60s Omega for dad. Advice.

gbesq

You might want to have a look at the watches for sale right here on the OF private watch sales forum. It's the best place to find a vintage Omega at a fair price from a reputable seller. All of the models that you've listed here come up for sale with some regularity from established OF members.

Davidt

Solid references for a first vintage Omega.

Don’t forget to check whether watches have been serviced (and ensure a seller has proof).
Many vintage watches sold via auction are unserviced so add c.£200-400 for an independent service to ensure longevity and good timekeeping.

L lovellm122

Good to know. Thank you.

Out of the three models, which is the most sought after (generally)? Or what would your prefer be and why?

My dad's problem is that he likes all 3 and is struggling to choose, to the point I imagine he will eventually end up with all 3 over time

L lovellm122

My dad's problem is that he likes all 3 and is struggling to choose, to the point I imagine he will eventually end up with all 3 over time

janice&fred

I prefer the Constellation. It's elegant and iconic.

gbesq

Excluding the tool watches like the Speedmaster, the Constellation line is generally considered to be the most desirable among Omega’s vintage watches, but the best model for your Dad really depends upon his intended use. If he wants a dress watch, the Constellation is the best choice from the three models depicted in your post. If he wants an “all rounder,” the Seamaster or the Seamaster DeVille might be the better choice.

savka

Ah, so he’s one of us… welcome to the madhouse

Dan S

I did not look closely at the photos, but at that price point, I would steer him towards the Seamaster or SMDV. He will not get a good Constellation for that amount of money (really he should double his budget for a Constellation), and bottom-fishing as a beginner is not a good approach. Most likely he will end up with a watch that seems to be a bargain, but has something wrong with it. Also, I would suggest a stainless or gold-capped model, not gold-plated/filled.

That said, his budget is marginal to buy a good vintage Omega of any kind. A knowledgeable collector can definitely buy them at that price point, but it will be more difficult for someone new to vintage watches. Your best bet is to hope that one of the experienced forum members offers an appropriate watch in the private sales section. If something good is offered at that price, it will go quickly.

Peemacgee

@lovellm122


Not wishing to nitpick - but the Constellation you show is a dogleg 'dome dial', rather than flat dial.
I mention this because, whilst I assume you meant as opposed to a pie-pan dial, there are later 60s Constellations that do indeed have a flat dial. (see references below)

There are a lot of us that appreciate the pie pan but prefer the elegant simplicity of a dome dial.

Unless you are really fortunate, I think you will have to up the budget somewhat to buy a Constellation in decent condition, especially a dogleg.
(BTW the doglegs also come without a date but are less common - search 167.005)

If your father is set on a Constellation and likes the style of the Seamasters, ask him to have a look at the 'hidden crown' Constellations (168.004 and 168.010) they have a similar styling to the Seamasters but also have the added cachet of a Constellation.
Whilst still not cheap, they run at a little less than a dogleg.
(both only come with a date)

Likewise, he could look at the later, similar, 168.016 (day date) and 168.018 (date) flat dial references.
These references haven't quite hit their market yet and so are a little less expensive again.

hope that helps

gbesq

To follow up on Peemacgee’s post, here are two photos of Constellations from my collection. The first is a reference 14900 dogleg Constellation with a pie pan dial (essentially the same reference as the 167.005). The second is a reference 168.004 “hidden crown” Constellation with a dome dial.

Peemacgee

Both lovely watches and both have very sharp cases , so would sell at a premium.

Forgetting the bracelet, you would have to (at least) double your budget for the hidden crown Constellation in the UK, in a private sale.
From a dealer, perhaps treble your budget.

Gold cap is generally less than steel but @gbesq 's dogleg is one of the sharpest around and is probably the exception to that rule.

Look at UK auction houses for the best deals- bargains can be had - but be aware that very few fly under the radar - and the market is much tighter since we left the EU (i.e. less watches+more competition = higher prices)

Rather than just manually searching, set up a search engine, like watchrecon to do some of the leg work for you.

and you might like to post your targets here for comment - there are lots and lots of redialled watches out there.

a couple of slightly later 168.010s to wet your appetite
L-R, yellow, pink and SS