1966 Omega Constellation

Richard Burne · Sep 18, 2023

Looking for help in selling a 1966 Omega constellation 18kt solid gold (rose color) gents watch with a pie pan dial.
that I purchased in early 2000 as an investment.
Serial #24498868/561 - 1996
Case markings: 352/18K/0.750/168005/6
Strap is Speidel leather.
I purchased this watch from a watch maker over twenty years ago as an investment to my collection. The watch was purchased by the watch maker from the original owner; I have no paper work other than a description from the watch maker. The watch has been in storage since purchase. It is running well. Pictures are from the watch maker.
I'm planning to sell my watch collection and seeking advice on where to sell, what additional information would be relevant to potential buyers, and an appropriate selling price. Thanks in advance for any information. -- Richard

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efauser · Sep 18, 2023

Do a search on eBay for sold listing of that reference. While you're doing that, take a minute to read this:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ple...s-rules-for-all-listings-inc-parts-wtb.54177/

Syrte · Sep 18, 2023

Hi @Richard Burne,
since you’ve been collecting for so many years and have been a member since 2017 perhaps you too could contribute some of your knowledge and experience?

theluckyluke · Sep 18, 2023

eBay sold listings probably best place to start. You can also check the private sales forum and search for similar references to get some ideas of previous sales or discussions.

Peemacgee · Sep 18, 2023

First of all, I I realise you say the pictures are from your watchmaker but if you want to sell the watch, good clear pics are a must.
Secondly, it may be the colour balance but I think your watch is yellow gold not rose as you suggest.

Value is difficult to assess as the pics really aren’t good enough to be sure all is ok with the watch.
Like a lot of gold watches, the case is quite soft through polishing.
The movt requires servicing as there evidence of rotor rub and the regulator is off a bit.
Assuming the dial is ok, it’s still a handsome enough dress watch but don’t expect top dollar Constellation collectors’ prices.

Richard Burne · Sep 18, 2023

Once I gain some more relevant experience selling three vintage Omega, a Waltham, and a Tissot watches, I'll be happy to share my experience. About 7 years ago, I sold a vintage Rolex Seamaster on eBay with a best offer sale. The buyer was initially hesitant to purchase through eBay but was thrilled once he received the watch at our agreed price. I was willing to accept a return if he was not satisfied. The transaction went smoothly. However, I wasn't thrilled about eBay's costs and hence, I am now looking for potential buyers through forums or other venues to provide a lower cost to individuals that value vintage watches.

What private sales forums are out there?

I have been tracking prices on eBay to establish an average asking price. I would appreciate any suggestions from other individuals that track or have experiences with these watches. -- Richard

Richard Burne · Sep 18, 2023

Peemacgee
First of all, I I realise you say the pictures are from your watchmaker but if you want to sell the watch, good clear pics are a must.
Secondly, it may be the colour balance but I think your watch is yellow gold not rose as you suggest.

Value is difficult to assess as the pics really aren’t good enough to be sure all is ok with the watch.
Like a lot of gold watches, the case is quite soft through polishing.
The movt requires servicing as there evidence of rotor rub and the regulator is off a bit.
Assuming the dial is ok, it’s still a handsome enough dress watch but don’t expect top dollar Constellation collectors’ prices.

From your experience, is it worth the cost to have the watch inspected, authenticated and cleaned prior to selling? I had a Omega 1151 Moon phased chronograph cleaned, oiled, adjusted, sealed and pressured tested by Nesbit's in Seattle for $850. Can one recoup this cost in a sale?

Davidt · Sep 18, 2023

R Richard Burne
From your experience, is it worth the cost to have the watch inspected, authenticated and cleaned prior to selling? I had an Omega 1151 Moon phased chronograph cleaned, oiled, adjusted, sealed and pressured tested by Nesbit's in Seattle for $850. Can one recoup this cost in a sale?

Purely In terms of net profit, I don’t think it’s worth getting a watch serviced, cleaned etc prior to sale. Often buyers have their own watchmakers who they trust.

Peemacgee · Sep 18, 2023

R Richard Burne
From your experience, is it worth the cost to have the watch inspected, authenticated and cleaned prior to selling? I had a Omega 1151 Moon phased chronograph cleaned, oiled, adjusted, sealed and pressured tested by Nesbit's in Seattle for $850. Can one recoup this cost in a sale?

The simple answer is no, you won’t recoup the cost of a service before selling the watch.

Authentication is a tricky one- Nesbit’s are well known and respected but other independent watchmakers may not know if a watch is original and correct.

A mid 60s Constellation is very unlikely to ever be water proof

OF has a private sales forum but has a 200 post requirement before you can sell anything.

Regarding your price tracking, what has your research shown you to date?

Zman4eva · Sep 18, 2023

All forums will require some post count or history to establish a reputation. Outside of eBay or Chrono24, I recommend either r/watchexchange subreddit or various Facebook groups. Those are peer to peer sales and no fees are involved (also no protection).

However, even those venues have their own rating system to establish credibility.

Dan S · Sep 18, 2023

R Richard Burne
About 7 years ago, I sold a vintage Rolex Seamaster on eBay with a best offer sale. The buyer was initially hesitant to purchase ...

I would also be hesitant to purchase a Rolex Seamaster. 😁

Anyway, you need much better photos, but I don't see any obvious concerns regarding authenticity. As @Peemacgee mentioned (and TBH, once he comments about a Constellation there's really no need for further opinions), the condition of the case would seem to be the biggest issue for a collector. Still, it's an appealing watch that will sell on eBay. It's not worth investing further in the watch, nothing you do will increase the sales price significantly. Just take good clear high-resolution photos and describe the watch to the best of your honest ability.

