I think it is time I commit to getting my favorite dress watch ( that is round) the omega constellation specifically with the pie pan dial. As prices will only continue to increase. I recently came across this in my local market place priced just under 1000 usd. I haven’t bought a vintage watch before so I don’t know too much to look for the watch has very obviously been polished but is it over polished? Is this still worth it at the given price? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Would you say it is also worth spending $500 more for a cleaner example ?
Yes. Very much so, if that buys you one without a damaged dial and with the proper crown. That being said: 1500USD for one of those in good condition would be a fair price, so do be patient.
You’re way better off either spending more for a cleaner example or if you stay at that budget amount stick to dome dial Constellations or Seamaster sparkle dials and things like that as you can get a really nice example of those around the money you’re talking
Or check the classifieds here regularly and patiently. And every once in a while… https://omegaforums.net/threads/1961-ss-constellation-14381-rose-gold-pie-pan-dial-on-bor.133431/
I would be careful with this one, could be a redial Dial looks damaged too A large straight on picture would be better to be shure
The first one at $1000 is a real no go. Really over polished case, unattractive dial aging and the wrong crown. TBH the second one at $1500 is only slightly better. It also is very over polished, has not so attractive dial aging and a wrong crown! I'd pass on both and keep looking.
I don't have an opinion on either of these watches, but Samantha does. I should take her advice if I were you.
I was in your shoes a few years back. Patience is key, choose an example with a nice dial and case. Don't just buy something cause it's a good deal. Buy for quality. Expect to pay from $1000 to $1500 for a pie pan. As someone mentioned before, you can always shoot for a dome dial. Those tend to be around $1000. Good luck!
The dial looks okay to me, but I think it has lacquer issues which has made the text blurry - not a good look.
Only to add to what has already been said here, but you state at the outset that you want this as a dress watch and it’s clear this is a considered purchase for you. That being the case, stretching your budget or waiting for the right (i.e. better condition) pie pan to come along at a good price is going to be worth it. After all, what’s the point of owning an iconic dress watch if it doesn’t look smart?!
