Revamped, refreshed and updated for the 21st century, Omega’s encompassing Constellation Manhattan collection will win you over with effortless ease.
The OMEGA Constellation collection is so classic and timeless,” says Brazilian supermodel and brand ambassador, Alessandro Ambrosio, of the brand’s new Constellation collection. “You can wear it from morning to night, from the beach to the red carpet. You can wear it with anything.”
Considering the fact that Omega unveiled an impressive fleet of 101 new Constellation models for women at the collection launch in Shanghai last September, Ambrosio’s observation can definitely be taken at face value. There is a staggering range of designs with star appeal to choose from, that range from understated everyday steel companions to beguiling jewellery numbers that sparkle with diamonds and rubies, topped with gleaming opal dials.
The timepieces also come in three sizes to ensure you’ll always be able to enjoy a perfect fit. The 25mm and 28mm timepieces are fitted with an in-house quartz movement (the Omega Calibre 4061), while the 29mm editions come equipped with the brand’s highly respected Master Co-Axial movement: The Master Chronometer Calibre 8700/8701, which has undergone a series of rigorous tests for unrivalled precision, performance and magnetic resistance.
Regardless of the model one’s heart is set on, they’re all executed with the same exceptional finishes and meticulous attention to detail that has come to be expected of the famed Swiss watch brand.
WINNING LOOKS
A mere micrometre makes a world of difference in the high precision world of watches, and this is exceptionally so with the design of Omega’s new Constellation models. The bezels have been slimmed down to effect a wider view of the dial for optimal legibility. Likewise, the iconic Constellation claws of the watch (cradling its case at the three and nine o’clock positions) have been given narrower proportions, with polished bevels matching those of the case and bracelet for a seamless look of refinement. Svelte, skeletonised leaf-shaped hands guide the eye across the clean, minimalist dial, as a petite three-dimensional star (yet another design signature of the collection) gazes on serenely from its perch at the six o’clock position.
As for the distinctive bracelet of the watch, Omega has introduced a new design for its 29mm models. Looking to the original Constellation “Manhattan” collection launched in 1982, these new bracelets bear stylish “mid-bar” links that are especially graceful on the bi-coloured editions. Coupled with a clasp that bears a comfort release adjustment (which allows for a 2mm extension when needed) and you’ve got yourself a distinguished watch of utmost comfort.
“This new redesign makes the Constellation much more relevant to today’s style and slightly more feminine,” says Cindy Crawford, Omega’s longest-standing brand ambassador. “I really like just how sleek it is. What I have always loved about the Constellation is that it feels more like a bracelet than a watch, so it is just super easy to wear from day to night. It is comfortable and goes with everything.”
Popular Chinese actress and brand ambassador Liu Shishi (aka Cecilia Liu) adds: “The new Constellation Manhattan has had a makeover in many details, like the claws and bezels, the slimmer design, as well as new dials with many colours to choose from. It’s also [has] the best Omega Master Chronometer calibre— making this watch ideal for me.”
RICH HERITAGE
Yet, the collection’s easy elegance and versatile looks are not the only reason why the timepieces have remained firm favourites with its fans. There’s a rich history to be found behind the Constellation as well.
First launched in 1952, the Omega Constellation bears the distinction of being history’s first watch collection that consists of only chronometers. The roots of its existence, however, can be traced all the way back to 1933, when Omega took home a world record for precision at England’s prestigious observatory of Kew-Teddington. The brand secured yet another world record (and one that remains unbeaten) at the observatory three years later for precision in all categories. Then, in 1945, when the Geneva Observatory introduced the “wristwatch-sized” movement category to its annual precision contests, Omega won an impressive six times in the eight years that followed.
It is this illustrious history that is embedded into every Constellation timepiece, which is further reinforced with the dainty star on each dial, and the “observatory under the stars” medallion found on the caseback of many models.
As A-list Hollywood actress and brand ambassador Nicole Kidman puts it: “The brand is incredibly committed to excellence and I’ve seen that time and time again. I just feel very honoured and fortunate to be a part of their family.” With a Constellation on your wrist, you too can be part of that family, with your head held high and your eyes pointed to the stars.
From top: Steel, gold and diamond Constellation Manhattan 29mm watch, $16,500; steel, Sedna gold and diamond Constellation Manhattan 25mm watch, $9,900, Omega. The bezel of the watch being set with diamonds by expert hands. The diminutive star that graces every watch in the collection. Each timepiece is closely and rigorously examined before it leaves Omega. OPPOSITE: (From top) Omega brand ambassadors Alessandra Ambrosio, Nicole Kidman and Cindy Crawford. Sedna gold, ruby and diamond Constellation “Manhattan” Jewellery watch, Omega
