Birthday Watch 1972! Omega 198.025 9164 Constellation Electronic F3000Hz 1260/9164 Tuning Fork Quartz Watch

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Omega
Type: Analog Tuning Fork Quartz
Model: Constellation Electronic F3000Hz
Year of Production: 1972
Movement: 198.025 9164
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Lumen Baton Hands
Width: 35.4mm
Height: 41.3mm
Thickness: 11mm
Lug Width: 22mm
Strap: Existing Genuine Omega Constellation Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

The Omega Constellation has a very interesting history that needs to be shared.

The year 1933, at the Kew-Teddington Observatory, Omega set world records for precision in every category and repeated this achievement in 1936. A total of 8 records were accomplished between 1933 and 1952 (2 chronometer records and 6 first-place awards) thereby giving this timepiece its name Constellation with the 8 stars, and an observatory on the back case - very symbolic indeed.

The Constellation made its debut in 1952 to succeed the Omega Centenary, and was initially equipped with the Cal 354 AKA “bumper automatic” that does not fully rotate a full circle but instead, it "bumps" off springs at either end of its pendulum arc hence a back and forth movement, giving it a rather distinctive feel on the wrist – you can actually feel the rotor "bumping." This may be considered the world's first "kinetic" energy system invented by English watchmaker John Harwood in 1923.

Omega continued to produced world class timepieces, and when Seiko launched the world's first quartz wrist watch, the Astron on 25 December 1969, it rocked the entire automatic wrist watch market and caused many smaller players to fold and be bought over by the "big boys."

Instead of fighting the quartz revolution, Omega did the opposite and embraced it by creating their very own range of 3 quartz calibers in 1970 using the Tuning Fork Technology.

In 1971, Omega launched the Constellation Chronometer F300Hz that employed a tuning fork operating at 300Hz that was easily more accurate than an automatic mechanical timepiece.

The F300 caliber is an ETA-ESA update of the original Bulova Tuning Fork developed by Max Hetzel. ETA-ESA supplied Tuning Fork calibers to a host of watchmakers i.e. Baume & Mercier, IWC, Longines, Tissot etc. to name a few. They supplied the ESA 9162 (date), 9184 (day/date) and 9210 (Chronometer day/date) to Omega. These movements were the Rolls Royce of Tuning Fork technology, and Omega continued to use them for the next few years until the fully integrated quartz movement was incorporated into the Omega lineup.

For those who are unaware, this is an Omega Constellation Chronometer caliber 198.025 9164 F300Hz Day Date with original bracelet in superb condition. This particular model has made it on the Collector's List of many due to its unique coloured dial and bracelet.

This beautiful bluish grey dial watch is simply stunning in the looks department. It is housed in a solid no lug SS case thereby giving it an ala "Space 1999" futuristic look that is timeless. The bracelet is original and solidly built.

Its futuristic case and bracelet were immersed in an ultrasonic bath to remove dirt and grime and were buffed as best as possible albeit a few minor scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal is original and is constructed from mineral glass.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The day / date and time quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first (date and day) and second (time) levels for adjustment accordingly.

The case width and height are approximately 35.4mm (with crown) and 41.3m respectively. The lug width is 22mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 20cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The SS bracelet is the original Omega signed bracelet for this particular model.

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested.

The pictures provided show the watch is in superb condition. The movement was given a good clean-up and a brand new battery was installed in May 2023; hence this timepiece should operate unhindered for the next few years at the very least thereby providing the owner peace of mind. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and preserved for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none as beautifully aged and as well maintained as what you see here. Hence, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 1972! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Do note that this particular watch model is extremely rare. Most F300Hz found in the market are of the ESA 9162 (date) that is normally cheaper (S$ 800.00 to S$ 1,800.00) in value compared to the 9184 (day / date) and 9210 (Chronometer day / date). Furthermore, most do not have the original Omega SS bracelet, thereby their selling price is also cheaper.

This is a highly sort-after Omega Constellation Chronometer Cal 9164 198.025 F300Hz Watch; so, be unique and wear something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Omega die-hard fan, and in fact, any serious watch collector for that matter!