Basel Show 2002 Press Kit - Constellation
The new OMEGA Constellation 50th Anniversary models: celebrating half a century of a classic design
Validity: from Thu Apr 04 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
Throughout its 50-year history, the OMEGA Constellation has evolved at an unstoppable pace. Always up-to-date with the latest fashions, yet ever the timeless classic, its unique appeal makes its one of the best-selling watches in the world and a cornerstone in the OMEGA collection. The special models launched to celebrate the Constellation’s half-century are no exception to this, with models in various combinations of red gold and/or stainless steel for both ladies and gentlemen.
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History of the Constellation line

The first self-winding OMEGA wrist chronometer was also the flattest self-winding chronometer of its time. Launched in 1948 under the name Centenary, it coincided with the company’s hundredth year of existence and, though it was a limited edition, its success was such that an heir had to be found. A worthy successor subsequently appeared four years later in the form of the Constellation. The name evokes excellence and perfection, reflecting OMEGA’s consistent world records in precision competitions, which were held in Europe’s major observatories. It was in such a competition at the Teddington observatory in the UK in 1936 that OMEGA set a precision world record in all categories with 97.8 points out of 100 – a score that was never beaten in the history of this observatory’s competitions. The observatory medallion embossed on the case back of all Constellation models recalls this astonishing feat and many others like it over the years.

The Constellation’s success can be attributed to its refreshing design – 12 facets on the dial, applied triangular hour markers and lyre-shaped lugs, which broke with the style of the times. The 1953 general catalogue presented the new models thus: “The Constellation chronometer is the result of several generations of pioneering work and continuous research in timekeeping. It represents a genuine synthesis of technical discovery and modern watchmaking”.

The next major milestone in the evolution of the Constellation design came in 1982, when a face-lift gave it the strong look that sets it apart from the crowd and makes it instantly recognisable – a look that still pervades the entire collection today: four distinctive claws that clamp the bezel to the case on either side to improve water-resistance (patented under European patent EP 91.683 in 1983), half-moon facets on the case at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock and an integrated bracelet.

The Constellation’s popularity was further reinforced in 1995, when it became “Cindy Crawford’s Choice”. As part of OMEGA’s new marketing strategy using star ambassadors, the association between one of the world’s top supermodels and one of the world’s most popular

ladies watches went far beyond a mere advertising presence: Cindy Crawford actually provided valuable design input for the next face-lift of the Constellation range launched in the same year and aptly subtitled “My Choice”. Cindy also helped to launch the next important new development in the Constellation collection, presenting the Constellation Quadra – the first-ever Constellation with a square case – at the Louvre in Paris in 1999.


The new Constellation 50th Anniversary models

The anniversary models for ladies and gentlemen both hark back to the origins of the Constellation, since they are available exclusively with self-winding mechanical movements. The ladies versions employ the OMEGA calibre 2520 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 42 hours, whereas the gents models are fitted with the OMEGA calibre 1120 self-winding chronometer movement (COSC certified) with rhodium-plating and an exclusive finish of circular graining and Geneva wave decoration.

There is a choice of 3 ladies’ references in all gold, gold and steel and all steel. The all-gold model has a satin-finished 18-carat red gold case with a matching satin-finished 18-carat red gold bracelet and an 18-carat red gold crown. The steel/gold model has a satin-finished stainless steel case with a matching satin-finished stainless steel bracelet with an 18-carat red gold central bar on the links and an 18-carat red gold crown. The all-steel model has a satin-finished stainless steel case with matching satin-finished stainless steel bracelet and stainless steel crown. All models have a bezel set with 40 diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial with 11 diamond hour markers, Dauphine hands (red gold-plated on the gold and steel/gold models, rhodium-plated on the all-steel model) and a double OMEGA monogram. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside ensures that nothing will mar the sparkle of the diamonds.

Three models with a similar design are available for gentlemen. The main differences are greater water resistance (50 metres for gents models, 30 metres for ladies models), a larger case diameter of 35.50mm (27.50mm for the ladies models), a more masculine cream dial with 11 diamond hour markers and the double OMEGA monogram, as well as the classic black-chromed Roman numerals on the bezel that are typical of gents Constellation models.

A concise “Constellation – 50 Years” engraving on the case-back complements the subtle touch of understatement that the satin-finished lustre confers upon these celebratory models. Unlike the very first Constellation models, however, these models are not limited editions and are therefore available to Constellation fans the world over.

