World war II.

    Originally, developed as a limited edition to celebrate the firms centennial in 1948 and called the “Century”, the watch was well-received and it was decided to use it as a prototype for a new line. The Constellation featured a 35mm size waterproof case with flared sculpted lugs and an innovated caliber with automatic bumper movement. It was submitted for observatory testing and passed hence the observatory logo to the case back, and each example was chronometer certified.

    The present example is an extremely rare and possibly unique example of the Constellation. Confirmed by the Omega archives the watch is in 18k white gold with exceptional black dial and diamond numerals. While most examples feature the “pie pan” dial this rare dial is a work of art with glossy finish, silvered writing and all enhanced with the round and rectangular cut diamond markers. Today, the watch is close to 65 years old, but it has retained its grace and beauty over the ensuing years. It is a watch that has a modern aesthetic, along with a movement that was ahead of its time for accuracy. Savvy collectors are always looking for unusual gems that will add a new historical note to their collection, this Constellation is the watch to own.

  • Artist Biography

    Omega

    Swiss • 1848

    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.

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992

Ref. 2782
A very rare and exceptional white gold wristwatch with black dial and diamond-set numerals

1956
34.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€26,400-44,000
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$325,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018