Can anyone give me any info on this OMEGA Constellation? PART 2

[wakka2u]

Hi, got this OMEGA Constellation Pie-Pan Dial handed down from my dad, looks gold plated to me, with the gold finish wearing off. Guessing 1960s - early 1970s. Couldn't find a any models or bands similar. If i was to recondition this like my rolex overhaul few years back, is it going to set me back another $800 like the rolex? Maybe it's not worth overhauling at all?? Would they add more gold polishing??? Thanks for looking!!

[xjeeunitx]

To be honest, I'm not sure of the authenticity of this watch. Can you take closer pictures of the dial, case back, and clasps?

[rodrob59]

Looks to me to be a early to mid 60's SS Constellation with a 14K cap. I have one from 1967 with a white dial. Vintage sites carry them for $1000-$1200. Rather than send it to Omega, why not take it to a good watchmaker and see what it needs? My guy(and older gentleman who escaped from East Germany) says that working on an Omega is more expensive than a Rolex so hopefully a good cleaning is all it needs. I'd ditch the current band and replace with a black lizard strap.

Your dad had very good taste in this one. I'd be proud to wear it just as it is.

[wakka2u]

Originally Posted by xjeeunitx

To be honest, I'm not sure of the authenticity of this watch. Can you take closer pictures of the dial, case back, and clasps?

Thanks all for your expert eyes and honest advice! Cheers

[TimeToGo]

I love these watches. Congrats!

I believe this model is referred as pie pan arrow head. Possibly 1950s.

I am sure some experts will chime in soon!

[mondodec]

Hi

Looks to me like a cal 501 or 505 model 2852. Nice arrow-head markers on a pie pan dial with even patina.

I would lose the bracelet as these models only ever came with a leather strap or solid gold bracelets, and the bracelet may well wear into the gold on the lugs.

Your model is known as a 'gold cap'. See here for info on gold cap or plaque. The bezel is solid 14k gold and the lugs originally had around 220 microns of gold, which is about 20 times the thickness of gold plated watches today.....that's why there is no 'brassing'.

So, you have a very collectible Connie from the later 1950s, which, if serviced regularly, will outlast you. Wonderful heirloom watch.

Agree with above poster on servicing. If you haven't had your watch serviced, or don't know it's service history, I would source a watchmaker who has serviced Omegas over time and ask him to dis-assemble, clean and oil the movement. Also ask him to replace the crown (these 2.5mm pipe sized decagonal crowns are still available); replace the case back gasket and polish the crystal.

I would under no circumstances take the watch to an Omega service agent, because the agent will want to send the watch to Bienne for an expensive 'overhaul' that may well result in your watch losing its factory 'originality'. While later model tool watches are ok to send to Bienne, Omega has a poor reputation in the 'sensitive' and functional restoration of earlier Connies and Seamasters.

Your dial, while having patina should not be touched. The watch is worth far more with this original dial than if it were refinished.

Cheers

Desmond

[TimeToGo]

Originally Posted by mondodec

Hi

Looks to me like a cal 501 or 505 model 2852. Nice arrow-head markers on a pie pan dial with even patina.

I would lose the bracelet as these models only ever came with a leather strap or solid gold bracelets, and the bracelet may well wear into the gold on the lugs.

Your model is known as a 'gold cap'. See here for info on gold cap or plaque. The bezel is solid 14k gold and the lugs originally had around 220 microns of gold, which is about 20 times the thickness of gold plated watches today.....that's why there is no 'brassing'.

So, you have a very collectible Connie from the later 1950s, which, if serviced regularly, will outlast you. Wonderful heirloom watch.

Agree with above poster on servicing. If you haven't had your watch serviced, or don't know it's service history, I would source a watchmaker who has serviced Omegas over time and ask him to dis-assemble, clean and oil the movement. Also ask him to replace the crown (these 2.5mm pipe sized decagonal crowns are still available); replace the case back gasket and polish the crystal.

I would under no circumstances take the watch to an Omega service agent, because the agent will want to send the watch to Bienne for an expensive 'overhaul' that may well result in your watch losing its factory 'originality'. While later model tool watches are ok to send to Bienne, Omega has a poor reputation in the 'sensitive' and functional restoration of earlier Connies and Seamasters.

Your dial, while having patina should not be touched. The watch is worth far more with this original dial than if it were refinished.

Cheers

Desmond

Excellent!

[wakka2u]

Originally Posted by mondodec

Hi

Looks to me like a cal 501 or 505 model 2852. Nice arrow-head markers on a pie pan dial with even patina.

I would lose the bracelet as these models only ever came with a leather strap or solid gold bracelets, and the bracelet may well wear into the gold on the lugs.

Your model is known as a 'gold cap'. See here for info on gold cap or plaque. The bezel is solid 14k gold and the lugs originally had around 220 microns of gold, which is about 20 times the thickness of gold plated watches today.....that's why there is no 'brassing'.

So, you have a very collectible Connie from the later 1950s, which, if serviced regularly, will outlast you. Wonderful heirloom watch.

Agree with above poster on servicing. If you haven't had your watch serviced, or don't know it's service history, I would source a watchmaker who has serviced Omegas over time and ask him to dis-assemble, clean and oil the movement. Also ask him to replace the crown (these 2.5mm pipe sized decagonal crowns are still available); replace the case back gasket and polish the crystal.

I would under no circumstances take the watch to an Omega service agent, because the agent will want to send the watch to Bienne for an expensive 'overhaul' that may well result in your watch losing its factory 'originality'. While later model tool watches are ok to send to Bienne, Omega has a poor reputation in the 'sensitive' and functional restoration of earlier Connies and Seamasters.

Your dial, while having patina should not be touched. The watch is worth far more with this original dial than if it were refinished.

Cheers

Desmond

wow... this great advice is gold! thanks Mondodec for taking the time to share your knowledge. I did a quick search from your lead and actually found some pics of the same model (i think) with a leather strap and decent crown ... hope my watch would look something like this beauty below once i find a good service watchmaker ... leaning towards a OMEGA black leather strap also.. thanks again all...