1970 Constellation reference 168.045 band/strap help

[Momento Mori]

I recently purchased a 1970 Omega Constellation Day-Date with reference number 168.045. Love the watch but due to small wrist I am having some fitting issues. I was able to get the band down to the smallest size but am still unhappy with the loose fit. I prefer a snug fit to the wrist. I walked into the Omega store in downtown Chicago to see what they suggested, but they stated due to the unique lug on this model there were no options that they knew have. They further informed me that taking a link or two out was not possible due to the link pins size changing on each link. So, I have ultimately found my way here to see if anyone has any suggestions or can point in the direction of aftermarket watch bands or straps that would fit this particular model. Let me know what you got!

 

[Syrte]

Welcome to the forum,

I’m not a specialist of those models but it looks a bit tough.

Good quality makers of bespoke straps can make a strap in any shape to match the lug, but I think you’d need to retain the two links binding to the watch and you’d need to attach the strap to whatever bar is below.
I think you’d have to bring it in to a shop like Jean Rousseau as they’d have to look at it.

Have you taken it to a jeweler and do they think they could fit another clasp or perhaps create a transitional link or binding system without causing damage?

 

[DaveK]

This style is called an integrated bracelet, it’s used by a few watch brands. I personally avoid them. Omega stores tend to know very little, if anything, about vintage pieces, so as noted above, a jeweller or independent watch maker might have ideas for you. A custom strap might work, but that won’t be cheap and will need replacement every few years depending on wear and environment. Just a quick google search https://vgreenco.com/products/custom-corner-notched-straps

 

[ahartfie]

Do my eyes deceive me or is the bracelet attached to the clasp on the last hole? Or was that before you got the bracelet to the smallest size? Have a jeweler move it closer to the center of the clasp for you. (I don’t advise doing it yourself unless you like hunting for spring bars.)

Here’s mine for reference, on the second-to-largest adjustment.

 

[X350 XJR]

Looks like Ch24 photos from the listing.

 

[smorrisonmd]

A little work with a Xacto knife on a rubber strap can also give an acceptable result on many integrated bracelets, but on this one there may be too little "grab".

 

[speedb]

smorrisonmd

A little work with a Xacto knife on a rubber strap can also give an acceptable result on many integrated bracelets, but on this one there may be too little "grab".

+1, a rubber strap would be easiest and cleanest to modify to fit this case

 

[ahartfie]

It also looks to me like there’s at least one removable link on the 12:00 side of the bracelet.

Again, mine for reference.

Edited: May 19, 2024

 

[filfb22]

M Momento Mori

I recently purchased a 1970 Omega Constellation Day-Date with reference number 168.045. Love the watch but due to small wrist I am having some fitting issues. I was able to get the band down to the smallest size but am still unhappy with the loose fit. I prefer a snug fit to the wrist. I walked into the Omega store in downtown Chicago to see what they suggested, but they stated due to the unique lug on this model there were no options that they knew have. They further informed me that taking a link or two out was not possible due to the link pins size changing on each link. So, I have ultimately found my way here to see if anyone has any suggestions or can point in the direction of aftermarket watch bands or straps that would fit this particular model. Let me know what you got!

I love the integrated bracelets Omega Watches. I own a 168.045 like yours and a 168.0054.

Yes, those bracelets tend to be quite tricky to work on. Also a lot of those I saw were streched in some degrees. (You can spot that on the inside part of the bracelet looking at connector links. They should be, and look, all closed).

Judging from the pictures - of a Chrono24 listing of a watch you might have acquired - you have some holes in the claps you can use to shorten the bracelet. It is a quick and painless procedure you can do even with a wooden toothpick and a bit of patience.

Also, having a very thin wrist, you can bring the bracelet to a watchmaker and have him remove some links to fit more snug around the wrist.

 

[judgecrater]

You might be able to modify the pins if you need a shorter one.

 

[kfranzk]

There are two ways to shorten such a strap:
- You screw off the normally two extra links.
- You put the spring bar in the clasp at the smallest position.
If these both do not help, its the wrong watch for you!
I do not recommend to destroy the value of the watch by brutally cutting further links.
When you have such a small wrist, better wear the ladies version of this watch 568.014 (att.)
Konrad

Edited: May 19, 2024

 

[kaplan]

Another option is to seek another identical bracelet, impossible to find, but less than 100 euro when you find them, because again it's impossible to sell

To give you an idea: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zb4gTO393/?img_index=1