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Name: Constellation 50th Anniversary ModelsDescription: The Constellation 50th Anniversary
Ref. 1504.35 Gents steel on steel, Ref. 1498.75 Ladies steel on steel
OMEGA launches an exclusive range of models in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its famous Constellation range. Three ladies and three gents models are available in satin-finished 18-carat red gold, 18-carat red gold and stainless steel or all-steel, engraved “Constellation – 50 Years” on the back. The gents models are adorned with a contrasting new style of bezel in polished red gold or stainless steel, with Roman numerals engraved by black chroming, and a cream dial with 11 diamond hour markers. The ladies models have a polished red or white gold bezel, set with 40 diamonds and a white mother-of-pearl dial with 11 diamond hour markers. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the inside protects the watch’s distinctive look. Each model has a matching crown in 18-carat red gold or stainless steel and a matching bracelet in satin-finished 18-carat red gold or stainless steel (satin-finished stainless steel with 18-carat red gold central bar on references 1304.35 and 1398.75).

The gents models use the OMEGA calibre 1120 self-winding mechanical chronometer movement and are water resistant to 50 metres, whilst the ladies models use the OMEGA calibre 2520 self-winding mechanical movement and are water resistant to 30 metres.
The new OMEGA Constellation Quadra Chrono
Validity: from Thu Apr 04 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
The latest model in the popular OMEGA Constellation Quadra line adds a distinctively sporty touch to a watch that has until now been firmly rooted in the world of fashion. The new Constellation Quadra Chrono carries forward with it the versatility of the entire Constellation collection, offering a wide choice of models and colours.
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The new Constellation Quadra Chrono is a logical step in the evolution of OMEGA’s Constellation line and follows on from the popular Speedmaster Reduced models with diamonds launched in the year 2000. Whereas the latter model is a reduced-size version of an existing and legendary gents’ chronograph watch: the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional (the first and only watch worn on the moon), the new Constellation Quadra Chrono is a completely new design and uses a new OMEGA movement.

The elegant ladies watch case of the Constellation Quadra line has been enlarged to 34mm x 28mm to accommodate the chronograph functions and is available in two versions: all-polished stainless steel or polished stainless steel set with 34 diamonds (total 0.81 carat) around the opening for the crystal. The selection of dials available comprises black lacquer with contrasting white Arabic numerals and white mother-of-pearl with contrasting Arabic numerals in beige, red or light blue. All the dials have four diamond hour markers at 1, 5, 7 and 11 o’clock, as well as square totalisers for tenths of a second at 2 o’clock, 30 minutes at 10 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock. Matching brilliant leather straps are available in black, beige, red or light blue, complete with a specially designed clasp incorporating the unmistakable traits found on every Constellation watch case – the half-moon facets and the famous “claws”. The watch’s face is completed by rhodium-plated Baguette hour and minute hands with a central chronograph hand.

The Constellation Quadra Chrono is powered by the new OMEGA calibre 5200 quartz movement, which offers an impressive battery lifetime of 46 months. The chronograph functions are operated by two pushers set in the case at 2 o’clock (start-stop) and 4 o’clock (reset). In keeping with OMEGA’s strict quality standards, all models are fitted with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and are water-resistant to a depth of 30 metres. And in keeping with tradition the case back, fixed with screws, is stamped with the famous Constellation observatory emblem.

The new Quadra Chrono models, with their choice of classic or trendy colours, with or without diamonds, are perfect for ladies looking for the individuality of a chronograph of distinction without wishing to forego the feminine elegance of a watch with a pedigree such as the OMEGA Constellation.

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Name: Constellation Quadra ChronoDescription: The Constellation Quadra Chrono
Ref. 1841.72.21 Steel on leather with white mother-of-pearl dial and red numerals

The Constellation Quadra chronograph has a case in polished stainless steel with all the typical design features of the Constellation line: rectangular profile with claws on either side and slightly domed, dynamic lines with half-moon shaped facets at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The new chronograph is available with or without a diamond-set case and with 4 subtle diamond hour markers at 1, 5, 7 and 11 o’clock on the dial, which is available in black lacquer or white mother of pearl. Polished, rhodium-plated Baguette-style hands and coloured Arabic numerals with square counters for the totalisers for 1/10th of a second at 2 o’clock, 30 minutes at 10 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock, set behind a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. A brilliant alligator leather strap fitted with a specially designed OMEGA clasp is available in black, beige, red or light blue. The case back, fixed with screws to ensure water resistance of 30 metres and stamped with the Constellation observatory emblem, conceals the new OMEGA calibre 5200 quartz chronograph movement with hour, minute, small seconds, central chronograph hand, 1/10th of a second and 30-minute totalisers. This precision quartz movement offers an impressive 46-month battery lifetime.
Name: Constellation Quadra ChronoDescription: The Constellation Quadra Chrono
Ref. 1841.55.11 Steel on leather with black dial
Ref. 1841.72.21 Steel on leather with white mother-of-pearl dial and beige numerals

