Case ref. 2887 for the constellation is the only screwback case reference that housed cal. 501/505 with the vast majority of connies with these movements being sold in snapback cases (maybe 99% from what I have observed). When Desmond wrote an article on this very uncommon case ref (http://omega-constellation-collecto.../omega-constellation-black-sheep-returns.html) almost 3 years ago I knew I had to get one someday but I wanted one in top notch condition. This one in my collection is a one owner watch - worn gingerly for about a year and then kept in a drawer for the next 50 years or so. It has its original leather strap (aged but intact and still wearable and even the spring bars are as they came from the factory) and buckle. And for the constellation fans, this example clarifies a couple of things about case ref. 2887 that were not previously recognized - the reference featured piepan dials as well as the earlier spelling of the word chronometRE. I hope you like the pictures.
That's what we all seek. As my niece used to say when she was envious of somebody: "I hate you." (in the nicest way possible)
Gorgeous watch Mike...I had a feeling that it would be way more stunning in person. Would have jumped on it but didn't have the funds! I have seen one other example with the RE and the Pie-Pan dial (not the black dial one), but it was in SS. Here's my moldy one with B&P.
Nothing not to like Mike. Looking at your pictures, I realised that I will probably never be able to own a vintage watch in that kind of condition.
Simply stunning. I too would have jumped on it, except in my case I did not know it existed Well OK, I guess I'll just have to pay you what every you want.. I may want to pick it up in person
I keep telling you, watches like that NEVER hit the sales forum. Seriously! Look at the gold cap on the BOTTOM of the lugs - it still rolls under the end. Then look at the slots for the case wrench - they still have their factory texure.
The reason this stays put is of the less than 12 examples of this case reference that have surfaced so far (and the only one with a piepan dial that I am aware of), this is the one in the best condition (by a considerable margin I think).
Yes, I like the pictures! What a watch. And I notice the signed crystal. Was this ca. 1956? The movement looks virgin. I suppose you are not planning to wear this one...
Regularly we repost the better images from OF onto the Omegaforums tumblr blog at blog.omegaforums.net, the first photo of this watch got 8 likes and reblogs within the first 20 minutes which rarely happens, and that's just from people that mostly don't know its rarity or significance, only that it looks amazing.
Yes the crystal is the original one that came with the watch and it does have the omega logo in the center. And yes also - this one stays in the safe as I have other connies from that era that are less pristine that I can wear!
AFAIK, all the connie case references that housed the cal. 504 were snapback. For the early constellations (pre cal. 551) there were only 3 case references that had screwback casebacks: 2652 and 2699 for the cal. 352/354 bumpers and this one 2887 for cal. 501/505 movements. While all 3 case references are uncommon, 2887 is the hardest to find.