While luxury sports watches have come back into vogue in a big way, Omega hasn’t been inclined to jump into the integrated bandwagon. That’s simply because they’ve been there for years with their dark horse of a collection, the Constellation. It’s just a matter of scaling the dainty watch up a little – which is precisely what Omega has done in the new Constellation Gent’s Collection.

The Constellation did start as a men’s watch way back in 1952, but it was a much different watch to what we have today. That came about in 1982 with a pretty drastic stylistic overhaul, adding claws either side of the bezel. The main issue is that while other watches increased in size to match tastes, the Constellation did not, giving it a bit of a reputation for appealing to the Asian market.

The new collection changes that nicely. The case has been increased to a solid 39mm wide which, while still not huge, feels a little bigger with the addition of those signature claws. The roman numerals engraved in the bezel have something of the Explorer about them, hammering home the sports credentials, while the case materials – ranging from steel to yellow and Sedna (Omega’s own rose) gold and every two-tone in-between – emphasise the luxury.

There are other tweaks of course; overall the Constellation has been made more elegant, with thinner claws and an emphasis on the various brushed and polished surfaces. That goes for the bracelets too, which are seriously well-done with contrasting links and bevelled edges.

Underneath it all is Omega’s Master Chronometer movement, a big upgrade from previous models. It’s essentially COSC certification on steroids and makes for a phenomenally reliable movement. The only mechanical downside to the new Constellations is their water resistance. At 50m you don’t want to get them wet.

Colourwise, the dials are available in black, silver, blue, brown and white, as well as mottled variations in blue, gold and grey. Altogether it means the collection comprises of 26 new sports pieces. It’s one hell of an overhaul, that’s for sure – and in our opinion one long overdue.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Omega Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 39mm

Case/Dial: 39mm diameter, stainless steel, 18k yellow gold, 18k Sedna gold or two-tone steel and gold (yellow and Sedna)

Water Resistance: 50m

Movement: In-house Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 or 8801, METAS-certified

Power Reserve: 55h

Frequency: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz)

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date

Strap: Metal bracelets (steel, steel-and-gold, yellow gold, Sedna gold) and leather straps

Price: £4,695 (39mm steel on leather)

£4,870 (36mm steel on steel bracelet)

£6,000 (39mm steel and Sedna gold on leather)

£8,520 (39mm steel and yellow gold on steel and yellow gold bracelet)

£25,480 (39mm Sedna gold on Sedna gold bracelet)

£14,960 (39mm Sedna gold/yellow gold on leather)

£6,870 (36mm steel and Sedna gold on Sedna and steel bracelet)

£21,915 (36mm Sedna gold on Sedna gold bracelet; 36mm yellow gold on yellow gold bracelet)

More details at Omega’s website.