'Kim Il-Sung' 168.0057 Omega Constellation

The red text above Omega on this Constellation reads ‘Kim Il-Sung’. Yes, really, and it was printed by Omega. This is one of the most bizarre histories to tell, one which very much reflects just how differently Swiss companies operated in the mid-70s (as well as how desperate they were to receive any sales). Now, we aren’t writing about this Constellation to praise, promote, or in any way condone the North Korean regime. Quite the opposite. But when learning about the history of Omega it’s often only Apollo era spaceflight, Bond, and maybe now Moonswatches that get mentioned. For better or worse (definitely worse), this is a piece of Omega's history that’s rarely seen or studied. Because nothing says socialism like a solid gold, special order Omega on a woven gold bracelet.

Dictator watches aren’t new. Patek made watches for Saddam and Gaddafi. Rolex made pieces for Assad and sold movements to Italian Frogmen in WWII. But they’re usually Middle-Eastern and if not WWII military supply. North Korean Omega is a one-off. Thanks to Extracts noting delivery to North Korean, we know these were ordered in the early 1970s, in a range of Constellations. Some say the initial production was for his 60^th birthday in 1972, though this isn’t confirmed. Supposedly the tradition of ordering these Omegas for anniversaries and gifting was carried on by Kim Jong-II. They were gifts to high ranking officials from the ‘Supreme Leader’, ordered multiple in references and metals. Only a handful yellow gold Constellations have so far been identified, 5 ref. 168.0057 in this specification. Interestingly, this is the only time Omega ever made day wheels in Korean.

A special thank you to Eqo Time Group for the photography in this Find. 

This is not an aspirational watch, to be clear. However, it is interesting to contemplate Omega fielding and granting a request from this regime. Supposedly they declined at first, only acquiescing after the regime had multiple orders with them. We're not so sure history went like that—sounds a bit embellished. Why don’t we see other Extracts to NK without the signature in that event? Either way, this is a unique corner of vintage watch history that probably shouldn’t have ever happened. But we’re here now. This one is coming to auction in Sweden next week, though maybe save up for the 3940 and give this one a pass.