Omega Constellation 2852

The Omega Constellation 2852 was introduced in 1956 as part of Omega’s flagship chronometer line. It was produced from the mid-1950s through the turn of the 1960s, marking the transition period in Constellation design. This reference remained in Omega’s catalog into the early 1960s, until it was succeeded by newer Constellation models around 1960-1962. The introduction of the ref. 2852 coincided with Omega’s switch from bumper automatics to full-rotor automatic movements, and it stayed in production until the launch of the next generation Constellations (such as refs. 14381/14393 with newer calibers). In summary, the 2852 was a staple of Omega’s lineup for roughly 1956 to 1960/61, with sales likely continuing into the early 1960s as remaining stock was sold.

Historical Significance

The Constellation ref. 2852 holds an important place in Omega’s history. The Constellation line itself was first launched in 1952 as Omega’s premier chronometer-certified dress watch, building on the success of the limited 1948 “Centenary” chronometer model. By the time the 2852 came out, the Constellation had established Omega’s reputation for precision timekeeping in series-production wristwatches. The 2852 represents one of the early fully automatic Constellations and helped popularize the “Pie Pan” dial design that has since become iconic. In the 1950s, owning a Constellation was a symbol of modern technology and elegance – Omega’s answer to high-end competitors (for example, it was often compared to Rolex’s Datejust in terms of being a prestigious automatic chronometer watch for gentlemen). The ref. 2852 in particular showcased Omega’s technical progress (with its improved movements) and aesthetic evolution (introducing refined dial and case styles). It was often the watch of choice for those who wanted top-notch accuracy (every Constellation was a certified chronometer) combined with luxury. The model also coincided with Omega’s strong performance in chronometry competitions, and the Constellation’s emblem – the Observatory under a sky of stars – directly alludes to Omega’s world-record chronometer awards. Thus, the 2852 embodied Omega’s heritage of precision. Today, it is regarded as a classic vintage “Connie”, highly sought after by collectors for its place in the lineage (being among the first generation of rotor-driven Constellations) and for its timeless mid-century design. In short, the ref. 2852 is historically significant as a cornerstone of the Constellation family in the 1950s, representing Omega’s blend of scientific achievement and elegant design during that era.

Case Materials and Design

Omega offered the Constellation 2852 in a range of case materials to cater to different markets and price points, all while maintaining an elegant design. The case is round, ~35mm in diameter, with prominent lugs and a thin bezel. It has a classic 1950s dress watch style – a slim profile with gently downturned lugs (not yet the later 1960s “dog-leg” style, but a more fluid curved lug design). Key case material variations included:

• Stainless Steel (Ref. CK 2852): A significant portion of 2852s were made in stainless steel. These feature a polished steel case with a press-fit (snap-on) caseback. Despite being “steel,” they were not lacking in luxury details – for example, the steel models typically have an applied medallion in the caseback (often in gold-tone) and gold-tone dial furniture. The steel version made the Constellation relatively more affordable while still providing the same chronometer movement and iconic style.
• Gold-Capped / Gold-Plated: Omega produced many ref. 2852 watches in “gold-cap” versions, sometimes described as 14k gold shell over steel. These have a thick layer of gold (yellow or pink) bonded to a stainless steel base. Visually, they appear as gold watches (with a solid gold bezel and lugs surface), but the inner case and caseback are steel. Gold-capped Constellations were popular in the 1950s, offering the look of gold at lower cost. Often the caseback on these still had a gold Observatory medallion inset. (Note: Omega’s coding sometimes denotes these as e.g. “KO 2852” for a gold-capped case.)
• Solid 18K Gold (Ref. OT 2852): The 2852 was of course offered in solid gold for the ultimate luxury. Both 18k yellow gold and 18k rose (pink) gold versions were made (depending on region and customer preference – Omega’s catalog and case codes would reflect the gold color). These models feature an all-gold case and bezel, and usually also a gold caseback with the observatory medallion in relief. Solid gold cases were the top of the line for standard Constellations. (Omega also produced some 14k solid gold cases, notably for the US market where 14k was a standard, so some 2852 examples in 14k exist as well.) The gold cases have the same dimensions (~35mm) but with a heavier weight and often crisper detailing due to the softer metal allowing sharp edges from the factory.
• Rare White Gold or Platinum: While not part of the regular catalog, there were extremely scarce special-order Constellations in white metals. Omega did not commonly catalog a white gold 2852, but a few platinum examples of late-50s Constellations are known to exist (likely special commissions for VIP clients). These are exceedingly rare and usually considered part of the “Grand Luxe” category (see below), not standard production. For practical purposes, collectors will typically encounter steel, gold-cap, or 14k/18k yellow or pink gold 2852 cases.

