RESTORED! Birthday Watch 1973! Omega Constellation Chronometer Cal 1021, Ref: 168.0057 Hi-Beat Automatic Watch (OH)

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTH (MONTH AND) YEAR

Type: Automatic
Model: Omega Constellation Series
Year of Production: 1973
Movement: 1021 / 168.0057
BPH: 28,800 Hi-Beat
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Baton Indices and Hands
Width: 36.5mm
Height: 47mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Bambi Genuine Calf Leather with Silver Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

A Brief History: 

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." Invented by English watchmaker John Harwood in 1923, this "bumper automatic" may be considered the world's first "kinetic" energy system.

Omega introduced the 500 series of movements for the Constellation in 1958 that uses a full rotor system used in modern watchmaking. The dial that accompanied this movement was affectionately known as the "Pie-Pan" - one of the most gorgeous and timeless dials one will ever come across - it is simply mesmerizing.

In 1966, Omega introduced a new case known as the “C-Case” (by Gerald Genta) because of the resemblance of the case of two interlocking “C”s. It became affectionately known as "Constellation C." This one-piece case and lug, a flat dial and baton-style indices and hands, married extremely well with the new space age on the early 60s. It was indeed a radical shift from the extravagant baroque aesthetics of the Pie Pan. The Ref. 168.0057 was the final C-Case reference before it retired in 1978.

Here we have a Stainless-Steel Omega Constellation 168.0057 with caliber 1021 in near mint condition. Unlike the previous calibers, the 1021 received international recognition when it gained 7 times a 0.0 second divergence during its official chronometer testing! Remarkable is an understatement for such precision from a mechanical (non-quartz) timepiece!

It has a beautiful pinkish-white dial, silver day/date window and chapter ring, 3D-styled silver-black baton Indices and hands that are found well preserved after a deep cleaning.  

Its typical C Case was cleaned via ultrasonic immersion and polished as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit a few scratches that are barely noticeable. The crystal is constructed from mineral glass albeit tiny scratches are found on the glass.

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

The movement was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, and re-assembled in April 2020. A further service and calibration was conducted on 25 August 2023. In short, it was given a full restoration and not a standard touch-up service and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 1021 movement, it has 21 Jewels and operate at a high-beat 28,800 BPH. The time-grapher shows superb readings of +2 seconds and amplitude of 249 with a straight centered line! Such readings are truly exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the painstaking expert calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 36.5mm (with crown) and 47mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 20.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A brand-new high-quality vintage style Bambi genuine black leather strap is provided as part of the deal.

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

The pictures provided show the watch in near mint condition, and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear + tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying pouch 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 1973!

Do note that this particular watch model is extremely rare. Most Constellation C (168.0057) models found in the market are of caliber 561 and 564 that are normally cheaper in value compared to a 1021.

This caliber 1021 is valued between S$ 1,258.00 to S$ 4,327.00 on various auction / online sites from really horrible, to horrible, to un-serviced, to "as is," to serviced, to refurbished condition models. New Old Stock (NOS) / Fully Restored models are valued at S$ 4,500.00 and above. Do note that the mentioned prices may / do not include currency conversions, commissions, taxes and freight costs etc.

The fully restored / overhauled, calibrated and polished timepiece with higher value caliber 1021 is being sold here for S$ 1,668.00 which is extremely reasonable.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 400.00 to S$ 600.00 for a proper overhaul and S$ 150.00 to calibrate an Omega timepiece; and S$ 40.00 to polish the watch case - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a highly sort-after Omega Constellation Chronometer Cal 1021 168.0057 Hi-Beat Automatic Watch; so, be unique and own a 1973 Birthday Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.