In contrast to the less common limited edition Sedna gold Constellation is the steel Constellation Co-Axial Day-Date. Here you see use of the Omega caliber 8602 automatic movement. This is very similar to the 8500 but adds a day of the week indicator with a window at 12 o’clock. This is Omega’s answer to Rolex’s day-date movement in the Rolex President models. The movement is pretty nice, and in addition to having a Co-Axial escapement and silicon balance spring, the two barrels offer 55 hours of power reserve. Further, the day and date indicator windows jump instantly at midnight.
Almost exactly the same watch as this is also available without the day of the week complication, if you aren’t interested in that option. I simply wanted to check it out as most people don’t think of Omega as having a day/date dress watch. I didn’t even know about the caliber 8602 until checking this model out. Note that this same movement is available in some Aqua Terra watches as well.
With 100 meters of water resistance and a pretty thick case, the Constellation is not your typical wimpy dress watch. While not a sport watch, the specs on these timepieces mean that they are meant to be worn regularly. Calling it a dress watch isn’t really fair either, as it is more strictly a “dress/sport hybrid” watch. Legibility is pretty good, and while the design is more subdued and retro, it is a cool look.
Like other iconic watches, the real appeal of the Omega Constellation in my opinion is how nicely the case and bracelet design work together in such a unified manner. These are designed to go together and the mixture of early 80s modern design with the timelessness of the dial really make for something unique. Nothing else out there looks quite like a Constellation, which helps Omega leverage the DNA of the collection.
While the Sedna gold model is great, I think I would have liked for it to be on a bracelet. It isn’t bad on the strap, but for men at least, this version of the Constellation watch deserves to be on a bracelet. Having said that, given the gold material of the case, being on a bracelet could easily double the price. If the size and design of the Constellation models works for you then these pieces are both comfortable and legible. Given my tastes I think I will keep the Speedmaster and Seamaster range at the top of my list as I am primarily interested in sport watches – but I do look forward to seeing what Omega does with the Constellation collection next year. The Omega Constellation Co-Axial Day-Date 38mm ref. 123.10.38.22.01.001 in steel retails for $8,200, while the limited edition of 1,952 piece Omega Constellation Co-Axial 38mm Sedna gold ref. 123.53.38.21.02.001 watch retails for $20,800. omegawatches.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: Omega
>Model: Constellation ref. 123.10.38.22.01.001 and ref. 123.53.38.21.02.001
>Price: $8,200 USD and $20,800 USD as tested.
>Size: 38mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Sometimes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Can’t decide on a sport watch or dress watch for daily wear? Like a watch with history? The Omega Constellation might be right for you.
>Best characteristic of watch: Good execution and maintenance of classic design without sacrifice.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Constellation collection still looks best on the bracelet. For the Western market it is a hard sell given our current disinterest in dress watches, but perhaps Omega can solve that.
