Omega, Constellation, "Kim Il-Sung", ca 1975.
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Case size: 35 mm
Material: 18K gold
Movement: automatic, caliber 1021
Year: circa 1975
Crystal: plastic crystal
Bracelet: original bracelet, folding clasp
Reference number: BA 168.0057
Serial number: 39'050'859
Case number: 1'680'057
Total weight approx. 113 grams. Wear due to age and use. Minor bent bracelet. Dial with patina.
A simple function check indicated the movement runs; accuracy, power reserve and long-term performance have not been tested and servicing may be required at the buyer’s expense. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed and should be checked by a qualified watchmaker before any exposure to water. No right of withdrawal applies to live auction purchases.
More information
This Omega Constellation was created to commemorate the 60th birthday of Kim Il-sung, who was an avid Omega collector, particularly of C-Case models. North Korea initially requested that Kim Il-sung’s name be engraved above the Omega logo, but Omega initially resisted, creating tension between the two parties. Ultimately, North Korea became a long-term and reliable customer, and the engraving was approved.
In North Korea, this timepiece is often referred to as the “Kim Il-sung Watch” or the “business card watch” and is awarded only to individuals who have achieved the highest levels of merit. Among these, the solid gold model is exceptionally rare. Estimates vary, suggesting anywhere from four to thirty exist, and to the best of our knowledge, only five solid gold examples, including this one, have been documented.
This watch also features the very rare Korean date and day discs. These watches were not only presented internally to high-ranking officials but also externally to visiting foreign dignitaries. In the political context of North Korea, such watches serve both as symbols of recognition and as instruments for building alliances and trust, alongside their practical function of timekeeping.