The Constellation’s always been a bit of an odd duck in the range of Omega’s otherwise intensely sporty sea or space-faring watches. Sure, the signature claws were originally there for depth resistance, but things have come a long way since the 50s when the Constellation was first created but it’s drifted since, towards smaller, dressier pieces. It needed a bit of a course correction.
They made the first steps towards that last year with the 39mm version of the Constellation, an upsized take on the design that’s a little more wearable for the average guy. Now though they’ve completed the leap with the most masculine take on the Constellation to date, the 41mm – and like we all know, a couple of millimetres makes a world of difference.
The overall character of the new Constellations is the same as ever; that means those hallmark twin claws at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock are very much present, as is the Roman numeral-displaying fixed bezel. However, upping the size to 41mm engenders a more muscular, weighty feel to the pieces that, for the first time, has me considering one of the latest variations.
Said variations come in a fair few flavours. At the lower end you have a solid steel number, fit with a either a liquidmetal (ceramic with laser-engraved, steel-poured numerals) or a steel version inspired by earlier incarnations of the Constellation. At the upper end you have either yellow gold or Omega’s own Sedna variation of rose, both with Ceragold bezels – a process involving electrolysation and plenty of buffing.
Dial-wise there are three different executions: black, blue and silver. The blue is dark enough that there’s very little between it and the black, and both have a sunburst effect that begins from the constellation star on the dial rather than the usual dead centre. It’s a subtle touch but a welcome one.
More interesting though is the silver, which uses a silky effect that catches the light beautifully. It’s a striking, textured look that offers a nice contrast with the otherwise bold lines of the new Constellations. I have to admit at first glance I thought it would be a limited edition; it’s that kind of dial. But nope, it’s part of the newly expanded standard collection.
All the new Constellations are equipped with the same Master Chronometer movement as the 39mm version and the crossover doesn’t stop there. The 41mm is only available on a strap, but if you need a bracelet (and the Constellation does look fantastic on a bracelet) the one equipped on the smaller version fits.
Upping a case size by just a couple of millimetres shouldn’t make as much of a difference as it does. But combine it with the new dials, matching bezels and overall muscular, weighty look of the new Constellations and you have a solid alternative to Omega’s sports watch flagships. In short, it’s finally a Constellation I’d wear.
Price & Specs:
Brand: Omega
Model Name: Constellation Co-axial Master Chronometer 41mm
Ref: 131.33.41.21.06.001 (grey and steel)
131.63.41.21.03.001 (blue and Sedna gold)
131.63.41.21.01.001 (black and yellow gold)
Case/Dial: 41mm diameter, stainless steel or 18k gold, polished ceramic bezel
Water Resistance: 50m
Movement: Omega Master Co-Axial Calibre 8900 / 8901, automatic, METAS-certified
Power Reserve: 60h
Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Strap: Metal bracelets (steel, gold, steel-and-gold), leather and rubber strap, or alligator leather
Price: £5,220 (grey and steel), £16,435 (blue and Sedna gold / black and yellow gold)
More details at Omega’s website.
