Omega f300 Constellation TV Case

The most refined tuning fork movement in a fantastic 70's style TV case!

Description:

This watch is an awesome example of 1970s style and technology. To start with, you have the ESA 9162 movement, sometimes called the "Rolls Royce" of tuning fork movements. Add on top of that the build quality and style that Omega is known for. Lastly, this model has that great "TV case" shape that is so iconic of the 70s era watches. If you love 70s era watches, then you've gotta love this one.

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The ESA 9162 tuning fork was designed by Max Hetzel, the designer of the very first tuning fork movement, the Accutron 214, which was released in 1960. In 1963, Mr. Hetzel left Bulova to move back to his native Switzerland where he worked for the Swiss Laboratory for Horological Research (LSRH) in Neuchftel where he developped the Swissonic / 9162. The 9162 movement has the lowest frequency of any tuning fork watch at 300 Hz and gives off a nice, low, soothing hum. It was also designed to be modular, which makes the movement somewhat easier to service.

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This watch is almost at the pinnacle / end of the line for tuning fork watches which ceased production in all forms in 1977. After the 9162, Mr. Hetzel designed the "Megasonic" line of tuning fork movments, which was the very last to be developed or produced.

1975 Omega f300 Watch Catalog Pages

This Omega model features the "Constellation" name and the beautiful observatory medallion on the back. The first Omega Constellation was released in 1952 and featured a depiction of the dome of the observatory in Geneva, which was closed in 1966. The logo was intended to invoke the role that observatories played in the development and certification of highly accurate chronometers. From 1873 until the late 1960s, observatories in Geneva, Neuchatel, and the Kew Observatory in London held "chronometry competitions" in which the world's best watchmaker competed.

This model is a great size and weight and features an exceptional bracelet in which the links fit so well that there is almost no side to side movement at all. It really feels solid on the wrist, almost like a cuff watch. You get the feeling that this watch means business!

1975 - The First Personal Computers, Apollo-Soyuz, and... Airport!

Condition:

Case: Excellent.
The machined stainless steel case is in fantastic condition and still retains its original brushing / machining marks on the top and sides. The top left and right sides of the case have a tiny bevelled edge which is polished and perfect without any nicks.

Face / Hands: Very good.
The face and hands are in very good condition with just a very slight bit of aging visible in the chapter ring around the perimeter.

Crystal: Good.
The only really objectionable flaw in this example is a small stress fracture in the lower left hand corner of the crystal. It is not chipped, but does have what looks to be a slight crack. The front face of the crystal has been repolished and is smooth and scratch free.

Band / Bracelet: Excellent.
The bracelet is complete, in excellent shape, and fits a full size 8.5" wrist.

Function / Accuracy: Excellent.
This watch functions perfectly and keeps fantastic time. The movement ticks over precisely at midnight as you would expect. One thing to be aware of when looking for 9162 movements is that the date wheel on these movments is made of a lightweight plastic instead of metal and has a tendency for the teeth to become worn over time. Many of these movements have date wheels that get stuck on certain days of the month. This one is perfect and functions perfectly.