In terms of design details: All ref. 2852 cases feature a snap-on (press-in) case back (as opposed to later Constellations which moved to screw-down backs for higher water-resistance). The model was rated at a modest water resistance (~30 meters) when new – sufficient for daily wear but not for serious water exposure. The bezel on the 2852 is a smooth, polished ring (no fluting or engraving), relatively thin to maximize the dial opening. The overall look is elegant and restrained.

A signature element of all vintage Constellations, including the 2852, is the caseback medallion: On the back of the watch, Omega decorated the case with an embossed Observatory dome and eight stars in the sky above it. This emblem symbolized Omega’s chronometer victories (the stars represent the records and awards won at the Geneva observatory trials). On gold models the medallion is part of the gold case; on steel or gold-capped models, a gold medallion is usually inset into the steel back. This medallion design is a hallmark of the Constellation line and appeared on ref. 2852 from its inception, highlighting the watch’s accuracy pedigree.

Finally, the crown design is worth noting: The original crown style on the 2852 was typically a ten-sided (decagonal) crown. This distinctive faceted crown was used on many early Constellations to give a better grip for winding while maintaining a dressy look. It almost looks like a tiny gear or a floral shape from the front. Many surviving examples have had crowns replaced over time (with generic round crowns), but a correct vintage 2852 should have the small decagonal crown. This is another charming characteristic of the 1950s Constellations.

Dial Variations (Colors, Textures, Markers)

One of the most celebrated aspects of the ref. 2852 is its dial, often the “Pie Pan” dial. The term “pie pan” refers to the dial’s shape: it has a raised central portion and a sloped, faceted outer circumference (like an inverted pie-baking pan). This multi-faceted dial catches light beautifully and gives the watch an extra level of refinement. While the pie-pan configuration is most associated with the Constellation 2852, there were actually a number of dial variations in this reference, in terms of color, texture, and markers. Below we break down the key variations:

