The Constellation Double Eagle was born from Omega’s strong association with the sport of golf, where the ultimate score is a “double eagle” or albatross. Representing a score of three under par, the double eagle requires a hole in one on a par-four hole or, as is more likely, two strokes on a par-five hole. This feat requires ultimate precision on the part of the golfer and therefore lends itself ideally as the name for these precision chronometers in the Constellation collection.
The first Double Eagle models for men were launched at the Omega European Masters in 2003 in spectacular fashion, when an eagle swooped down onto the 18th green with the watches in its claws.These chronometer models, which use Omega’s unique Co-Axial Escapement technology for better long-term accuracy, were quickly followed by chronograph versions based on the same proven technology.In 2005, the brand now enhanced the collection with elegant ladies’ models with the luxury of gold and diamonds, as well as a sportier version of the gents’ chronograph.
The gents’ chronograph model has a sporty dial in matt black with contrasting silvered chronograph counters and a separate silvered tachymetre scale around the outside of the minute circle. The new stainless-steel and black lacquered bezel also provides a contrast, highlighting the familiar Roman numerals.
As with all Double Eagle models, the asymmetric claws that are characteristic of the Constellation line provide the finishing touch to the watch’s face, with their polished surfaces contrasting with the brushed stainless-steel case. The ultimate sporty touch is provided by an integrated rubber strap – the first of its kind on an Omega watch. The familiar brushed steel bracelet with contrasting polished links is also available.
The Double Eagle Chronograph is fitted with the Omega calibre 3313. This movement uses Omega’s unique and revolutionary Co-Axial Escapement, which reduces friction in the movement and offers better long-term accuracy, as well as a column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The column-wheel chronograph ensures precision operation of the chronograph functions, with a vertical coupling ensuring zero delay in the start, stop and reset functions.
In the Double Eagle chronograph, the Omega 3313 has an intricate rhodium-plated finish of circular graining, Geneva wave décor and gold-plated engravings, with a blued-steel screw as the centrepiece of this mechanical and aesthetic marvel. As a prestige movement, it naturally boasts top specifications, with official COSC chronometer certification and a self-winding mechanism that gives the watch a power reserve of 55 hours.
The new ladies’ models in the Double Eagle collection are available in two different case sizes, 31mm and 24mm, in 18-carat yellow gold, two-tone 18-carat yellow gold and steel and all-steel versions. There is a choice of mother-of-pearl dials with diamond hour markers and matching diamond-set bezel, or with facetted hour markers and a matching brushed bezel with stamped Roman numerals.
The stainless-steel models are also available with a black lacquered dial with facetted hour markers and a brushed steel bezel with stamped Roman numerals. The larger models are powered by Omega’s calibre 2500 – a self-winding COSC-certified chronometer movement fitted with the Omega Co-Axial Escapement and free sprung-balance. This movement offers stable accuracy over long periods of use and has a power reserve of 48 hours. The 24mm versions are powered by the Omega quartz calibre 1376, which has a battery lifetime of 32 months.
All of these Double Eagle models are water resistant to 100m/330ft and have a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The chronograph and 31mm models have a transparent sapphire crystal case back that shows off the Co-Axial movement, whereas the 24mm versions have a case back stamped with the Constellation’s observatory emblem, as well as the Double Eagle inscription.
