I also think this is a redial, but would not claim to be an expert. I don’t have a macro picture of my C-case, but even this picture shows the difference in the fonts and letter spacing under the Omega applied lettering:
Basically the text one yours looks to be sans serif there.
If this is a redial (and this is often what dealers mean by “restored”), it means that a third party has repainted the dial in as close as they can get to the original Omega printing. Sometimes that’s very close and other times less so.
if you like the piece and it speaks to you, there’s nothing really wrong in owning and wearing a redialled watch, but its value to a collector will be a fraction of what you’d get if it was an untouched original. Chances are, no one you will ever meet will know the difference, and it will probably be more presentable as a smart dressy watch than an untouched (but well worn) original. But you would know it isn’t entirely original and that might start to eat away at you until you replace it with something that is!
I also think this is a redial, but would not claim to be an expert. I don’t have a macro picture of my C-case, but even this picture shows the difference in the fonts and letter spacing under the Omega applied lettering:
Basically the text one yours looks to be sans serif there.
If this is a redial (and this is often what dealers mean by “restored”), it means that a third party has repainted the dial in as close as they can get to the original Omega printing. Sometimes that’s very close and other times less so.
if you like the piece and it speaks to you, there’s nothing really wrong in owning and wearing a redialled watch, but its value to a collector will be a fraction of what you’d get if it was an untouched original. Chances are, no one you will ever meet will know the difference, and it will probably be more presentable as a smart dressy watch than an untouched (but well worn) original. But you would know it isn’t entirely original and that might start to eat away at you until you replace it with something that is!
By the way, I think you have made a great decision to look for a C-case as a first vintage watch! A good original one won’t be really cheap, but more reasonable than some of the earlier pie pan style Connies that new collectors seem to go mad for 😉
One good way to school yourself in these is by sitting down with a coffee and checking out the many pages of the C-case Constellation thread, and by reading Desmond's excellent article here.
Looks a a redial to me too. Besides, there is no adjusted to 5 pos and 2 temp on the bridge.
Also, when looking for a c case, try to find a case with an original finish to the case - it should be a circular brushing on the lugs and radial on the bezel:
Oh brilliant thanks! Yeah i've been saving for the past 12 months and have a budget of around £1k. I've looked at all sorts of 50s/60s Omega models but i'm really drawn to the C-case and want to find a good one for every day use. I just want to get the balance right of something that has nice age wear and not to shiny but not too beaten up. Thanks for taking the time to reach out.
Yes, this one looks much better. I believe the linen dials are much harder to redial, for obvious reasons. They also catch the light and change apparent colour beautifully. This 168.017 has the radial brushing on the bezel that it should and the dial looks good to me, but it does come down to price, service history and what the innards look like.
Worth taking your time with this. Your budget should be enough, but you may need to be patient to get a good example.
Yup- the linen is a good one, just as you would want to see it. There were many variations in color and dial texture, but fonts were consistent- that’s the tell. I frankly think these are the sexiest watches Omega ever made, particularly paired with the bricks bracelet.
I am a fan
Yup- the linen is a good one, just as you would want to see it. There were many variations in color and dial texture, but fonts were consistent- that’s the tell. I frankly think these are the sexiest watches Omega ever made, particularly paired with the bricks bracelet.
I am a fan