• Dial Colors: The most common dial color for the 2852 was a silvered or off-white finish. Omega typically used a silvered opaline dial (which can appear white or champagne in tone under different lights). There were also examples with a warmer champagne or pale gold-toned dial, especially on gold-cased watches (in some cases the dial itself was made of gold – see “Deluxe” below – giving a rich golden color). A particularly sought-after variation is the black dial Constellation 2852. Black dials were relatively rare at the time, but Omega did produce some – often these were paired with gold markers and text for contrast. Original black pie-pan dials from the 1950s are quite collectible now (and often faked, so genuine ones are prized). Other colors like blue or other tones were not part of the normal production; essentially your choices in that era were silver/white, black, or occasionally a gilded tone. Some dials also have a two-tone effect: for example, certain pie-pan dials have a different finishing on the central disc versus the outer faceted ring (creating a subtle contrast in texture or color between the center and edge, sometimes described as two-tone pie-pan).
• Dial Textures and Finishes: Beyond color, Omega offered different dial finishes. In addition to the standard smooth, sunray or matte finishes, one notable variant is the “waffle” or honeycomb textured dial. Some ref. 2852 watches came with a finely guilloché waffle-pattern dial surface. This texture, combined with the pie-pan form, makes for a very striking look. Waffle dials were often seen on earlier 1950s Omegas; by the time of the 2852 they were less common but certainly exist. Another dial detail seen on many Constellations is the cross-hair or crossline dial: This is a thin set of perpendicular lines (one vertical, one horizontal) crossing at the center of the dial, dividing it into quadrants. Crosshair dials were popular in the 1950s as a style choice (they give a sense of symmetry and scientific precision). Many 2852 pie-pan dials, especially in the late 1950s, feature these crosshair lines running through the center, intersecting at the hands axis and extending toward the dial text. Crosshairs are found on both light and black dials. Between textured waffle dials, smooth pie-pans, and crosshair variants, collectors can find a lot of subtle diversity in the ref. 2852’s dial appearance. It’s also worth noting that a few early-production examples of the 2852 (particularly those housing the earliest caliber 501 movements) have been observed with domed (non-pie-pan) dials. These early dials lack the stepped pie-pan facets and are more traditional convex shapes. They also exhibited slightly different font details in the printing. These seem to be quite scarce and probably represent an initial dial style that was quickly superseded by the pie-pan design. In general, however, the vast majority of Omega 2852 Constellations you’ll encounter have the signature pie-pan form.
• Hour Markers and Index Styles: Omega used high-quality applied hour markers on the Constellation, and ref. 2852 came with a few different styles of indices:
  • The most famous are the “arrowhead” markers – large triangular wedge markers that point toward the center of the dial. These markers are wide and faceted, often with their broad end toward the outside and a pointed tip aiming inward. All twelve hour positions could have these large arrowhead indices, or sometimes just the 12 o’clock was a double marker. On many pie-pan dials, the arrowhead markers catch the light and complement the faceted dial nicely. Collectors particularly love the look of arrowhead marker Constellations.
  • Another marker style seen is a set of slightly smaller, lozenge or diamond-shaped indices. These are essentially faceted rhombus shapes – still applied metal markers, but not as big as the arrowheads. They give a slightly more understated look, often seen on some deluxe models. (The term “diamond markers” can sometimes confuse – here we mean diamond-shaped, not actual gemstones. However, note that a few ultra-luxe Constellations did indeed use small diamond gem indices – those were typically special order Grand Luxe versions.)
  • There were also variants that combined Arabic numerals with baton markers. For instance, some late-50s Connies have the cardinal hours (3, 6, 9, 12) displayed as applied Arabic numerals (in a modernist font), with simpler bar indices at the other positions. These “mixed index” dials are less common but certainly known in the Constellation lineup during this era (more often seen in the early 1960s references, but a few 2852 examples might show something similar, especially towards the end of its production). Generally, the standard 2852 dial does not have Arabic numerals (most have all-baton or all-arrow markers), so any numeric markers are a notable variation.
  • All Constellation dials feature a faceted five-pointed star applique above the 6 o’clock position, signifying the Constellation series. This little star is present on every authentic Constellation dial and is an important part of the design.

In terms of dial lettering, the ref. 2852 typically has the script: “Omega” and the Omega logo up top, usually “Automatic Chronometer” (with “Chronometer” often in French spelling “Chronomètre”) and “Officially Certified” on two lines above the star. During the mid-1950s, Omega added the “Officially Certified” designation to emphasize that the chronometer status was certified by an official body. Almost all 2852 dials carry this three-line text (Omega – Automatic – Chronometer Officially Certified). Only later in 1960 did some Constellations briefly omit “Officially Certified” (those are the so-called two-line dials on transitional references). So, a ref. 2852 will usually show the full chronometer text. Collectors also note minor font variations – for example, very early 2852 dials have a slightly different arrangement or font weight in the text (as mentioned, a small subset even had the word lengths staggered differently). These nuances are of interest for purists but do not change the overall categories of dial variation listed above.

In summary, the Omega Constellation 2852 came with a variety of elegant dial options: most are pie-pan dials (with a few early domed exceptions), in colors ranging from white/silver to black, occasionally with two-tone or textured finishes. Hour markers could be the bold arrowhead style or other applied shapes, and all dials proudly display the Constellation star and chronometer credentials. This richness in dial variation is a big part of the vintage Constellation’s charm, as one can find everything from a refined ivory pie-pan with gold arrow markers to a unique black waffle dial with steel indices – all under the same reference family.

Movements (Calibers) Used

The reference 2852 was equipped exclusively with Omega’s in-house automatic chronometer movements from the 5xx family. Specifically, two closely related calibers were used in this reference over its production:

