Today's offering showcases this rare mens Omega Constellation Manhattan watch in steel and solid 18K gold. Designed by Carol Didisheim, the Manhattan became one of Omega's iconic designs. Produced in only limited numbers and for only a little over one year in 1984-1985, this rare automatic first edition Manhattan had an unusual crystal with index painted on the underside.
Our friend and Constellation expert Desmond Guilfoyle described it this way: "The Omega Constellation Manhattan is a bona fide technical and aesthetic icon of the nineteen-eighties. It is one of a handful of early nineteen-eighties watches that have so far stood the test of time. It stands alongside the Piaget Polo, the revived Cartier Tank Watch, the Movado Museum Watch collection, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Swatch as true emblems of nineteen-eighties watch design.
The reason for the use of a crystal with under-painted hour markers in the early versions of the Manhattan was for both design and practical reasons. The claws were designed to ensure water resistance by holding the crystal and gasket firmly against the case body. The design called for the crystal to be seated well into the case and there was a need to eliminate the bezel and thus lower the profile of the watch to match the ultra-thin trends of the time."
While Omega fitted the majority of these Manhattans with 32mm cases and quartz movements, this uncommon automatic chronometer model had a 36mm case, the same diameter as a Rolex Datejust.
For the movement of this watch the company used their caliber 1111 mechanism, based on the ETA 2892-2, worked up to officially certified chronometer standards. As Desmond points out ETA's movement has achieved an impressive reputation for quality, reliability, accuracy and precision.
Our first edition Manhattan is in beautiful condition - it is fully Omega and presents as about a 9.6 out of 10.
The dial has been previously meticulously refinished - the printing could pass as Omega factory done to the naked eye.
A Master Watchmaker has just freshly serviced the movement making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
Note that the color in the photos came out looking slightly off-tone. The gold is traditional 18K yellow in color.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
- Manufacturer: Omega
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Model: Constellation, ref. 368.0865
- Year made: 1984-1985 - The model was only produced for just over one year.
- Case material: Stainless steel and solid 18K gold
- Dial: Black with gold applied Roman indexes, outer minute track, aperture for date, expertly refinsihed
- Movement: Omega caliber 1111, an officially certified chronometer, gilt finished, 21 jewels
- Case condition: Mint with light signs of polishing
- Crystal: Sapphire, mint condition
- Dimensions: 35mm wide excluding the crown
- Hands: Original, gold batons
- Band: Omega Constellation bracelet, steel, extension clasp, sized to fit a wrist up to approximately 7.75 inches, adjustable, presents as mint condition with mild stretch
- Serviced: Yes, freshly serviced by a Master Watchmaker.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
