Hi all,

Curious what folks think of this: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/333000122106

Backstory: I’ve got a 167.005 pie pan Connie that used to be my late grandfather’s (his Omegas — and a love for Omega, and watches, that I also inherited from him — deserve their own thread at some point, but that’s for another time) and I’m thinking this could be a useful buy just to have backup/spare parts in future years in case something breaks? But maybe I’m wrong?

Here’s a pic of the Connie:



And here’s a pic of what’s currently inside — which I’d like to see keep ticking for a long, long time! (NB: please ignore the incorrect service crown. This photo was from before I got that changed out; it was right after I finished getting the movement serviced last June so I could wear it at my wedding this past November.)



Worth having a backup movement for it?

Thanks!!

 

I'd hold off and send the watch to Tim Mackrain (omega_addict on eBay) if it needs service. He's a good guy, charges reasonable rates, and does great work. Here's his website.

 

Nice Constellation.
A lovely memento of your grandfather.
As this is a special watch to you, nothing wrong with belt and braces by buying a spare movement for parts.
However, if you get the bug ( and Connies do this to you) buying replacement movements will limit your spending power for more watches.

 

Oh, I’ve got the bug.... had it for years. Just never knew about his Connie until last year.

 

Thanks! Out of curiosity, where is he based?

 

Phoenix, Arizona.

 

First thing to do is buying a correct second hand.

 

I think it isn't a bad idea to have a parts movement, as long as it isn't clapped out, especially for an heirloom watch that you may intend to pass on to the next generation.

Parts from the mid-500 series are getting harder to find, and one day donor watches will be the only resource, so having a parts movement is a form of insurance for the future.

Your Grandfather's watch looks pretty good, and with regular servicing, a little care and a ready supply of parts, who knows how long into this century it will continue to beat it's little heart away

 

One thing I should mention here is the serial # of the one you are considering to buy. It has 17 mil serial # stamped on it and only good for earlier case ref like 14381. If you swap the whole thing into your watch, serious collectors will frown on you.

 

Yes, I should have perhaps mentioned that a parts watch is good for everything except the train bridge, which contains serial and calibre number. If that was a problem, re-jewelling would be the only option, in my opinion, if the integrity of the watch was to be maintained.

 

Umm what?

 

Well you know how it is if you need a part for a beloved watch.
Either that or somebody north of the 49th parallel needs some money cleaned...

 

Yeah, that’s been on my list for a while now. (Mine is too long by a tad, right?) I’ve never been 100% certain how best to find one. They rarely appear on the bay. Is Otto Frei a good source? At some point I think I was looking at the one in the middle on this page: http://www.ofrei.com/page871.html — the “HAN-4212A” — is that the right length/size? Or should I look somewhere else?

As a longtime peruser of your blog, I have to say it’s an honor to hear from you @mondodec! Very much appreciate your thoughts.

Looks like it didn’t actually sell for that. It’s since been re-listed.