• Caliber 501: Early examples of the ref. 2852 (around 1956 into 1957) often carried the Omega cal. 501. This is a full-rotor automatic movement with 19 jewels, beating at 19,800 vph. It features central seconds and no date. The 501 was chronometer-grade, meaning each was adjusted and certified to high accuracy. Technically, the 500-series movements were an evolution of Omega’s first-gen automatics – the 5xx replaced the older bumper automatics (such as caliber 354 used in earlier Constellations) with a more modern rotor on ball-bearings design. The cal. 501 in particular was state-of-the-art in the mid-1950s. It has a bi-directional winding rotor and a power reserve of around 46 hours. In the context of ref. 2852, the 501 was used in the initial production run. Collectors have noted that movement serial numbers in the range of roughly 14.8 million to 15.0 million have cal. 501 and correspond to those first batches of 2852s.
• Caliber 505: As Omega refined their movements, later 2852s were fitted with the upgraded cal. 505. The caliber 505 is very similar fundamentally to the 501 but with a few improvements – notably it has 24 jewels (the jewel count was increased from 19 by adding jeweling to the rotor bearings and other points, to reduce friction and wear). The cal. 505 also introduced some minor enhancements for reliability and accuracy. It remained a 19,800 vph no-date chronometer automatic. Omega began phasing in the 505 around 1956/1957, so by the late 1950s essentially all Constellation 2852 production would be using the 505. If one opens a Constellation 2852 and sees a 24-jewel movement, it’s the 505 (the movement is usually marked “505” under the balance or near a bridge). Serial numbers for 505 in Constellations tend to be later 15 million and 16 million series (indicative of 1957-1959 production years, roughly).

Both calibers 501 and 505 are part of Omega’s highly respected 50x series and share the same architecture (automatic winding with a central rotor, sweep seconds, and fine regulation). They are known for their copper-colored plating (a signature of Omega movements of that era) and excellent finishing for mass-produced calibers. Accuracy: As chronometer movements, each was tested to meet chronometer standards; the dials proudly say “Officially Certified” to reflect this. Owners today often find these movements still keep excellent time if properly serviced. The difference between 19 and 24 jewels was mainly to reduce maintenance needs – the 505’s extra jewels make it a bit more “deluxe” internally.

It’s worth noting that the ref. 2852 was always a time-only (no date) model. Omega introduced a date function to the Constellation line in 1958 with a different reference (for example, the contemporary Constellation Calendar ref. 2943 used caliber 504/591 with a date window). But ref. 2852 itself did not have a date complication, and thus it used the no-date movements 501/505. This focus on time-only kept the dial clean and balanced (especially important for the pie-pan aesthetic).

By 1960, Omega moved on to the next generation movements (caliber 551 for no-date, 561 for date, etc., used in the successor Constellations). That transition also corresponded to new case references. Thus, the 2852 represents the pinnacle of the 1950s chronometer movements before the next technological update. In summary, caliber 501 and 505 are the engines inside the 2852 – robust, chronometer-certified automatics that were among the best of their era.

Hands and Other Stylistic Details

The Omega Constellation 2852 was fitted with elegant hands that complemented its dial design. The most typical style of hands on this reference is Dauphine hands. Dauphine hands are the sharp, faceted hands that come to a fine point, a style very popular in the 1950s. They usually have a split along their length creating two facets which catch the light. On the 2852, the hour and minute hands are slender yet faceted triangles – broad at the base near the cannon pinion and tapering to a sharp tip. Omega used high-polish metal for these, usually matching the color of the hour markers (gold-tone hands for watches with gold markers, steel hands for watches with steel markers, etc.). In practice, even the steel-cased Constellations often had gold-colored markers and hands, because it looks luxurious against a silver dial.

A few notes on the hand variations:

• In most cases, the hands are non-luminous, Dauphine style. Given the dressy nature of the Constellation, many dials did not feature luminous hour plots, and so the hands are solid metal (no lume inserts). They have a razor-like shape with a polished finish.
• Some versions of the 2852 did have luminous details – for example a black dial variant might have small radium lume pips at the hour markers and corresponding lume-filled hands. In those instances, Omega typically still used the Dauphine shape for the hour and minute hands, but with a slender groove or cut-out in which the luminous material (radium in the 1950s) was applied. These lumed Dauphine hands appear a bit thicker due to the lume line, but retain the same pointed shape. They would also usually be paired with a lumed seconds hand (often a simple steel sweep seconds with a small lume “ball” or strip).
• There is occasionally mention of “Alpha” hands in descriptions. Alpha hands are very similar to Dauphine, essentially also pointed hands but sometimes slightly more tapered. Some collectors or sellers use the terms interchangeably. In the context of ref. 2852, the hands are generally the classic Dauphine form. One seller description referred to them as “tapered alpha hands” – which just underscores they are the thin, pointed style (perhaps differentiated from chunkier Dauphines on other models).

