1956 Constellation - input from the experts

ctwatchguy83 · Sep 25, 2024

I'm mostly a lurker in envy of this community but hoping to dip my toe into the vintage world. Specifically, a 1956 pie pan consteallation. Long story short, it's my late fathers birth year and as I started to dive into the vintage world I came across the early 50's connies and was drawn to them, add in the beauty of the pie pan design and my fathers well known family famous apple pie and it seems like I have a perfect first vintage watch.

With the back story, I've been on a hunt and not with much success. I've come across an option that I wanted to get feedback on... link to pics:

https://imgur.com/a/Ts5aOKz

I've verified serial info, stars haven't been polished away. I'm good with the patina even with some mild spotting.

My novice concerns are around the length on the hands and the mis match of the front of the case/lugs etc.. with the back.

Overall thoughts on condition, authenticity and accuracy would be welcome.

Cheers!

Dan S · Sep 25, 2024

Those blistered dials are pretty common, but I don't think I would buy one, regardless of the condition of the rest of the watch.

ctwatchguy83 · Sep 25, 2024

Dan S
Those blistered dials are pretty common, but I don't think I would buy one, regardless of the condition of the rest of the watch.

It's a hesitation of mine as well. Is it an asthetic view from you or more concern of longevity due to the underlying cause (moisture etc..)?

gatorcpa · Sep 25, 2024

C ctwatchguy83
Is it an asthetic view from you or more concern of longevity due to the underlying cause (moisture etc..)?

Well, it’s certainly not going to get any better over time.
gatorcpa

Dan S · Sep 25, 2024

C ctwatchguy83
It's a hesitation of mine as well. Is it an asthetic view from you or more concern of longevity due to the underlying cause (moisture etc..)?

Both, I guess. For me, the blisters are enough to fall into the damage category instead of patina, and I don't really like the way they look, although I do understand that they don't look too bad from a distance. I also suspect that you might see some flaking of the lacquer over time, but since I don't buy generally watches like that, I don't really have firsthand experience.

gbesq · Sep 25, 2024

With patience you will find better examples. Don’t settle.

SOG53 · Sep 25, 2024

The "mismatch" you speak of is because this is a gold-capped case with layer of gold over steel- which is quite common on these watches. Solid gold will bring much higher price of course. All steel cases are generally preferred by collectors over gold-capped, all depending on condition.
View the vintage constellation thread here for a wide variety of examples which will help hone your eye for good ones. Good luck in the hunt- take more time to research before buying you will be much happier with your choice.

kfranzk · Mar 2, 2026

And again I give a minority view:
Why not do, what all the aficionados and experts would not do:
Wear a 'shabby chic' watch as long nothing is faked and the movement serviced well?
Look at me walking around here in my shabby shorts, wouldn't this vintage Omega with the worn but original dial suit perfect?
And even in my face, scars and scratches allover, older than all Constellations and still going strong and no need for a redial!
So @ctwatchguy83 and all you junior collectors, dare to be different!
Konrad

Peemacgee · Mar 3, 2026

The thread is from 2024 and the OP hasn’t been seen for a year.
Very odd choice of thread just to show us your nobbly knees.

And you don’t even tell us which watch you are wearing …..

kfranzk · Mar 3, 2026

Yes sorry, here even in the shadow, my brain is getting well done...

For many years my Rolex Milsub 'hommage' was my reliable (no risc) travel companion, then it sucked water...
Now my Squale Sub 39 GMT is my watch of choice in rough seas and suspect nightlife corners.

(My real Rolex Milsub 5513 and the Omega Mil-SM 300 I sold too early and with my Mil Blancpains and IWCs I would not dive in salty waters.)

JimInOz · Mar 3, 2026

I tend to agree with you Konrad.

I have many things that have been with me for years and years. Like some tools with dings and scratches, and handles worn smooth by constant use. Occasionally when I pick one up I remember something about it if I see a particular mark.

I also have a couple of watches that came to me through family, they are not perfect and if they were on the market I'd not buy them, but they are like the old T shirt I got in Alaska thirty years ago, it's still OK to wear even if looking a bit tatty, but it, like the watches, have meaning to me.

In the case of the OP, I think the feedback was helpful as they didn't indicate one way or another as to their preference for either "like new" or "gracefully aged".

Essentially, we can only give recommendations/feedback on what we can see, not what people would like us to see or say.

1956 Constellation - input from the experts

ctwatchguy83

Dan S

ctwatchguy83

gatorcpa

Dan S

gbesq

SOG53

kfranzk

Peemacgee

kfranzk

JimInOz

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