The precursor to the Constellation was the Centenary, a limited edition chronometer that was released in 1948 in celebration of Omega's 100th Anniversary. Only 6000 watches were made, each with an 18kt yellow gold dialreplica omega 1957 trilogyand case and presented in a sterling silver box. The 33mm Ref. 2499 (Caliber 28.10) was first released with a run of 2000 and 35.5mm Ref. 2500, with the slightly larger caliber 30.10, followed up with the remaining 4000. The beautifully faceted lugs and gold dauphine hands aren't identical to the Constellation's but you cannot refute the parental similarities. The Centenary proved so popular that Omega decided to create a new watch that would be held to the same standards of design and watchmaking as the Centenary.
The Constellation was released in 1952 and was named in honor of the Constellation jet that flew during World War 2. Available in steel, yellow gold and rose gold as well as three grades of finishing (Standard, Deluxe and Grand Luxe), the Constellation was Omega's flagship watch from the very beginning. Even its case back referenced Omega's commitment to horological excellence; the iconic replica omega watches observatory engraving referenced the location of the chronometer trials and the eight stars in the sky represented the eight chronometric records that Omega broke in 1931.