The seconds hand on the 2852 is a straight, needle-like hand that reaches out to the minute track. It is usually thin and extends to touch or nearly touch the seconds markers. Typically it’s of the same metal tone as the other hands. On non-lume dials, it’s a simple polished pointer; on lume dials, it might have a small lume patch as mentioned.

In summary, the hand set of the Omega 2852 is refined and functional: the sharply pointed hour and minute hands make it easy to read the time precisely against the faceted pie-pan dial, and they contribute to the watch’s mid-century modern aesthetics. The consistency of using Dauphine hands also ties the 2852 to many of its sibling Omega models of the era (Seamasters, etc., which also used similar hands), but on the Constellation they are often executed in solid gold or gilt and polished to a high shine.

Besides the hands, a couple of other stylistic details are notable:

• Crystal: The original crystals on these were acrylic (hesalite) with a small Omega symbol etched in the center. They were typically domed crystals that allowed a clear view of the pie-pan dial from various angles. Many surviving pieces have replacement crystals by now, but the presence of the Omega logo on the crystal is a nice touch in original examples.
• Crown: As discussed earlier, the crown was a 10-sided design, which itself is a stylistic signature. It’s small and unobtrusive at 3 o’clock, but those who know vintage Omegas often spot the decagonal crown as a “Constellation thing.” This crown is not just decorative – its multiple notches make it easier to wind and set the time, though it is not a screw-down crown (so water resistance relies on an internal gasket only).
• Caseback engraving: We mentioned the Observatory medallion – stylistically, this ties into the dial star and the whole theme of the watch being named “Constellation.” It’s a literal constellation of stars on your wrist. It’s easy to overlook the back when describing appearance, but for collectors it’s a point of pride (and also helps verify authenticity, since that medallion detail should be crisp and correct on a genuine case).

Overall, the ref. 2852’s hands and other design flourishes are all about understated mid-century elegance. The watch doesn’t have any wild or extraneous features – everything from the hands to the markers to the stars and medallions serves to reinforce its identity as a precision instrument and a luxury object.

Notable Variations and Special Models

Within the universe of the Constellation ref. 2852, there are a few special sub-variations and related models worth noting. Omega tended to create “grades” or versions of their Constellation to appeal to different buyers, and the 2852 was no exception. Key notable variations include:

