Rare! Birthday Watch 1956! Omega Constellation Chronometer Ref 2852-8SC Pie Pan Crosshair Gold Arrow Indices Automatic Watch (OH)

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

Type: Automatic
Model: Omega Constellation Chronometer Series "Pie Pan" Crosshair Dial
Year of Production: 1956
Movement: 505 / 2852-8C
BPH: 19,800
Number of Jewels: 24
Hand and Dial: 3D 14K Solid Gold Arrow Indices with Dauphine Hands and Crosshair Dial
Width: 34.7mm
Height: 41.9m
Thickness: 12.0mm
Lug Width: 18mm
Strap: Brand-New Hi-Quality Time King 2-Tone Grain Genuine Leather Strap 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 later that year 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.

Here we have a 1956 Omega Constellation Crosshair Dial with 14K Arrow Indices Caliber 505 Ref: 2852-8SC in stunning condition. The "SC" stands for "Seconde au Centre" (Central Seconds).

It has a beautiful silvery-white Crosshair dial, 3D 18K Gold Arrow Markers with 18K Gold Dauphine hands that are found well preserved after a deep cleaning.

Its traditional semi-dog legged lug case was cleaned and polished as best as possible without compromising its shape and lines albeit a few miniscule scratches that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. The crystal is original and was given a good polish albeit miniscule scratches do remain.

The signed crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible. The time come with quickset capabilities by uncorking the crown to the first level to adjust the hands.

The movement was carefully stripped, meticulously cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and a calibration was conducted on 07 August 2026. In short, it was given a full overhaul and not a general servicing and should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 505 movement, it has 24 Jewels and operate at 19,800 BPH. The time-grapher shows superb readings of -2 seconds and amplitude of 215 with a relatively straight 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 34.7mm (w/o crown) and 41.9mm respectively. The lug width is 18mm and the strap can accommodate wrists up to 19.0cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

The watch comes with a brand-new hi-quality Time King 2-Tone Calf Leather brown/black strap with silver buckle.

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

The pictures provided shows the watch in superb 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 1956!

This is a super rare Omega Constellation Chronometer Pie-Pan Cal 505 Ref 2852-8SC Automatic Watch with Crosshair dial and 14K Arrowhead Indices and Dauphine Hands; so, be unique and own a 1973 Omega cultish Pie Pan Birthday Watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition or purchase it for that special someone.