Hi, I have recently bought a day date Constellation with a 751 movement, its stainless steel, both case and bracelet, and whilst its time keeping is outstanding, the case has considerable corrosion under the lugs. What are my options, can this be repaired or are there either old stock cases available or are there alternative cases to fit this watch. Thanks
It keeps near perfect time and both day and date function work well, the photo makes it look worse than it really is, though there is clearly rust in the lower left of the case, if this were a car it could be welded, and ground and for stainless steel you would use stainless welding rod. My guess is that this is how such an issue could be repaired but to return to my question does anyone know who could do this type of repair...a jeweller?
The cost of any such repairs would be prohibitive relative to the value of the watch. Your best option would to be find a donor watch or case on eBay.
That would depend on the cost of the repair and as we aren't talking precious metals its about the time spent rather than material. Any suggestions on alternative watch cases my guess is that as the 751 is an enhancement of the 565 series that such a case could act as a donor?
Potentially someone could be parting out a redialed or damaged movement one on eBay as Norm suggests, that'll be the best course of action. I've seen 321 Speedmasters with corrosion laser welded up perfectly but at great expense, considerably more than the total value of that Constellation.
is this likely to fit, the case number is one digit out http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Con...158?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d668a696Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
this one says it will take a 565 which is related to the 751 any good, my Constellation caseback is re usable http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-Case-166-002-in-stainless-steel-diameter-34-5-mm-/131229975178Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
There are many, many cases which will fit your movement, you need to decide if you want a correct case or just one which will work.
is this case a reasonable option http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-OLD-S...686724689?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3a99b2a451Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network in the blurb it reads as a 166 case but on closer examination its a 168.017 constellation case
That rather depends on how you describe the watch when/if you go to sell it. To my mind, if the case is correct for the model then that is the second preference to the original case. If it is just a case "that fits" and the model number in the case back doesn't go with the case, then it is a Franken and it would be wrong to try to pass it off as original.
it does seem as if it would fit but I don't like the rounded style of this case so I'll be giving it a miss