Good luck, and please feel free to participate as a member of the community. The reason you've received some push-back on this thread is that you apparently never felt the need to engage with us until you wanted something from us. And even then, you didn't really bother with an introduction, just right to the request. It's not the best debut after many years as a member.

sathomasga · Sep 19, 2023

Dan S
The reason you've received some push-back on this thread is that you apparently never felt the need to engage with us until you wanted something from us.

And the suspicion that the whole point of this thread was to circumvent the forum rules for private sales by (wink, nod) soliciting offers from potential buyers via PM.

Richard Burne · Sep 20, 2023

My intent was to solicit information on selling vintage watches with no expectation of a private sale. Since I have not participated previously in the forum, I reviewed the recommended instructions for posting. It stated to be direct on your request which I followed in my first sentence of my post. I apologize if my intentions were not clear.

Regarding the question on whether the watch is rose gold or yellow, the watchmaker stated a "rose gold movement" in his initial description when I purchased the watch. Yet, when I compare the Constellation with my Omega Chronograph, the Chronograph has a more red/rose color (picture attached). Nesbit's has authenticated the Chronograph to be rose gold. The watchmaker may have made a wrong assessment regarding the movement. I do not intend to open the case to confirm a wrong assessment. Nor do I intend to risk having a local inexperienced jeweler scratch the case in an attempt to open it.

Has anyone encountered an Omega watch where the movement and case are different gold metals?

Regarding prices: So far, the listings of comparable Constellations on eBay are: Asking price range, $2.5K - $5.5K; selling price range - $2K- $3K for case only.

Peemacgee · Sep 20, 2023

R Richard Burne
Regarding the question on whether the watch is rose gold or yellow, the watchmaker stated a "rose gold movement" in his initial description when I purchased the watch. Yet, when I compare the Constellation with my Omega Chronograph, the Chronograph has a more red/rose color (picture attached). Nesbit's has authenticated the Chronograph to be rose gold. The watchmaker may have made a wrong assessment regarding the movement.

Has anyone encountered an Omega watch where the movement and case are different gold metals?

Regarding prices: So far, the listings of comparable Constellations on eBay are: Asking price range, $2.5K - $5.5K; selling price range - $2K- $3K for case only.

It’s a common mistake regarding the movt. ( IIRC because of something Omega once wrote)
The movt colour is a particular plating rather than gold (rose or any other)

The 50s & 60s constellation movts were all this colour - regardless of the case material.

regarding the case, Omega rose gold was very subtle in the 50s&60s.
However, you can see the difference in the lug colour of your two watches ( looks like a yellow gold bezel on the moonphase?)

Did you change the crown?
The original pics show a correct, worn yellow thin gold crown.
The latest pics show an incorrect ‘fat’ crown.

Price
If the dial is good (still need a decent pic) due to the condition of the case, you are looking at the bottom end of the range I’m afraid.

Richard Burne · Sep 20, 2023

Peemacgee
It’s a common mistake regarding the movt. ( IIRC because of something Omega once wrote)
The movt colour is a particular plating rather than gold (rose or any other)

The 50s & 60s constellation movts were all this colour - regardless of the case material.

regarding the case, Omega rose gold was very subtle in the 50s&60s.
However, you can see the difference in the lug colour of your two watches ( looks like a yellow gold bezel on the moonphase?)

Did you change the crown?
The original pics show a correct, worn yellow thin gold crown.
The latest pics show an incorrect ‘fat’ crown.

Price
If the dial is good (still need a decent pic) due to the condition of the case, you are looking at the bottom end of the range I’m afraid.

Thanks for the info. I will advertise the watch as yellow gold based on the info from this posting.
I did not replace the crown. It is the original with the watch. I did replace the band with a preowned original Omega black leather band.

Attached are more recent pictures showing the crown, dial, and case. In my opinion, the dial, crystal and case back are very clean for a 1966 Constellation compared to listings I've seen on eBay. The case show scratches on the crown side, not much on the other side.

What do others think - high or low end of the price range?

Davidt · Sep 20, 2023

The case is very soft which will certainly prevent it being at the top end.

Peemacgee · Sep 20, 2023

regarding the crown
the original in the watchmakers pics was this correct (if worn) thin decagonal crown

the one you show latterly is a thick decagonal incorrect replacement crown meant for earlier constellations (more or less late 50s)
(a newer replacement because it has the modern logo on it)

regarding case
it is quite clean and the case back does look pretty good
when I say soft, I mean the lugs have been quite heavily polished which will affect the value
compare your lugs and bezel, where the facets have all but disappeared

and how sharp they would have been originally

Richard Burne · Sep 21, 2023

Thanks for the visual clarification on a “soft” case. That was very helpful.

As I stated earlier, I did not replace the crown. I can only assume that the watchmaker replaced it after he took the initial pictures that he used to advertise the watch when I purchased it. This is also a learning experience on trusting sellers.

1966 Omega Constellation

Richard Burne

efauser

Syrte

theluckyluke

Peemacgee

Richard Burne

Richard Burne

Davidt

Peemacgee

Zman4eva

Dan S

sathomasga

Richard Burne

Peemacgee

Richard Burne

Davidt

Peemacgee

Richard Burne

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