Hello all, My late grandfather passed down this Constellation that he bought some time in the 1960s - was wondering if anyone can advise me as to, well, pretty much anything really, I love the look of the thing and would dearly love to get it restored, but alas, equally, times are tough and if it were too much to restore, how much would it be worth in its present condition? All the typical newbie questions, I'm sure, but any advice will be greatly appreciated, as a trawl of Google has only added confusion rather than increasing knowledge! Apologies in advance for the photos, but I'm stuck using a phone as a camera at the moment... !
Your grandfather obviously had fine taste in watches! The 60's Constellation, I think, is one of the greatest, best-looking watches there is... I'm sure someone knowledgeable will chime in shortly, but on first glance, the watch looks fairly well taken care of. To have any idea as to value, however, you will have to show us better, in-focus full dial pics, movement pic, and an inner caseback pic. How is the timekeeping? Do you know if your GF ever had it serviced? Keep in mind that the biggest value might be to you as a family heirloom; if you sell it, you may regret it down the road! All the best, and WELCOME!
Hi, dougiedude - thanks for the welcome, much appreciated! Totally agree with you, I love the look of this watch, that's why I'm wanting to do the best I can (afford) for it... I shall beg/borrow a camera to get some proper shots - how would I open the rear to shoot the movement & caseback? As to running, it's not running at present, it's been in a careful loving box since the man himself passed away more years ago than I care to consider, and to my knowledge he never had it serviced, but anyone I might ask about that is equally no longer with us, so... The family heirloom idea is at the front of my mind, believe me. I hate the idea of parting with it... Thanks again.
You would need to have a professional (or someone with the right tools and know-how) open the back. Don't try it yourself ! Did you give that crown about 30-40 turns so it might run? In the meantime, to get some idea as to timekeeping/movement condition, set the time to your computer or phone, and see how many seconds (or minutes) off it becomes over 6 to 12 to 24 hours, and report back...
Could be a 14381, service runs about 200 from an independent smith, value now 400-600 depending on condition Caseback screws off, removal tools are easily available on the web, but don't try to pry off without one OVDB link http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-watches-database?ref=14942 incorrect reference removed
Looking at the dial font, your watch is early 60,s, up to about 1962-3 from memory with the "automatic chronometer" text. The watch will come up a treat with a little TLC - even polishing the crystal will improve matters considerably (toothpaste might work here, used in moderation, of course) Nice inheritance, cheers, paul
I don't think this is a 14381 as these came in a different case... It is certainly from that time frame, very late 50s, early 60s, missing the "Officially Certified" on the dial tells us that. It looks like a nice original watch that with a sympathetic service and cleaning would be a great keepsake with memories of your Grandfather. I would not bring this to Omega for this but to an independent watchmaker who knows vintage Omegas. Omega would destroy the value of this by replacing hands, dial and other things with modern replacements. This not only affecting the monetary value but the sentimental value as well. congratulations on a very nice watch! Edit: I would also value this a little higher...with a sympathetic service and cleaning (cost around $200ish), around $1000 to $1200 US
or 14393? Edit:- NO...that has a date! I echo the sentiments above re service. Welcome to OF, aojbirks
It's a nice watch with either a 14900 or 167.005 case and a 551 movement, but that's not as important as getting it properly serviced like the good advices above. If nothing major broken, the service cost would be around $200 plus parts to replace worn out items like the rotor's post and bushing which are most likely worn out by now.
Yes, nice watch, lovely heirloom. Little bit of spotting on the dial is just the watches badge of longevity, do not get it refinished as you will wipe away your granddad and kill the value. Don't wind it or time it, (there will be no oil left in it) get it serviced and stuck it on a nice alligator strap. It'll keep time to within a few seconds a day and last another fifty years.
great heirloom !!! my grandpa didn't pass me a single watch but he was the one who made me realy-really love OMEGA with his Seamaster Automatic TV Shape anyway, maybe you can consider a strap like this :
I have one just like this I have just had serviced, its a 1963 with a 167.005 case and a cal 551 movt. Sorry the image is slightly blurred!
What he says! Winding it, and timing it is what I'm used to doing with my new watches, so nOOb not-so-good advice from me earlier, my apologies... If there's a chance it hasn't been professionally serviced, then there's no point in running it (winding it) while it's dry to determine timekeeping accuracy... get it serviced first Edit: Looks very close, but not quite.. both gorgeous!
Nothing to apologize for, these are similar models and they can be very confusing at times. With Constellations, it only continues to get more complicated the more you get into them.