This piece of history, with cutting edge technology (as of 1969), initiated a tremendous revolution in the watch world. The introduction of Quartz movements contributed to the extinction of many watch brands, transforming the horological landscape. Nonetheless, it should be noted that it was an admirable technological leap, that resulted in a wristwatch way more expensive than any speedmaster. I can only imagine when they appeared on window displays. “What!? An Omega?? No more winding, no more swirling around, just plain accurate all day, every day!? I have to get one of these!”. Maybe that is what my grandpa thought when he bought this Omega Constellation Beta 21 Electroquartz back in the day. I am just glad he did.

Still today, one of the most appealing features of the watch is its movement. It resulted from the joint venture of the major Swiss watch brands under the Centre Electronique Horloger. The movement emits a beautiful humm and it was revolutionary also for its precision.  But if it stops (for the wrong reasons) it may not just be as easy as replacing a battery. Finding the original parts is almost an impossible mission, and so it took me more than a year to bring it back to life again. I am thankful for a resourceful friend. If it wasn’t for him… Its fate could be a paperweight… The case follows the trend of the 70’s: big, thick and with straight lines. Although it is a bit on the heavy side, it’s bracelet makes the watch surprisingly comfortable. The crown is on the left side, possibly as a statement that you won’t need to use it regularly. One last word for the dial, for me one of the most beautiful aspects of the watch. A clean blue dial that contrasts with small bits of red of the logo and date wheel, and with a lovely set of white hands. Even though I can’t tuck it under a shirt, I find myself using the Omega Constellation Beta 21 Electroquartz more often.