Constellation Manhattan
After launching a series of special editions in the 1970s, the year 1982 saw the presentation of the Constellation Manhattan (Ref. DD 398.0866), designed by Carol Didisheim. Bringing to light a new design standard, the bezel is equipped with striking claws or “griffes” at the 3 and 9 o’clock markers. The claws also serve as functional additions, as they firmly keep the sapphire crystal in place.
The first models with their simultaneously extravagant and elegant design were equipped with a quartz movement – back then, this represented an innovative break with tradition. In 1985, however, the Constellation Manhattan was outfitted with an automatic calibre and following tradition, was subsequently certified as a chronometer.
Today, this popular Omega watch family has been enriched by multiple modifications and special editions, yet the present models still preserve the basic characteristics of the very first Constellation Manhattan. The legendary prestige watch is now known first and foremost, as the watch of Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mikhail Gorbachev.