✨ 1968 Omega Constellation “C-Case” Chronometer

Cal. 564 – 14K Solid Gold Bezel – Ref. 168.017 ✨

A refined late-1960s Omega Constellation Automatic Chronometer, produced circa 1967–1969, during the final golden age of Swiss mechanical precision.

This reference 168.017 represents Omega’s celebrated C-case generation and houses the legendary Caliber 564 — one of the brand’s most respected chronometer movements.

A true pre-quartz Constellation from Omega’s peak mechanical era.

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🏛 The Heritage of Omega

Founded in 1848, Omega built its global reputation on chronometric dominance.

Throughout the mid-20th century, Omega repeatedly won observatory timing competitions in Geneva and Neuchâtel. The Constellation, introduced in 1952, was created to commemorate these precision victories.

Every Constellation carries the observatory medallion on its case back — a symbol of certified accuracy.

This watch is part of that lineage.

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📅 Manufacture Period

Produced approximately 1967–1969, placing it firmly within:

• The final apex of mechanical chronometer production

• The transitional design shift into modernist case forms

• The years immediately preceding the quartz revolution

A highly respected and collectible era.

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🎨 The “C-Case” Architecture

This model features the collectible C-case silhouette:

• Flowing integrated lugs

• Rounded tonneau case profile

• Sculpted, balanced geometry

• Elegant late-1960s industrial design

Dimensions:

• ~34.6 mm diameter (excluding crown)

• ~40 mm lug to lug

• ~11.6 mm thickness

Classic proportions with confident wrist presence.

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💎 Dial – Refined Texture

The gold dial exhibits a beautiful vertical brushed texture that creates subtle, elegant light play.

Features:

• Applied baton hour markers

• Date at 3 o’clock

• Constellation star above 6

• “Automatic Chronometer Officially Certified” printing

• Swiss Made at base

Warm, clean, and visually balanced.

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🛠 Movement – Caliber 564 (24 Jewels)

One of Omega’s most respected chronometer calibers.

The 564 belongs to the prestigious 56x chronometer family and is known for:

• Quick-set date

• Fine regulator adjustment

• Official chronometer certification

• Robust long-term reliability

• Strong collector demand

Running properly.

A true product of Omega’s mechanical mastery before the quartz era.

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🟡 Case & Gold Configuration

• Case body: Gold plated (correctly marked inside case back)

• Bezel: 14K solid gold

• Observatory medallion crisp and well defined

• Crown: Original Omega-signed crown

This configuration provides both aesthetic warmth and intrinsic gold value via the solid gold bezel — while remaining more accessible than full solid-gold executions.

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🔍 Crystal

The crystal is clear and well fitted.

It is not logo-signed, consistent with a later service replacement.

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📌 Condition

• Strong case geometry

• Crisp Constellation medallion

• Attractive textured dial

• Clean movement

• Excellent overall vintage preservation

For a late-1960s chronometer, condition is impressive.

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📈 Market Perspective

Full solid 18K gold Constellation C-case chronometers from this era can reach prices approaching $10,000, depending on condition and configuration.

Even gold-plated Caliber 564 Constellations — often in lesser cosmetic condition than this example — are commonly trading no lower than approximately $2,100 in today’s vintage market.

This watch stands above typical plated examples due to:

• The 14K solid gold bezel

• Clean dial integrity

• Strong case preservation

• Chronometer-grade Cal. 564 movement

It offers a strategic position between entry-level plated pieces and full 18K gold executions — making it a compelling acquisition for serious vintage Omega collectors.

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🔄 Strap & Buckle

• Black leather strap (aftermarket)

• Vintage Universal buckle (taken from an 18K solid gold Universal watch)

No box.

No papers.

Not tested for water resistance.

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📦 Shipping

Ships promptly worldwide with secure professional packaging and full tracking.

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🔐 Authenticity Promise

Authenticity Promise: Every watch I list is 100% authentic. If authenticity is ever in doubt, I offer a full money-back guarantee. Take a moment to review my long-standing positive feedback — it speaks for itself.