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The Omega Constellation has stood as Omega’s flagship chronometer since its introduction in 1952, and throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, these watches were not simply competing with Rolex for prestige, they were often considered the superior timepiece. Omega held more observatory records than any other manufacturer during this era, and the Constellation line was the tangible, wearable proof of that dominance. The observatory medallion engraved on every Constellation caseback was not marketing decoration; it was a statement of purpose, a direct reference to Omega’s unmatched record in precision timekeeping trials. Within this celebrated lineage, the Reference 168.045 occupies a particularly fascinating place. Launched in the late 1960s, it represented Omega’s bold foray into the integrated bracelet watch, a design language where the case and bracelet flow into one another as a single, seamless form. It’s wild to think that this watch predates both the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus by several years, and given that Gerald Genta was a known design contributor for Omega during this very period, the family resemblance is more than coincidental.
At the heart of this watch beats the Caliber 751, a 24-jewel automatic chronometer movement adjusted to five positions and temperature, and arguably the last of Omega’s truly great production movements before the quartz crisis upended the Swiss watch industry. The 751 traces its DNA directly back to the legendary Caliber 551, inheriting that movement’s renowned precision and robustness while adding both day and date complications with a quickset feature that was remarkably advanced for its time. Beating at 19,800 vibrations per hour, the 751 is a smooth, quiet, and supremely reliable workhorse. The copper-plated beryllium-bronze finishing visible through the opened caseback is a thing of beauty, with its warmly toned bridges and generously jeweled train on full display. This is the movement that also powered the exceptionally rare “Golden” Seamaster BA168.023, of which only approximately 1,000 were ever produced, placing the 751 in rarefied mechanical company.
This particular example, with movement number 32547260, dates to 1973 and is presented in what can only be described as extraordinary condition. The stainless steel tonneau case, measuring approximately 36mm across, retains razor-sharp chamfers on every edge, a clear indication that this watch has never been polished. The brushed surfaces on the case flanks remain factory-crisp, and the overall proportions are wonderfully bold, wearing substantially larger than the millimeter count would suggest thanks to the wide, cushion-shaped profile and integrated bracelet design. The 14K gold coin-edge bezel frames the dial with a warmth and richness that elevates the entire presentation, its fine fluting still sharply defined and glinting beautifully in the light.
The silver dial is pristine. The brushed, vertically grained texture catches light in a way that shifts from pewter grey to bright silver depending on the angle, and the applied black baton indices with their gold-capped tops provide excellent legibility and visual depth. The day-date aperture at 3 o’clock is clean and perfectly aligned. The printed “Constellation” script, “Automatic,” “Omega,” “Chronometer Officially Certified,” and “Swiss Made” are all crisp and fully intact. The original black enamel stick hands and central sweep seconds hand show virtually no signs of aging whatsoever. The caseback bears the iconic Constellation observatory medallion and eight stars in sharp relief, while the interior is correctly stamped “Fab. Suisse,” “Swiss Made,” “Stainless Steel,” and the reference numbers 168.045-368.845.
The original Omega two-tone jubilee-style bracelet is in excellent condition with 14K gold filled center links alternating with brushed stainless steel outer links, showing minimal stretch and maintaining a satisfying, weighty drape on the wrist. The signed Omega clasp is stamped “14K G.F. / Stainless Steel Hinge” on the interior. Extra links are included.
What truly sets this watch apart, however, is the completeness of the set. The original Omega presentation box is present and in wonderful condition, as is the international guarantee card, which has been filled out by hand and records the sale to a “Stryker” by “Schreibman” jeweler in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1973. The original instruction booklets for the day-date setting functions are also included. Finding a Constellation 168.045 in this condition is uncommon enough; finding one as a full set with original papers, box, booklets, and extra links is genuinely rare.
To us, this is one of the most compelling vintage Omega propositions we have come across. It is an integrated bracelet chronometer from the golden age of Swiss watchmaking, powered by one of Omega’s finest movements, presented in a condition that borders on time capsule territory, and accompanied by its complete original accessories. For the collector who appreciates the avant-garde design thinking that would later inspire some of the most iconic luxury sports watches ever made, or simply for someone who wants a fantastically versatile and beautifully preserved daily wearer with real horological pedigree, this Constellation 168.045 is an exceptionally difficult watch to walk past.
