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1963 Constellation 18k pie pan stepped 551! Too good to be true??

  1. rick42650 Jul 31, 2013

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    The gambler in me took over me I recently; I splurged-and took a big leap of faith; This 18k stepped piepan arrived today-and I almost fell out of my chair! ..I have some good knowledge-maybe very good..but am no expert....I almost don't trust it as It looks to be in too pristine condition!..Maybe I am seeing too many Franken watches lately but I am thinking it might be original-but I need the vintage Connie experts to give their opinions...I have a return option-so If its not correct-it will go back. (that is a flake covering the first "L" in "officially" the letter is fully there) Thanks!! 551-new.jpg 552.jpg 5522.jpg 5524.jpg
     
  2. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Jul 31, 2013

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    Other than a pretty rough polish job on the back, it looks pretty good to me. All the markings and fonts look appropriate for the period. Can't see if the crown is correct.

    My only other concern is that I don't remember seeing this gold "Grand Luxe" style dial with the later bent lug cases. However, there were many combinations of these dials and cases, so anything is possible.

    Hopefully some of the other Constellation intelligencia will chime in soon,
    gatorcpa
     
  3. ulackfocus Jul 31, 2013

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    14.900 with a stepped dial on a 551?
     
  4. MSNWatch Vintage Omega Aficionado Staff Member Jul 31, 2013

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    Looks very nice! Clean dial and movement and sharp case. Plus that dial is a big bonus. I certainly wouldn't return it (or on second thought return it and ask the seller to sell it to me!);)
     
    Buck2466 likes this.
  5. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Jul 31, 2013

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    Amazing watch...didn't know the dog legged cases came with stepped dials. ::love::
     
  6. ulackfocus Jul 31, 2013

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    Neither did I as you can see by my comment in his other thread.
     
  7. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jul 31, 2013

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    Damn that's nice, caseback looks unworn
     
  8. cicindela Steve @ ΩF Staff Member Jul 31, 2013

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    Remember the 14900 is the earliest dogleg. Going back to 1960 I believe
     
  9. ulackfocus Jul 31, 2013

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    Gotta side with gator. I thought the same thing myself. Look at the edges of the cutouts for the caseback wrench - they aren't crisp at all. That's the telltale sign of polishing.
     
  10. ulackfocus Jul 31, 2013

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    No argument that it's a very cool catch.
     
    citizenrich likes this.
  11. MSNWatch Vintage Omega Aficionado Staff Member Aug 1, 2013

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    Case has been lightly polished but retains nice, distinct edges. And of course the dial looks excellent and is the main focus here.
     
  12. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Aug 1, 2013

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    Not yet?.........DIBS :D
     
    citizenrich likes this.
  13. MSNWatch Vintage Omega Aficionado Staff Member Aug 1, 2013

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    Read my earlier post! ;)
     
  14. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Aug 1, 2013

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    Ah.........:( well if you get it than you should release one of your nice RG to me.......:D
     
  15. seamonster Respectable Member Aug 1, 2013

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    Respectable Member Privateday7

    Do you realize the number of DIBS you have allocated yourself? If you are not careful, you will hold the world record, for this.

    Thank-you.
     
  16. ulackfocus Aug 1, 2013

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    Get in line bubba. :p
     
  17. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Aug 1, 2013

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    With probability of less than 10% per year (or less than 1% for Cicindela?) I can dibs worth USD 100K and be safe ;).
     
  18. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Aug 1, 2013

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    Hmmm it become more complicated ........:confused:
     
  19. MSNWatch Vintage Omega Aficionado Staff Member Aug 1, 2013

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    Of course the question then becomes which RG? ;)
     
  20. Privateday7 quotes Miss Universe Aug 1, 2013

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    I know you have enough to give to the long line of dibs.......:thumbsup: