After having modernised the Constellation for ladies two years ago, Omega has just done the same for the men’s model, revamping the watch inside and out. Now the full range of Omega’s bestselling model line – the Constellation is likely the most popular watch model in China – has been facelifted.

The new gents’ Constellation Co‑Axial Master Chronometer line-up is 26 models strong, all of which share the same basic specs.

While the signature Constellation design has been retained, the case and bracelet has been sharpened with subtle improvements that given it a substantially different look. And the case is also larger, at 39 mm instead of the 38 mm of the earlier generation. But most importantly, the new model is equipped with a Master Chronometer movement containing all of Omega’s latest tech.

Nip and tuck

Available in steel, yellow gold, Sedna gold as well as two-tone combinations, the new Constellation retains the classic barrel shape with concave facets at the top and bottom lugs, as well as the four bezel “claws” at three and nine o’clock. The overall design is, in short, fundamentally the same, but it has been improved in finishing and style, inside and out.

The lines and surfaces of the case and bracelet are now cleaner and more pronounced, at the same time accentuated with improved finishing.

While the bezel claws keep their traditional polished finish, most of the other surfaces are now brushed, with the case and bracelet featuring polished bevels along their length, creating a more pronounced outline and sleeker silhouette. The upgraded finishing is also found on the claws, which sport subtly bevelled edges.

At the same time, Omega has reduced the prominence of the claws, which are the defining element of the design, while being polarising.

The claws were starting to look dated, but Omega has extended their longevity by reducing their prominence. They are now thinner and almost flush with the bezel, whereas in the recent past they were slightly bulbous; in the first generation Constellation they were more like raised lips.

Though this is relatively discreet adjustment, the better integration of the claws into the bezel freshens up the design of the watch.

Other reshaped elements on the case include the bezel, which is now thinner and engraved with upright Roman numerals, instead of the radially-aligned numerals of past versions. And the crown taller and gently conical, instead of flat.

Like the case, the dial has been reimagined to give it a more purposeful look, with “alpha” hands and elongated, facetted hour markers. Various dial finishes are available, including a textured, crosshatch finish, as well as the option of diamond hour markers.

The subtle-but-significant facelift continues on the bracelet, with each bracelet link having polished bevels and mid-bar links, improving its look and feel.

And a mechanical upgrade

Lastly, the movement inside is the METAS-certified Master Chronometer cal. 8800 or 8801, a latest generation Omega movement boasting all of the technical innovations developed in recent years. They include a free-sprung balance wheel, silicon hairspring, and Co-Axial escapement parts made from proprietary alloys that boost its magnetism resistance to over 15,000 Gauss.

The cal. 8800 (left) and cal. 8801

The steel and two-tone metals are equipped with the automatic cal. 8800 with a rhodium plated rotor, while the all-gold versions are powered by the cal. 8801, which is the same calibre dressed up with rotor and balance bridge in 18k Sedna gold.

Key facts and price

Omega Constellation Co‑Axial Master Chronometer 39 mm
Ref. 131.10.39.20.01.001 (Steel with a black dial)
Ref. 131.20.39.20.02.001 (Sedna gold and steel, with a silver dial)
Ref. 131.50.39.20.02.001 (Sedna gold with a silver dial)
Ref. 131.20.39.20.08.001 (Yellow gold and steel with a silver dial)
Ref. 131.50.39.20.02.002 (Yellow gold with a silver dial)
Another 21 more references available

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: Not available
Material: Steel; Sedna gold; yellow gold; steel and yellow gold; steel and Sedna gold
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. 8800 (Steel and two-tone models); Cal. 8801 (gold models)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 55 hours

Strap: Bracelet or leather

Limited edition: No
Availability: At Omega boutiques and retailers
Price: Starting at US$6,050, or 8,400 Singapore dollars for the steel base model; to US$31,700, or 43,950 Singapore dollars for the all-gold, top-of-the-line watch

For more information, visit Omegawatches.com.