Omega Centenary 1948 Pre-Constellation History

nilomis · 2013-12-30T02:37:26Z

Discover the rare Omega Centenary (1948), precursor to the Constellation. Explore its classic design, historical significance, and unique features.

nilomis

WPS member · Omega forum

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Nilomis introduces the rare Omega Centenary (1948), a pivotal timepiece considered the precursor to the iconic Constellation series. His detailed photo essay, featuring images from Mr. Goldfinger's collection and the Omega 'Black Book,' showcases the watch's classic design and historical significance. This post is an essential read for anyone interested in Omega's heritage and the evolution of its chronometer wristwatches.

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Team,

To open the series, allow me to introduce the famous (rare?) Omega Centenary.

This watch was created as part of the centenary (1848-1948) celebration and it's considered as the precursor of the Constellation (1952).

1) I Consider this watch a true classic. From the dial to the lugs. Outstanding.

2) Another angle. Notice how the dial changes with the light source. Beautiful.

3) The case back with the "Centenary" writing and the olive (?) leaves.

4) From now to the end. some pictures of the Centenary, from the big Omega Black Book

5) Minute details. Notice the crown.

6) Advertizing from 1948. Omega was very proud (and it should) about this model

7) The "full set". It seems that some versions were sold with a silver box.

This ends day #1.

I want to say a very warm "thank you" to Mr. Goldfinger for showing those beauties and to Mr. E. that generously made available his copy of the Omega "Black Book".

A great week to all and see you tomorrow for day #2.

Cheers,

Nilo
This message has been edited by nilomis on 2013-12-31 02:11:28

Key Points from the Discussion

The Omega Centenary, created for the brand's 1948 centenary celebration, is historically significant as the precursor to the Constellation series, launched in 1952.
The Centenary is notable for its outstanding classic design, from the dial to the lugs, with the dial exhibiting beautiful light-play.
Some Centenary examples were sold with a special silver box, and some came without case back inscriptions, contrary to the assumption that missing engravings were due to polishing.
An intriguing detail of the Centenary is the use of 18k gold springbars, with Mr. Goldfinger's piece appearing to retain its original ones.
There is a debate regarding the originality of the case back engraving on the featured watch, with one contributor suggesting it might be a re-engraving due to its sharp appearance compared to typical wear on a 65-year-old piece.
The author clarifies that vintage watches, particularly from this era, were more artisanal products, allowing for variations in details like case back engravings, rather than being mass-produced clones.

The Discussion

nilomis

Dec 30, 2013

A white gold or (better) platinum version could be outstanding. Cheers, Nilo (Founding member of the non-yellow gold society)

amanico

Dec 30, 2013

Definitely. Best, Nicolas

tdn.dk

Dec 30, 2013

What a piece to have in ones collection, i have never seen one in the flesh. Just odd that the script and the olive leave on the back, does not look anything like the one in the book, seems like they have been ingraved in the one shown Watch and "stamped" in the one in the book. Best Thomas

nilomis

Dec 30, 2013

Explains the unusual look of the case back engrave. I saw it live and didn't had any concern. Cheers, Nilo

tdn.dk

Dec 30, 2013

The leaves in the book is much more detailed, and at the end of the leaves there is a cross pin, that is not on the shown Watch. The distance between the letters is also different. Sorry but the camera angel can not explain the difference, but that said i dont know if there were variations on the sold pieces, Best Thomas

nilomis

Dec 30, 2013

After the discussions about that Connie, I'm committed to not say anything about vintage watches, Omegas in particular. Cheers, Nilo

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Omega Centenary 1948 Pre-Constellation History

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