Two gold Constellations
When OMEGA launched the Constellation “Manhattan” in 1982, its defining design element, the “griffes” or claws on the side of the watch case, instantly made it among the world’s most recognizable timepieces. A gold Manhattan was often seen on the wrist of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The redesigned gold Constellation 09 is making its own history.
Mikhail Gorbachev’s gold-on-gold Constellation Manhattan
A history-maker’s OMEGA
Mikhail Gorbachev, the former president of the Soviet Union, has often been photographed with his gold OMEGA Constellation “Manhattan” on his wrist. The watch was present at some of the most important events in recent history.
The distinctive timepiece has a gold dial and a black bezel ring. The Constellation “griffes” or claws on the bezel are also gold. The Manhattan was the first watch in the Constellation line to feature the claws and when the watch was introduced; their function was more than aesthetic.
The four screwed claws held the sapphire crystal and gasket against the case, helping to ensure its water resistance. The Constellation Manhattan was an enormously popular part of OMEGA’s collection from the time of its launch.
Mikhail Gorbachev’s Constellation is driven by the ultra-flat calibre 1431. The watch has a sun-brushed gilt dial with 24 Ct gold makers under its sapphire crystal and an integrated gold bracelet with hinged links.
Mikhail Gorbachev has been credited for playing an important role in East-West détente and we are pleased that he made history wearing an OMEGA Constellation.
The redesigned gold-on-gold Constellation
OMEGA makes its own history
OMEGA recently redesigned its entire Constellation family but Mikhail Gorbachev would have no problem recognizing the watches in the line. While every detail has been updated and upgraded, the famous claws are still a part of each Constellation.
This 18 Ct gold Constellation from the redesigned line is equipped with the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8501. It’s appropriate in a discussion of Gorbachev – it started a revolution in the way mechanical watches are made. It is also ideally suited to frequent flyers – with this movement, it is possible to adjust the hour hand independently of the other hands when changing time zones.
The familiar 18 Ct gold Constellation horizontal links are still part of the bracelet but they come now with polished single-piece decorating bars. The bracelet is fixed on a butterfly clasp.
The OMEGA Constellation has been on some important wrists when history was being made. Now it’s making a bit of history of its own.
