Omega “Kim Il-Sung Plaque” Constellation 168.016

Model: Omega “Kim Il-Sung” Constellation 168.016 Year: 1972 Features: The Origin. You might not immediately recognise the writing on the dial, but the Korean day wheel provides a subtle hint. No, not that Korea - the other one. The red name emblazoned across this Omega Constellation belongs to Kim Il-Sung, the founding dictator of North Korea. The Occasion. Kim Il-Sung, the founder of North Korea, would present Omegas bearing his signature on his birthday each year. After Kim Il-Sung died, his son, Kim Jong-Il reportedly continued this practice for several years, always distributing them on the date of Kim Il-Sung’s birthday. After Kim Jong-Il’s own death, Kim Jong‑Un, his son and the current dictator-in-chief, continues to issue watches bearing Kim Jong-Il’s signature, although the specifics of the modern watches are unknown. The Variant. Unlike other variants, this one has a date written above the constellation star. Not only did 15 April 1972 mark Kim Il-Sung’s 60th birthday, but it’s also the date he established the Order of Kim Il Sung - an honorary title given to those that make significant contributions to North Korea. According to historical sources, 1972 was the first time Kim Il-Sung formally awarded watches - presumably alongside his new Order - to his most loyal subjects. As a result, we’re almost certainly looking at the first North Korean-issued Omega variant. It feels uncomfortable to say, but the execution of the dial is flawless. Even under macro scrutiny, the application is precise and consistent - clear evidence that this was not the work of an amateur or a later addition. The Extract. When I first encountered one several years ago, I assumed the signature had been added locally in North Korea. But thanks to a keen collector who obtained the relevant Extract of the Archives for his own Kim Il-Sung Constellation, it appears Omega itself designed and made the dials at the request of North Korea’s leader. And while it feels uncomfortable to say, the execution of the raised signature itself is flawless. The Watch. There’s little need to dwell on the watch itself - the 168.016 is one of Omega’s most classically vintage references. It carries all the hallmarks you’d expect: a signed crown, stamped bracelet, star dial, brushed surfaces, and the familiar Geneva Observatory medallion on the caseback. The Rarity. Over the years, a handful of different Kim Il-Sung signed Omegas have escaped the DPRK - and they’re all just as rare as they are ghoulish. This will definitely only be of interest to the most grizzled collector, and not something I’d recommend as your first Omega purchase! Specifications: Condition: In very good condition overall. Just serviced. Signs of wear and aging, but has been incredibly well looked after for the last few decades years. Scope: No box or papers Movement: Omega 751 Automatic Dimensions: Case Width: 35.5mm Lug to Lug: 40.3mm Case Thickness: 11.4mm Bracelet Length: 7.5 inches