Short answer
A replica Omega Constellation 2018 copies the Constellation Manhattan that Omega released in 2018. Sellers offer it in 39 mm and 36 mm cases with the mono-rang bracelet, two claws at 3 and 9 o'clock, a Roman numeral bezel, and a date at 6 o'clock. It does not carry the Master Chronometer movement. No replica of this reference is known to pass METAS certification, hold 15,000 gauss magnetic resistance, or run a true co-axial escapement.
Genuine baseline
Omega lists the Constellation Manhattan 39 mm and 36 mm with calibre 8800 or 8801. Specs: 25,200 vph (3.5 Hz), 55 hour power reserve, silicon balance spring, co-axial escapement, METAS Master Chronometer certification. Some smaller 25 mm and 28 mm versions use quartz calibres. The caseback carries the observatory medallion with eight stars. The claws, known as griffes, are polished and sit at the case flanks. Use these numbers as the reference point for any copy.
Movement reality in copies
Replica Constellation 2018 watches ship with Chinese automatic movements. Usual base: a 28,800 vph (4 Hz) unit with a decorated rotor and a bridge stamped to look like the 8800. Some listings name a Miyota 9015, a Seagull ST2130, or a Sellita SW200. None of these use a co-axial escapement. None hold 15,000 gauss. A timegrapher reading of 28,800 vph is a direct mismatch with the genuine 25,200 vph. Amplitude on a new copy sits near 270 to 300 degrees. Beat error above 0.5 ms points to weak regulation.
Tells to check
- Caseback medallion: eight stars and the observatory dome. Copies engrave shallow and get star spacing wrong.
- Date window at 6 o'clock: font weight, print thickness, alignment with the dial ring.
- Claws at 3 and 9: genuine claws sit flush with the case flank. Copies show a gap or a sharp edge.
- Bracelet: mono-rang links with half-moon facets. Copies use one link profile for all rows and a loose fit at the end links.
- Weight: a steel 39 mm on a full bracelet sits near 140 g to 150 g. Copies run 10 g to 25 g lighter.
- Crystal: sapphire on mid and high tiers. Mineral glass on the cheapest units, and it scratches.
Price tiers
60 to 120 USD: quartz or low-grade automatic, mineral glass, printed caseback. 150 to 250 USD: 316L steel, sapphire crystal, 28,800 vph automatic, stamped medallion. 300 to 500 USD: better case finishing, solid end links, AR coating, decorated rotor, sometimes a Sellita SW200. Above 500 USD the return per dollar drops. No tier matches METAS specs.
Checks before you buy
- Ask for a timegrapher photo with rate, amplitude, and beat error.
- Ask for caseback photos in raking light. The medallion is the first part factories cut on cost.
- Ask for a weight on a scale.
- Confirm the case diameter. Listings mix 38 mm and 39 mm cases, and a 38 mm case will not take 39 mm bracelet parts.
- Ask for photos of the exact unit, not a stock sample.
What is unknown
Factory names change. A batch sold under one name in 2018 can ship from a different workshop later. No replica carries a valid Omega warranty. Omega service centers will not service or authenticate a copy. Customs rules on counterfeit goods differ by country.