The many layers of the Constellar Origin
Mitchell BarberWhen talking about complexity and visual interest, there is rarely a conversation in this industry that doesn’t centre around layers. The depth of a Lange movement, the dimensionality of a sandwich dial and the beautiful engraving of a caseback, it’s all about layers, people. The overly talkative Donkey from Shrek was right. Introducing the new king of layers, the Constellar Origin, launched recently at Singapore’s microbrand watch fair, Spring Sprang Sprung. I would usually start one of these articles by talking about the one detail of the watch that stands out the most, but the problem here is that there are such touches everywhere.
The dial
If I were an architect, I would start to wax lyrical about the different elevations of the dial. Available in red, blue, green, grey, or brown, the central, radially finished section steps up to a metallic ring that houses the claw-like hour markers, culminating in an accurate but not too serious-feeling outer minute ring in matching colours. Just call me Frank Lloyd Wright.
As you start to look deeper, you notice how the day and date displays are sunken-in to not disturb the eye, revealing themselves only when needed. Once a day, if your memory is good enough. Overall, the dial is incredibly detailed. The razor-sharp dauphine hands and applied logo add to the crispness of the design. One thing to note is that the date window is coloured to match the inner dial, but the day display matches the metallic ring.
The case
I am from here on out calling this case the “techno cornes de vache”. Yes, that’s right, the techno cow horns. Coming in at 38mm in diameter, 11.5mm in height, and 44.5mm lug-to-lug, the steel case of the Origin is right where you want it to be in terms of wearability. Where things get interesting however, is the lugs.
As my new nickname suggests, we have a modern interpretation of the traditional corne de vache lug shape. The “techno” designation comes in with the framed engravings on the flanks. It’s as though they are framed pieces of art hanging on a gallery wall, though you may not notice this detail when looking at the watch front-on.
The bracelet
This is where I’m torn with the Constellar Origin. In isolation, the bracelet is beautiful and the laser-engraved centre links add a real sense of detail to what would otherwise be an overlooked component of the watch. My only hesitation is that, perhaps along with all the detail in the case and dial, the bracelet wouldn’t get the attention it deserves. Other than that, the bracelet is a solid and includes only one step of micro-adjustment on the folding clasp.
The movement
Based on the calibre SW240-1M from Sellita, the movement displays the day and the date, along with the usual hours, minutes, and centre seconds. Dressed in the elaboré grade, the movement is adjusted in three positions for accuracy, up from two with the standard offer from Sellita. It’s a no-nonsense movement with a 42-hour power reserve, though maybe a touch plain to look at. The action is on the front with this one anyway.
Constellar Origin pricing and availability
The Constellar Origin is available from the brand’s website. Price: A$1,513, US$1,012
| Brand | Constellar |
| Model | Origin |
| Case Dimensions | 38mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) x 44.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Top-hat sapphire with AR coating |
| Dial | Vermilion red, cerulean blue, viridian green, pewter grey, cinnabar brown |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Three-link steel bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | Sellita SW240-1M, manual winding |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$1,513, US$1,012 |