Hi, I've been lurking on the forum for a while whilst searching for the right constellation pie pan to purchase, for myself to wear. I am looking for some advise from those much more knowledgeable on this forum on a piece I've come across as my knowledge is still very limited.

It's a 14381 9 SC reference cal 551. Asking price around £1500, not serviced.
My observations are that the dial looks original with some discolouration, the hands look correct (I think) but have some spotting, case looks unpolished and the movement is correct for this reference. The bracelet looks as it should when I compare with other BoR and I'm unsure whether the crown is correct.

I'd really appreciate some insights from others as I'm sure to have missed a few things.

 

Welcome @Piepan_Al
Compliments on your first post for giving your own assessment.
Good case, pleasingly aged arrowhead pie pan dial.
5-row BOR is a nice bonus.
Crown is a replacement.
Movement has some significant rotor rub so does need a service.
£1,500 is at the top end of what you should be paying for this IMHO.

 

Hi and welcome on OF!

Very good first post, lots of pictures and you did your homework well!

Looks like an original condition watch (crown is from a Seamaster)

price is on the high side with the service to be carried out on top

 

Service cost + correct crown will cost you about $600.
But that one is a rare version of arrow head constellation.
You decide.

 

Your not finding another for a while, I would overpay for it.

 

Of course you try to bargain it down for a little bit

 

Finding the correct crown won't be easy. I'd want it all original for that price.

 

When I said correct crown, I meant scalloped

 

Very, very envious, you fortunate person!

 

Nice watch, it is pricey for a 14381 but I'd buy it at that price for the piepan and arrowhead markers. The correct crown can be found but if you are like me you'll wind up keeping the later replacement, it is much nicer to use.

 

Exactly, scalloped crown

 

Thank you all for your honest feedback, it has been most helpful in reaffirming what I had thought to be quite a nice piece, I just need to decide whether I think it is worth the asking price.

Just one question relating to servicing...Would a watchmaker be able to clean up the hands during a service or would this sort of ageing mean they are damaged beyond repair?

 

Great price, especially with a BOR, dont worry about the hands.

Got the hint, yet?

 

That case knife is pretty cool too

 

A Pie Pan on a steel bracelet is unbeatable