1950s Omega Constellation Bumper 2782-1

Make - Omega

Model - Constellation 

Case: 35 mm Stainless Steel

Reference - 2782-1

Movement: Cal. 354

Serial - XXXXX

Bracelet - Grey Calf

It is something of a passion for us here at Vision Vintage to discover these very early Omega Constellations, particularly the fascinating first-generation examples with the applied Omega logo but printed Omega script.

Up for sale is a superb early Omega Constellation, reference 2782-1, belonging to the formative years of what would become one of Omega's most celebrated watch families.

The dial is immediately captivating, featuring the beautiful quadrant crosshair configuration with applied gold 12, 3, 6 and 9 numerals and faceted hour markers. These early dials have an unmistakable character and are quite different in execution from the Constellations that followed later in the 1950s and 1960s.

What makes this particular example especially interesting is the typography. Early American-market watches associated with the Globemaster name are known with distinctive dial signatures, including examples carrying the star without the familiar Constellation wording. This watch displays an intriguing variation in the depth and appearance of the Constellation script compared with the rest of the dial printing, almost as though a different printing stamp or process may have been used.

Whether this reflects its intended market, a production variation or simply the fascinating inconsistencies found during these very early years of Constellation production is difficult to establish with certainty. However, the visibly different character of the two fonts makes this a particularly interesting watch to study and a wonderful piece of early Constellation history.

The stainless-steel case remains beautifully preserved and appears unpolished, retaining excellent definition throughout. It is fitted with the distinctive Mercedes-logo waterproof crown. While it is possible that the crown was fitted later in the watch's life, we have encountered this style of crown on other early snap-back Constellations, making it another interesting detail of the watch.

Inside sits Omega's superb calibre 354 bumper automatic movement, adjusted to five positions and carrying a 14-million serial number. The watch has also recently undergone a full service by a watchmaker and is running beautifully.

The case back retains its clean and crisply engraved Constellation and Waterproof markings. The famous observatory medallion shows some honest age-related wear, although all eight stars remain visible, with three retaining particularly crisp definition.

Finding these earliest Constellations in pleasing original condition is becoming increasingly difficult. They simply do not appear with the frequency of the later dog-leg-lug Constellations of the 1960s, and surviving examples often show considerably more wear after more than seven decades of use.

This is a wonderful survivor: an early reference 2782-1 with the characterful quadrant crosshair dial, calibre 354 bumper movement, intriguing dial typography and a beautifully preserved stainless-steel case.

A great piece of Omega history and, more importantly, a fascinating example from the very beginning of the Constellation lineage.