The Constellation Quadra chronograph has a case in polished stainless steel with all the typical design features of the Constellation line: rectangular profile with claws on either side and slightly domed, dynamic lines with half-moon shaped facets at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock. The new chronograph is available with or without a diamond-set case and with 4 subtle diamond hour markers at 1, 5, 7 and 11 o’clock on the dial, which is available in black lacquer or white mother of pearl. Polished, rhodium-plated Baguette-style hands and coloured Arabic numerals with square counters for the totalisers for 1/10th of a second at 2 o’clock, 30 minutes at 10 o’clock and small seconds at 6 o’clock, set behind a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. A brilliant alligator leather strap fitted with a specially designed OMEGA clasp is available in black, beige, red or light blue. The case back, fixed with screws to ensure water resistance of 30 metres and stamped with the Constellation observatory emblem, conceals the new OMEGA calibre 5200 quartz chronograph movement with hour, minute, small seconds, central chronograph hand, 1/10th of a second and 30-minute totalisers. This precision quartz movement offers an impressive 46-month battery lifetime.
The new Constellation Quadra Mini in steel
Validity: from Thu Apr 04 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
Since its launch in 1999, the OMEGA Constellation Quadra line, with its distinctive square case, has evolved rapidly in parallel with its progenitor, the OMEGA Constellation, one of the best-selling ladies watches in the world. Only three years after its launch, the Constellation Quadra collection already includes a full range of models in steel and gold, with or without diamonds, with a choice of coloured dials and leather straps or steel bracelet and even a highly original square chronograph version.
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One of the winning features of the OMEGA Constellation collection, aside from the huge choice of models, is the different sizes available. Taste in watches can vary considerably across the world: the current European taste for larger ladies watches and chronographs is, for example, the antithesis of the traditional East Asian taste for small ladies watches. OMEGA took the latter into account in its Constellation Quadra models from an early stage with the introduction of a Constellation Quadra “Mini” version in gold exclusively for Japan – one of OMEGA’s biggest markets worldwide. The popularity of this model in the local market is such that OMEGA is now releasing a similar model in polished stainless steel on the international market.

The new model is a reduced version (its case measures 20mm x 15mm) of the first Quadra models in steel with the Manchette style bracelet and bridges a gap between these models and the exclusive Constellation Bangle models in gold with the same case size, launched in 2001. Like the original Quadra models, it has a stainless steel case set with 28 diamonds surrounding the dial aperture (unlike the round-cased Constellation models, the Quadra does not have a bezel) and a matching stainless steel bracelet. The mother-of-pearl dial is available in white, pink or blue, set with 12 rhodium-plated pyramidal hour markers and rhodium-plated Baguette style hands.

The new Constellation Quadra Mini in steel benefits from the same high-quality features that are common to all Constellation models, including a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance guaranteed to 30 metres. It is powered by the OMEGA calibre 1376 quartz movement, which offers a battery lifetime of 32 months.

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Name: Constellation Quadra Mini in SteelDescription: The Constellation Ladies Quadra Mini in Steel
Reference 1537.71.00 Steel on steel, white mother-of-pearl dial
1537.73.00 Steel on steel, pink mother-of-pearl dial
1537.74.00 Steel on steel, blue mother-of-pearl dial

The popularity of the Quadra Mini models in gold, produced initially for the Japanese market then launched worldwide, has led to new all-steel versions in the same line: Polished stainless steel case with reduced dimensions of 20mm x 15 mm; a line of 28 diamonds (total 0.18 ct.) surrounds the square scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Mother-of-pearl dial in white, pink or blue with 12 pyramidal hour markers, Baguette-style polished rhodium-plated hour and minute hands, stainless steel crown and polished stainless steel bracelet. The case back is fixed with screws and stamped with the Constellation observatory emblem. Accurate timekeeping is ensured by the proven OMEGA quartz calibre 1376, which has a battery lifetime of 32 months. Water resistant to 30 metres.
On the border between watchmaking and jewellery: the new OMEGA Constellation
Validity: from Mon Feb 11 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
Amidst the myriad of ladies watches and jewellery available on the market today, it is reassuring for the discerning woman to know that certain brands constantly track her needs and demands, investing their know-how in producing items which help her to make the bold statement that she is looking for…
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Since its launch some 50 years ago, the OMEGA Constellation has established itself as one of the best-selling watches in the world, with its unique design often mimicked but never paralleled. The half-moon facets and the four unmistakable claws on the case are recognised the world over as a hallmark of OMEGA. Recent development has seen this style applied to the currently fashionable rectangular watch case, with the latest variation on this theme being the Constellation “Bangle”, which, as the name suggests, is worn on the wrist like a bangle thanks to its special bracelet which does not have a clasp.

