Omega Constellation "My Choice" - 1391.71.00

The Constellation launched in 1952 as Omega's flagship dress watch—precision chronometer movements, elegant proportions, observatory medallion stamped on casebacks celebrating decades of timekeeping records at Kew-Teddington, Neuchâtel, and Geneva. For twenty years, the Constellation represented Swiss watchmaking excellence before the quartz crisis devastated the industry in the 1970s. Omega survived by adapting. The "Manhattan" Constellation arrived in 1982—integrated bracelet design, distinctive "claws" gripping the case at three and nine o'clock, Roman numerals marking the minutes on a sapphire crystal bezel. Bold, geometric, unmistakably 1980s.

The "My Choice" collection emerged in the 1990s as a more compact, feminine interpretation of the Manhattan design. Cindy Crawford became the face of Constellation advertising during this period, photographed wearing various My Choice models in campaigns emphasising elegance and sophistication. The 1391.71.00 represents this era—27.5mm case, mother-of-pearl dial, two-tone steel and gold construction targeting buyers wanting Constellation design language in smaller proportions.

Twenty-seven-and-a-half millimetres in brushed stainless steel with 18K yellow gold bezel. The case is round, compact, deliberately petite by contemporary standards where even ladies' watches often exceed 30mm. Fixed 18K yellow gold bezel, polished smooth. No claws—the My Choice range eliminated the Manhattan's signature gripping elements, creating cleaner profile. Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the underside reducing glare. Push-pull crown. Thirty metres water resistance—splash-proof, not swim-proof.

The dial is mother-of-pearl—natural material cut thin, reflecting light in iridescent patterns shifting from white to pink to blue depending on angle. Applied hour markers in 18K yellow gold. Date window at three o'clock with white background. Gold dauphine hands. The Omega logo and Constellation star printed above six o'clock. Mother-of-pearl varies between watches—no two dials appear identical due to natural material variations.

Inside sits Calibre 1456—Omega's quartz movement developed for ladies' dress watches. Battery-powered, non-mechanical, designed for accuracy and longevity rather than horological romance. Thirty-two-month battery life typical. The movement requires no winding, minimal maintenance beyond battery replacement every few years. Quartz movements dominated watchmaking in the 1980s and 1990s; mechanical watches became niche products until collector interest revived them in the 2000s.

The integrated bracelet uses brushed stainless steel outer links with polished 18K yellow gold centre bars creating two-tone effect. The design references the Manhattan's integrated bracelet whilst adapting proportions for smaller case. Deployment clasp in stainless steel. The bracelet tapers slightly from case to clasp. Link removal requires specialist tools—adjustment isn't end-user friendly.

Fair condition from 2003 means the watch shows twenty-two years of wear. Fair condition typically indicates visible scratching on polished gold surfaces, dulling of brushed steel, possible small dents or dings on case edges, bracelet stretch creating play between links, crystal potentially showing minor surface scratches despite sapphire's scratch resistance, dial showing no water damage or discolouration but possibly slight fading of printing. The mother-of-pearl should remain intact—cracking or delamination would drop condition below fair. Fair condition watches function correctly but appearance reflects age and use. Full set includes Omega presentation box, warranty card dated 2003 (expired—Omega offered two years from purchase), instruction booklet, pictogram card.

The My Choice collection represented Omega's attempt to capture buyers wanting recognisable brand heritage in compact, affordable packages during an era when mechanical watches were expensive curiosities and quartz dominated sales. The 1391.71.00 balances steel affordability with yellow gold luxury cues—solid gold bezel and bracelet inserts, not plating, but minimal gold content compared to full-gold variants. The 27.5mm diameter feels small by 2026 standards; buyers in 2003 considered it appropriately feminine.

Seventy years of Constellation evolution. Mother-of-pearl dial, two-tone steel and gold construction, quartz movement from the era when batteries powered Swiss luxury. Fair condition showing twenty-two years of use, full set with box and papers.