Can this Constellation be salvaged (and anyone in San Diego interested?)

I came across this on Craigslist: San Diego since I'll be taking a trip there this year, but I don't think I'll make it in time to purchase the watch, so if anyone is in the area and interested go for it (and if anyone knows a safe way to purchase off of Craigslist out-of-state, I'm all ears).

The seller told me they would sell it for $450. My question is, and I know it's very hard to answer from the pictures, but do you think this watch dial is salvageable and a good buy at that price? I can't really tell if that dial is going to look like shit or not because the crystal is so beat up. I don't mind patina at all (and often prefer signs of age) but I don't want damage. The case and medallion look good to me and haven't been polished much, if at all, as far as I can tell. The crown is incorrect, but no big deal for a project. There are no movement pictures, though, and obviously it will need a service. The seller claims it works great.

Again, if anyone is in that area and interested, look it up and take a look. I'm mostly just interested in what the expert opinion is about the condition of the watch and its value. As I'm seeking a first buy on a somewhat restricted budget (I think I have to start small so as not to scare the wife), I'm inclined to say that I would buy it if I were in the area.

If you're looking for your first Omega, I'd say steer clear of a project watch. This one would be a massive chore to restore and would likely become a money pit. That dial is toast. This would be a huge undertaking that will probably scare your wife 😵‍💫

Also, can anyone tell for certain what reference that is? It looks like a 2852 to me, but could it be something else?

haha... thanks for the insight.

If the movement inside is fine, 450$ will be ok, as movement + case would fetch a little more on eBay, desplite the condition. There might be a little extra value in the hands and maybe some of the arrowhead indices. Do note the emphasis on "if", as I don't expect the movement will look good tbh.

I doubt the dial will be salvagable, to put it politely.

Yea I wouldn't recommend 450 being a good deal for this what so ever, have seen ones in good condition go for that price.

I'll let you know next time on comes up in nz

Unfortunately, New Zealand does have access to the internet, so 450$ might be just a tad optimistic.

Not true. We now have dial-up on Mondays through Fridays, business hours but extended to 9pm on Thursdays...