The Constellation family – like this legendary 1967 Omega Constellation Ref. 168.004 “Pie Pan” automatic dress watch here – has been around for nearly 70 years as one of Omega’s oldest collections.  
 
But let’s discuss Omega's unique coveted “pie pan” design a little...
 
The Constellation was named in honor of the Constellation jet that flew during World War II.  Constellation casebacks commonly feature a medallion with the Observatory of Geneva crowned by a constellation of eight stars – the stars symbolize Omega’s awards and records in precision competitions from 1933 to 1952.  
 
Two stars were particularly special, as in 1933 and 1936, Omega set world records for accuracy at the Kew-Teddington Observatory.  During the competition in the latter year, the Omega caliber 47.7 scored 97.8 out of 100 - a record never beaten.
 
Since 1952, the Constellation has undergone countless aesthetic transformations, from the pie-pan dials of the 1950s to the ultra-thin quartz watches of the 1970’s leading to the consolidation of the collection in 1982 with the Constellation Manhattan.  
 
The Constellation was originally branded as the “Globemaster” in the United States, dropped in 1956 as Douglas Aircraft – manufacturers of huge transport planes of the same name – held the trademark.  Fast forward to the 21st century, which featured Omega purchasing the same trademark in preparation for the debut of its Globemaster watch, which channels the spirit of the original.
 
Pie-pan models are coveted among vintage watch collectors and inspired the dial of the contemporary Omega Globemaster.  Available in steel and gold models, the case shape remained round but the lugs, hour markers and bracelets varied extensively.
 
First appearing in 1952 with the chronometer Calibre 354 automatic movement, the Constellation was designed to be Omega’s bellwether watch, taking full advantage of Omega winning yet another chronometer competition – indicating the movement  was tested for precision in five different positions and temperatures, certified, and stamped with a caliber number as a signifier it passed inspection – at the Geneva Observatory.
 
Omega produced its so-called pie pan 12-sided angular dials from circa 1952 to 1970, with a very limited number produced in 1974.  With its raised central area and sloping peripheral chapter ring for the hour markers, the dial is rather similar in appearance to an upside-down pie-pan, providing the watch with depth and originality.  
 
The legendary Gerald Genta is often credited with the design of the Constellation, but as was customary during this era Omega did not credit a freelance designer – even on Genta's most famous creation the Patek Philippe Nautilus, another individual is listed on the patent.  Regardless, Genta's wife confirmed her husband as designer on at least two Constellations, the Ref. 168.005 and the Ref. 168.009 C-Shape.  For many Omega enthusiasts, the Ref. 168.004 and 005 remain the definitive steel Constellation.
 
This Omega comes on its original stainless-steel Omega-signed bracelet, nylon strap, springbar tool, and rugged travel case.