Earlier this spring, Omega brought back one of its most iconic dress watch designs. While most of the current Omega Constellation line draws inspiration from the models of the 1980s, the Constellation Observatory goes way back, taking cues from the 1950s, done so by reintroducing distinctive elements such as the pie-pan dial, dog-leg lugs, the Constellation star at 6 o’clock and the Observatory medallion on the case back.
But what’s even more interesting is what beats inside. The movement is now METAS Master Chronometer certified. What it means is that the watch is extremely precise. In fact, it’s the first two-hand watch to be fully tested through the Laboratoire de Précision and also achieve such certification (in case you are as much of a watch nerd as we are, all the details are below).
While this alone might not be the deciding factor in getting the watch, it’s great to see these kinds of improvements and innovations continue pushing standards within the watch industry. And honestly, it’s also a damn good conversation starter when someone compliments or asks about the watch on your wrist.
The watch comes in several options, from steel to yellow and pink gold, with various dial colours (nine in total, all listed on the official website). We had the chance to try the Moonshine Gold model on its brick-pattern bracelet, and it’s definitely an eye-catcher. What we really liked was how well the watch wears despite its 39mm size, giving it a vintage-inspired look while feeling very modern. Still, how much more beautiful would it be, measuring only about 36-38mm – especially on the leather strap?! The watch comes with 30m water resistance and a power reserve of 60 hours.
This new generation of the Constellation is a bold move for the brand, especially considering the technical achievement, while continuing Omega’s long legacy in chronometry.
So if you are looking for something that truly connects to the brand’s history as a master of precision timekeeping, this is probably the model to look at. But be prepared that especially the gold versions come with a rather heavy price tag. This is a watch for someone looking way beyond Omega’s usual connection with the Moon landing or James Bond. It not only tells the time, but carries a precision inside and a story too.
More information at the Omega website.
Becoming a watch nerd?
- Certification – Chronometer or Master Chronometer
Typically, for a watch to be sent for Chronometer or Master Chronometer certification, it must have a running seconds hand, allowing traditional photographic testing methods to be used. Those methods involve taking images of the second hand in multiple positions throughout the day.
A new dual-metric testing technology developed by the Laboratoire de Précision powers a wireless system that combines Chronometer and Master Chronometer certification at once. But instead of relying on photography, it uses acoustics by continuously capturing the sound of each tick and tock, while also recording environmental parameters such as temperature, position and atmospheric pressure throughout the 25 days of testing. Think of it a little like measuring the BPM of a song, but based on the entire track.
- Chronometer – a Chronometer certification focuses mainly on the precision of the movement itself. Traditionally certified by COSC, for a watch to receive Chronometer certification, it can lose up to 4 seconds or gain up to 6 seconds over 24 hours. The term “Chronomètre” is commonly used as the French spelling, and is often seen on dials and official documentation from Swiss watchmakers.
- Constellation – the line was born from Omega’s success at Observatory chronometry trials, something reflected on the caseback of Constellation watches. Since the earliest Constellation model released in 1952, the collection has featured a medallion depicting the Geneva Observatory. Long before today’s famous Speedmaster and Seamaster collections, the Constellation represented Omega’s highest achievements in precision watchmaking and became the brand’s first mass-produced chronometer line.
- COSC – the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, is one of the Swiss organisations responsible for awarding the title of Chronometer to a watch movement. To qualify, it must lose at most up to 4 seconds or gain up to 6 seconds per day. The organisation uses optical machines equipped with high-speed digital cameras to measure precision and deviation, which is why the watch requires a running seconds hand. Importantly, only the movement itself is tested before it is placed into the case. Recently, the organisation introduced its 'Excellence Chronometer' standard, tightening accuracy further to between -2 and +4 seconds per day.
- Dial – also known as the face, is a big part of a watch’s personality and the portion of the watch that displays the time, or any other indicators, such as date, day, moon phase etc.
- Laboratoire de Précision – founded in 2023 by Omega, the Laboratoire de Précision is an independent certification body accredited by both METAS for Master Chronometer testing and the Swiss Accreditation Service (SAS) for Chronometer certification. It acts as an alternative to traditional COSC testing methods.
- Lugs – A watch lug (or horn) is where a watch strap, band, or bracelet attaches to the watch case -> |__|
- Master Chronometer – introduced by Omega but open to all brands, the Master Chronometer certification is stricter than COSC. The movement can’t lose time, and the tolerance is strictly between 0 and +5 seconds per day. and also undergo testing for magnetic resistance, water resistance and power reserve performance.
- METAS – the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology that oversees measurement standards, precision and certification in Switzerland.
- Moonshine Gold – introduced by Omega in 2019, Moonshine Gold is the brand’s own take on yellow gold, developed to have a slightly paler tone and better resistance to fading over time. Inspired by the glow of moonlight against a dark sky, the material also includes silver, copper and palladium, giving it a softer and more contemporary appearance compared to traditional yellow gold. Since then, Moonshine Gold has become part of some of the brand’s most recognisable models, especially within the Speedmaster, Seamaster and Constellation lines.
- Movement – can be automatic/self-winding, manual winding or quartz and is what keeps the watch going.
- Observatory medallion – features the Geneva Observatory beneath eight stars. Two represent Omega’s chronometer records in 1933 and 1936, and six symbolise first-place awards won between 1945 and 1952.
- Omega – founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds before later moving to Biel/Bienne, where the brand remains today. Over the decades, Omega built its reputation through precision timekeeping and became heavily involved in sports timing, aviation, military watches and eventually space exploration. The Speedmaster became one of the brand’s most recognised models after the Moon landing in 1969, while the Seamaster gained another wave of popularity in the 1990s through its association with the James Bond franchise.
- Power reserve – how long the watch can show you the time when it’s not on your wrist.
- Two-hand watch – exactly what the name suggests, a watch displaying only hours and minutes, without a running seconds hand. Often associated with dress watches, the cleaner layout allows the dial to feel more minimal and elegant.
- Water resistance – refers to a watch’s ability to withstand exposure to water without damage. It is measured in meters (m), atmospheres (ATM), or bars, indicating the depth or pressure the watch can endure. However, these measurements are theoretical and don’t always equate to actual diving depths. 30m (3 ATM): Splash-proof, suitable for everyday use but not for swimming. 50m (5 ATM): Safe for showering or light swimming. 100m (10 ATM): Suitable for swimming and snorkelling. 200m+ (20 ATM or more): Ideal for professional diving or water sports.
