Hello, going to have the movement serviced on a 50s Constellation that hasn't had a service in a very long time, wanted to confirm that it was a press down caseback. I had someone mention the crystal and dial would need to be removed to get at the movement. Here are some photos:
Yes it's a press down but someone put the caseback on sideways so the slit for opening it will likely be under the lugs (towards the top of the watch if I'm not mistaken). Beautiful watch. Pictures in natural sunlight will really make it pop.
Thanks, it was my great grandfather's, it sat in a safe for a long time before I inherited it, I wear it on occasion but it is definitely overdue for service, I doubt it has been serviced in the past 30 years.
Condition of the watch looks excellent so I would probably not try to open it if you have not done it before. A bit of a slip in the opener and you go from A condition to a B minus or C plus and a corresponding hit in value if that is a factor.
Not overly concerned with monetary value but the watch has huge sentimental value as it was owned by my great grandfather. I went and picked it up from the repair shop without any work done. I don't see the slit either where the case back can be opened but it sounds like these were not made where the movement needed to be removed through the front, so rather than risk damage I just decided to hold off on service. Would anyone be able to tell me the reference number? I have looked around but have had a difficult time figuring out what year and reference it would be exactly. Would love to track down a similar pie pan dial, with arrow head markers and no date steel version some day to match.
The movement and dial (comes out in one piece) on these is removed solely from the back, not the front
Just to be clear I pointed out exactly what this slit should look like. A competent watchmaker should be able to find it too but better for you to see where it is first (to make sure the watchmaker is competent!)
That watch is too good not to look after. It needs servicing as the lubricant will have dried up and every time you wear it you are grinding up the movement a little bit more. Everything will seem fine for ages until one day when it won't work, you'll take it in for repair and find an expensive job needs doing that would have been avoided if you'd had it serviced. As said above do NOT try to open it yourself but spend out on getting a vintage specialist watchmaker to service it. The condition is beautiful and irrespective of monetary value you really do not want to put a scratch on the case, which is twice as easily done with gold.
+1 to what @Edward53 said as collectors, I think we are more concerned that you might damage a rather lovely watch. (and heirloom) - but ultimately value is related to condition. there are a number of possible references try looking at this link from Desmond's site http://users.tpg.com.au/mondodec//aCaseStudydefinitive.pdf
This thread should be of some assistance: https://omegaforums.net/threads/side-by-side-constellation-deluxe-models.6448/
If the watch has a rotor automatic, it is likely this one: https://web.archive.org/web/2017041....com/index.php/data-watch/omega/caliber-5/447 If a bumper, it is likely this one: https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/watch-omega-constellation-de-luxe-ot-2799/ The way you can tell which one you have is by the feeling you have when the watch is winding. If you feel a "bump", it's the bumper. If you can hear a rotor spinning, then a rotor. The no-date steel versions would be Ref. 2852 for the rotor and Ref. 2782 for the bumper. Pretty simple, Evan
Nice condition for the case, sharp chines; it hasn't been polished much in 61 years. The case back is a press fit, as others noted. Opening requires careful application of the edge of a case knife, with pressure, to the gap, if you can appreciate one. The back springs off, more or less. Closing the back is best done with a caseback press and carefully fitted nylon cups that support the case front without making any contact with the crystal and which do not press on the medallion on the back.