Description
This watch’s story starts with Omega’s 100th anniversary celebrations in 1948. In that year, Omega released the aptly named Centenary to commemorate ten decades of watchmaking. Featuring the Biel-based company’s first chronometer-certified movement, it was an instant hit and 4 years later, the Constellation line was introduced to the world. The “bumper” movements in these early Constellation models set them apart – the rotor in these watches swung just 120 degrees (instead of the normal 360 full rotation). At its limit, the rotor would bump against a spring, sending it swinging in the opposite direction. This allowed the movement to capture kinetic energy from less intense motions that would otherwise be required for the rotor to make a full circuit. Innovations like these drove demand for the Constellation line and they have been in production ever since.
In the 1980’s, Omega embraced quartz movements in the Constellation lineup. It was at this time that the “Manhattan” entered the scene. With it’s signature “claws” at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, the Manhattan is easy to spot. The claws are not just for show – they help compress the 35.5mm case and crystal, helping with water resistance. Today’s model is a post-1995 vintage, as indicated by the roman numerals on the bezel, an update from earlier models. The integrated stainless steel bracelet is sized for wrists up to 8” around. On the back, the Constellation features an engraving of the Geneva observatory reminding the wearer of Omega’s history of astronomical timekeeping achievements.