• “Deluxe” Dials (Reference 2853): Omega offered a deluxe variant of the Constellation which featured a solid gold dial. These watches were usually in solid gold cases as well. In Omega’s catalogs of the time, a Constellation with an 18k gold case and an 18k gold dial was often designated as a “De Luxe” model. The reference number 2853 is frequently associated with these deluxe versions, although in practice the casebacks were sometimes stamped “2852/2853 SC” because the case construction was the same – it was really the dial that differed (gold dial versus regular dial). A Deluxe model pie-pan dial typically has a distinctive look: since it’s made of gold, it often has a mirror-like finish or a two-tone gilt finish, and the hour markers may be slightly different (often very high-polish and sometimes inlaid with onyx or enamel for contrast). These pieces were the high-end dress Constellations for those who wanted extra opulence. If you see a vintage Connie with an all-gold dial (sometimes even the minute tracks are engraved, etc.), it’s likely a Deluxe. The 2852 and 2853 are basically siblings – one could say the 2853 is a sub-reference of 2852 for the solid-gold-dial configuration. They belong to the same era (mid/late 1950s).
• Grand Luxe Models: Even above the Deluxe was the Grand Luxe. The Constellation Grand Luxe watches of the 1950s were the absolute top-of-the-line Omegas, and they typically had their own reference numbers. For example, around the same period, Omega made the Constellation Grand Luxe ref. 2930, which also used caliber 505 but featured a unique case style with hooded lugs and usually came with a special “brick link” 18k gold bracelet. Grand Luxe models always had solid gold dials as well (and some even had diamond hour markers or other extravagant details). While the Grand Luxe is technically a separate reference, it’s worth mentioning in context: it represents the most luxurious form of what a ref. 2852 could be. In essence, the Grand Luxe took the Constellation concept and added even more elaborate casing and often an integrated bracelet. For example, a Grand Luxe pie-pan dial might have textured patterns or different index styles (some had “clou de Paris” patterned dials or other unique finishes). The key visual hallmark is the hooded lugs (the top of the lugs cover part of the end of the bracelet) and the brickwork bracelet itself, which was specific to Grand Luxe sets. These models were made in yellow gold, rose gold, and even a few in platinum. They were extremely expensive in the 1950s, on par or more costly than a Rolex Day-Date at the time, which underlines their exclusivity. While not called “2852”, the Grand Luxe pieces form an important part of the Constellation story of that era. Collectors today sometimes use “Grand Luxe” term broadly; specifically, for clarity: in the mid-50s the ref. 2852 is the standard case (with optionally a Deluxe dial), and ref. 2799 and 2930 were examples of Grand Luxe references with hooded lugs.
• Caseback Variations: Most 2852 casebacks are snap-on with the Observatory logo. There was also a closely related reference (2887) which was essentially the same watch but with a screw-in caseback for better water resistance. The 2887 is often called the “screw-back Constellation.” It also used cal. 505. Some consider it a variation of the 2852 line because it shares dial, hands, and movement types, but has a different case sealing method. It’s relatively uncommon and mainly of interest to completists – but it’s a notable variation for the engineering difference. The presence of a screw-back indicates that Omega was experimenting with making the Constellation more water-resistant (foreshadowing the fully water-resistant Constellations of the 1960s). However, the vast majority of ref. 2852 you encounter will be the normal snap-back version.
• Crown Variations: Originally, as noted, the ref. 2852 had the 10-sided crown. During its production, Omega also introduced a more standard knurled crown (with scalloped edges) as an alternative, especially as they moved into the 1960s. It’s possible to find late examples of 2852 or serviced watches with the scalloped crown. Purists often try to source the original decagonal crown for restoration. This is a minor variation but worth noting as part of the watch’s characteristics – the 10-sided crown is part of the “vintage charm,” while a replaced crown might be smooth or grooved.
• Dial Signature Variations (Cosigned Dials): In the 1950s it was not uncommon for high-end watches to be co-branded by the retailer. Some Constellation 2852s were sold through prestige jewelers and carry an additional signature on the dial. For example, a Constellation might have “Tiffany & Co.” printed under the Omega logo if sold by Tiffany’s, or “Türler” (a famous Swiss retailer) above the star. These double-signed dials are quite rare and desirable to certain collectors, as they add to the provenance and story of the piece. They don’t denote a different reference or spec, just a different print on the dial. A set of known examples includes ones signed by Tiffany, Türler, and other high-end shops of the era.
• Bracelets: While the Constellation 2852 was typically sold on a leather strap (with Omega buckle) as a dress watch, Omega did offer metal bracelets as accessories. The most common style was the “beads of rice” bracelet, a supple and dressy multi-link bracelet that pairs nicely with the Constellation. These could be in matching metals (stainless steel, gold-cap, or solid gold versions to match the watch). There was also the rarer brick bracelet (mostly for Grand Luxe as mentioned). It’s notable that an original beads-of-rice bracelet with correct endlinks for a 2852 can add value/interest, but many owners in that era preferred straps. Today one often sees vintage Constellations on fine alligator or calf straps for a classic look, but bracelets are a nice variation to mention.

In essence, within the reference 2852’s original production era, Omega created a tiered offering: the standard steel or gold-cap models, the luxurious solid gold models, the Deluxe versions with gold dials (often considered part of the 2852 family via ref. 2853), and the ultra-lux Grand Luxe variants (different ref numbers but same time period). All of them share the core design DNA of the Constellation pie-pan chronometer. This strategy allowed Omega to market the Constellation to a wide range of clientele – from a professional buying a steel chronometer for daily wear, to a wealthy patron purchasing a platinum Grand Luxe as a status piece.

For collectors and enthusiasts studying the ref. 2852 today, these variations provide a rich field for exploration. Whether you’re drawn to a specific dial style (like a black waffle dial Deluxe) or to a specific configuration (perhaps you want the exact 18k rose gold pie-pan on beads-of-rice bracelet), the 2852 family offers many possibilities. Yet, every variation retains the core identity: it’s a mid-century Omega Constellation – a watch defined by its precision movement and the starry emblem of quality on its dial and back.