167.005 - original and a fair price?

SOG53

Good idea to educate yourself further- plenty of resources here on OF

Start with:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish-a-guide-not-for-enquiries.52603/

Thread 'Learn How To Fish - A Guide - Not For Enquiries' ·

I have had a few newer members asking me for advice on how to spot a good vintage watch and what they should be on guard for. I've decided to post a little primer on how to assess vintage watches...

ConElPueblo · Feb 3, 2017

And if you wish to focus on Constellation here is the best resource:
http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/

Good luck with the return, although Chrono24 is not like ebay but best to make your case before they release funds from escrow

SOG53

I would just pay the shipping and return it. It will be a small cost compared to purchase price you will be getting off light.

Peemacgee

You might have to jump through a few hoops and it might take a while but you should be able to claim the VAT back.
I don’t think you have to have an independent review of the watch - just proof of purchase, VAT charges paid, proof of export, correspondence with the seller and reason that the watch did not meet the contractual agreement. (I.e. the reason for rejection).

Best of luck.

Peemacgee

You might have to jump through a few hoops and it might take a while but you should be able to claim the VAT back.
I don’t think you have to have an independent review of the watch - just proof of purchase, VAT charges paid, proof of export, correspondence with the seller and reason that the watch did not meet the contractual agreement. (I.e. the reason for rejection).

Best of luck.

Passover

In the long run you would realize that this example is of modest quality...

the lugs are rounded, the dial is full of spotting, the cross hair is too thick

IMO the hands and the crown aren't correct either

In the end it's up to you 😉

Peemacgee

the 'spotting' looks very much like 'pitting' which is unusual - but could be a result of the new dial finish over removed corrosion of the dial

Peemacgee

it is definitely, unquestionably, fully repainted. - dial and lettering.
and as @Passover suggests, the hands look suspect too -but they may be modern replacements. (the crown could be a service crown or an 'aftermarket' i.e. counterfeit, crown, as they haven't made these for a very long time)

If you look at an original dial, you will see the difference in the quality of the finish and the elegance of the script fonts.

I hate to sound so harsh but the finish and lettering are aberrations and hurt my eyes - so please send the watch back and eventually experience the delights of the real thing.

BTW - when you quoted the price of the watch (£2050) were you including import charges to you?
If so, then the watch is worth around 2/3rds of the sale price (£1,000 give or take) although I personally wouldn't buy it at any price.
However, if the £2050 was the sale price, then the watch is worth no more than 50% of the price.

Best of luck returning the watch.

Calluminati

It arrived, such a pretty watch. Will attempt my return this week. Definitely looks better in person, just can't get past the chronometre spelling as you mentioned.

Peemacgee

You might have to jump through a few hoops and it might take a while but you should be able to claim the VAT back.
I don’t think you have to have an independent review of the watch - just proof of purchase, VAT charges paid, proof of export, correspondence with the seller and reason that the watch did not meet the contractual agreement. (I.e. the reason for rejection).

Best of luck.

Peemacgee

Oh well, it’s good that you tried that route first.

There are a couple of UK watchmakers on the forum who might perform the task for you.
You could try contacting them.