The latest model in the OMEGA Constellation Bangle collection simultaneously performs the task of prestige timepiece and elegant jewellery with consummate finesse. Why settle for a mere gold bracelet with diamonds when you can have the proven reliability of a Swiss Made OMEGA quartz movement to boot? The watch is guaranteed to stand out from the crowd thanks to its combination of polished gold and diamonds: it is available in 18-carat yellow gold with a white mother-of-pearl dial or 18-carat white gold with a grey mother-of-pearl dial. The bracelet and the top of the case, as well as the centre zone on the dial, are all set with diamonds. A diamond “briolette” also adorns the 18-carat gold crown. The bracelets are available in three different sizes to ensure an optimum fit on any wrist.

This exceptional item of jewellery remains an OMEGA timepiece at heart, with the proven OMEGA quartz calibre 1376 (with a battery lifetime of 32 months) ensuring precise timekeeping. Consistent with OMEGA’s strict quality standards, these timepieces are fitted with anti-reflective sapphire crystal and are water-resistant to a depth of 30 metres, which will ensure that their beauty remains unblemished for years to come.

The new two-tone OMEGA Constellation Quadra: taking the fashionable Quadra back to its roots
Validity: from Mon Feb 11 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
The Constellation Quadra was presented by OMEGA ambassador Cindy Crawford in 1999 as a bold new addition to the world-famous OMEGA Constellation collection. The international success of the watch after its launch quickly sent production to the limits of its capacity and the new Quadra has since grown to become as popular as its Constellation sister – one of the best selling ladies watches in the world. Its popularity has led to a constant evolution of the line and offered the possibility of interchanging successful elements between the Constellation “My Choice” and “Quadra” lines.
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The Constellation Quadra has a refreshing design with its contoured square case and integrated bracelet which fits perfectly around the wrist. Nevertheless, the collection retains the characteristic features that make it unmistakable as an OMEGA Constellation model: half-moon facets at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock and two “claws” on either side of the case. Whereas the Constellation Quadra has paved the way for new designs, which have subsequently been applied to the standard Constellation collection (such as the popular black lacquered dial, which was recently introduced in the Constellation “My Choice” range), this new model takes its design inspiration from the successful “two-tone” concept, with the combined use of gold and steel, from the Constellation “My Choice” collection designed by Cindy Crawford. The polished stainless steel case is set off by claws in 18-carat yellow gold, as well as a line of diamonds around the square crystal (total 0.23 carat). The theme is continued on the bracelet, on which the 18-carat yellow gold central bars contrast with the surrounding polished steel. The classic white mother-of-pearl dial is adorned with a further four diamonds which serve as hour markers at the quarter hours, with the time displayed by two sleek yellow-gold baguette-style hour and minute hands. All of this is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

In keeping with OMEGA’s strict quality standards, the polished stainless steel case is water resistant to a depth of 30 metres and houses OMEGA’s reliable calibre 1376 quartz movement, which offers a battery lifetime of 32 months.

The new all-polished OMEGA Constellation Ladies “My Choice” Mini
Validity: from Mon Feb 11 00:00:00 GMT 2002
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Introduction
A subtle new arrangement of diamonds adds a distinctive touch of class to OMEGA’s latest Constellation “My Choice” ladies model…
Content
The designers at OMEGA never fail to produce exciting new variations in the famous OMEGA Constellation collection as part of their continuous endeavours to enhance this flagship line. It is therefore little wonder, perhaps, that the OMEGA Constellation is one of the world’s best-selling ladies watches. The latest creation transforms the classic look of polished stainless steel using a new combination of diamonds, with twelve stones (total 0.038 ct.) used as the hour markers on the dial and two brilliant-cut diamonds on either side of the dial at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock (total 0.044 ct.) which set off one of the Constellation’s trademark features: the distinctive claws which clamp the bezel onto the case.

The new watch remains entirely faithful to the classic Constellation design, with its half-moon facets on the case at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, the black-chromed Roman numerals engraved on the bezel and the comfortable integrated steel bracelet with flexible links. The dial combinations available offer colours to suit every taste, with white, pink and blue mother-of-pearl complemented by the recently introduced bolder colour of black lacquer. The time display on the dial remains the epitome of understated elegance thanks to the sleek polished rhodium-plated Baguette-style hands. The scratch-resistant anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensures that this timeless appearance will remain unblemished.

In keeping with the very strictest quality standards in force at OMEGA, the exquisite design houses the finest in watchmaking technology in a highly polished mini size stainless steel case (22.5mm diameter) with matching polished stainless steel bracelet. The proven OMEGA quartz calibre 1456 powers the hour and minute hands and allows 32 months operation on a single battery. The movement is exclusive to OMEGA, with circular graining decoration and a rhodium-plated finish. Furthermore, the watch is guaranteed water resistant to a depth of 30 metres.