Newbie still hunting... I'm thinking that this is: - an unrestored unit with healthy patina, but rear cover does not show heavy wear - Internals have good colour consistency - but some signs of unsympathetic screwdriver use https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1950s-Me...733203?hash=item58f4982313:g:0jwAAOSwCQZZAaAiPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Am I even close with my diagnosis? Thanks in advance
If you're that keen on a constellation, i believe i saw a couple of them listed on the private sale and sale forums
Looks tired, I don't think you will be happy with the condition of the dial and the case in the long term... As mentioned by @kaisiang098 check out the sale forums, for example @No Mercy offers good ones from time to time... https://omegaforums.net/members/no-mercy.21514/ 551s don't pop up too often
It depends on how picky you are. Finding any fault-free SS 551 is very difficult, and the best examples make well over the asking price here. 14381s were often supplied with a scalloped crown, which were certainly available not long ago and may still be, IDK. I think that sensitively cleaned and with a new crown, this could be a decent enough watch. For me, the only real drawback is the discoloration at the centre of the dial and I personally could live with that if I were on a budget. Otherwise, it's an original crosshair dial, a case with only moderate wear, a movement that looks good apart from the aforementioned scratches and a BOR worth anything up to £150. That said, it's still about £300 more than it ought to be. But it's being sold by a dealer who wants his profit.