The Omega Constellation is a watch that has been around for decades and comes in hundreds of variations. However, there is one version that defined what some would call the most stylish generation: The Omega Constellation Pie Pan 168.005. Seen on the wrists of icons like Elvis Pressley and Al Pacino in “The Godfather”, the Omega Constellation of this era came to represent the pinnacle of elegant dress watches. With its gold case, faceted convex dial, and dog leg lugs, this watch absolutely oozes 60’s era charm.

As a vintage dress watch, the Omega Constellation wears extremely light on the wrist and a little on the small side at 34 millimeters. It’s a watch designed to slide effortlessly under the cuff, and with the date function of the caliber 561 movement, it transitions perfectly to the modern suit. The sharp angular features, along with the subtle bling, make it a watch that you can wear in a room of Rolexes and still get noticed by the casual eye.

What I didn’t expect is that the Omega Constellation actually surpasses the dress watch category it was intended for. In an 18 Karat gold case with a silver face, this watch is an absolute strap monster. It lends itself to virtually any style and color strap you can think of. As someone who no longer wears suits as much as I used to, the ability to switch out straps has made the constellation a constant companion even when wearing a t-shirt and shorts. It really has the ability to elevate a casual outfit, which is crucial for my current lifestyle.

The downsides of this Omega Constellation Pie Pan 168.005 are those that are typically associated with the vintage watches of this era. This is not a watch that you can “set and forget”. At over fifty years old, the gold case is extremely susceptible to knicks and scratches. It also has effectively no water resistance, making even a trip to wash your hands a nerve-wracking experience. Most people don’t want to have to put so much thought into a watch they wear daily, but to enjoy the Pie Pan Constellation you will need to. They literally don’t make them like they used to, so if something goes wrong an exact replacement is probably not available.

To the purist vintage collectors, maintenance of the Constellation will also be more difficult. There is no warranty to fall back on, and few options for servicing. As is constantly mentioned on forums, a service done by Omega on a vintage piece will often result in the replacement of the original parts with new ones, ruining the vintage appeal in some collectors’ eyes. The only other option is to find a trusted local watchmaker capable of servicing, which brings its own headaches.

Overall, for those interested in getting into vintage watches, it is hard to find one better than the Omega Constellation. With a plethora of different options available in various metals and dial layouts, the Constellation is one of those few watches that manages to walk the difficult tight rope of vintage charm and current appeal.