Constellation 168.005 Authenticity Check

dhdennislee · 2026-07-28T06:20:27-0500

Hi everyone,

I’m considering purchasing this Omega Constellation Ref. 168.005 (Cal.561) and would really appreciate a second opinion on its originality and overall condition before committing.

According to the seller:

Reference: 168.005
Production year: 1964
Movement: Cal.561 (24 jewels)
Gold-capped case (gold bezel over stainless steel)
Professionally serviced in 2024
Running at approximately -2 seconds/day
Original acrylic crystal (with expected surface scratches)
Aftermarket burgundy leather strap

I’ve attached photos of the dial (straight-on and angled), case profile, caseback (inside and outside), and movement with the visible serial number.

I’d especially appreciate your thoughts on the
following:

Does the dial appear original, or do you see any signs of refinishing or restoration (fonts, printing, logo, minute track, etc.)?
The dial has some small spots visible under certain lighting. Does this look like normal age-related patina, moisture damage, or something else?
Do the hands, crown, and date window/frame look correct for a 168.005?
Does the case appear to have been heavily polished, or are the lugs and bezel still reasonably sharp?
Does anything about the movement, serial number, or caseback markings raise any concerns?

Overall, does anything stand out as inconsistent or incorrect for this reference?

Many thanks in advance for your time and expertise!

Peemacgee · 2026-07-28T06:59:52-0500

Hi @dhdennislee

First of all, I'm going to refer you to Desmond's blog once again, as there are questions that you ask that could be answered there (like the hands, crown and date window)
https://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/

- and its always appreciated when someone new at least offers an opinion on some of the things you asked.

Re the watch here:
I'm hoping that it is the non-omega crystal is causing the distortion that makes the SWISS MADE T and minute haches look super-large.
The script looks correct but I can't recall seeing the horizontally brushed finish on a Constellation before.
The hands are fine and the date window is correctly bevelled.
The crown is odd because it is the right style and has the older Omega symbol but isn't colour matched as it should be to the 14k gold cap.
The case is soft - both bezel and lugs - search out @gbesq 's exemplary example of what a gold-cap dogleg should look like.
The spotting on the dial is pretty unattractive to me personally. - but yes, it will have been caused by moisture ingress.

If the watch was serviced recently, you would expect movt pics and inner case back pics too.

-and of course, you neglected to tell us the asking price.

Hope that helps

dhdennislee · 2026-07-28T07:57:26-0500

The seller has provided a few additional photos (timegrapher, service card, and extra dial shots). I’ve attached them below. Any additional opinions are welcome. Thanks!

SOG53 · 2026-07-28T08:09:52-0500

Not a good example I would pass.

dhdennislee · 2026-07-28T09:04:23-0500

Peemacgee
Hi @dhdennislee

First of all, I'm going to refer you to Desmond's blog once again, as there are questions that you ask that could be answered there (like the hands, crown and date window)
https://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/

- and its always appreciated when someone new at least offers an opinion on some of the things you asked.

Re the watch here:
I'm hoping that it is the non-omega crystal is causing the distortion that makes the SWISS MADE T and minute haches look super-large.
The script looks correct but I can't recall seeing the horizontally brushed finish on a Constellation before.
The hands are fine and the date window is correctly bevelled.
The crown is odd because it is the right style and has the older Omega symbol but isn't colour matched as it should be to the 14k gold cap.
The case is soft - both bezel and lugs - search out @gbesq 's exemplary example of what a gold-cap dogleg should look like.
The spotting on the dial is pretty unattractive to me personally. - but yes, it will have been caused by moisture ingress.

If the watch was serviced recently, you would expect movt pics and inner case back pics too.

-and of course, you neglected to tell us the asking price.

Hope that helps

Hi @Peemacgee,

Thanks so much for your detailed reply earlier, it was really helpful.

One thing I wanted to follow up on - you mentioned you couldn't recall seeing the horizontally brushed finish on a Constellation dial before. Could you help me understand a bit more:

1. Is this brushed pattern something you'd associate with a refinished/redial dial, or could it just be an uncommon but legitimate factory variant?
2. Is there a particular angle or lighting condition I should look at to check the brushing direction/pattern more carefully?
3. Have you seen this brushed texture on any other references from around the same period (early-mid 60s) that might suggest it's not unique to this piece?

The seller has confirmed the crown and crystal were replaced at some point, but the dial itself is the one thing I still can't fully rule in or out. Any additional thoughts would be hugely appreciated before I make a final call.

Thanks again!

Peemacgee · 2026-07-28T09:13:35-0500

I can't see anything wrong with the script on the dial - all the letters and font - and their positioning - check out as far as I can see.
The only 'oddity' are the distorted hache marks - but I'm convinced that is due to the dodgy crystal.
Therefore, the horizontal graining must just be a factor of zoomed in photography that I haven't noticed before.

However, unless very cheap, I'm with @SOG53 in that I would pass on this watch as I personally don't think it isn't an especially attractive example.

Constellation 168.005 Authenticity Check

dhdennislee

Peemacgee

dhdennislee

SOG53

dhdennislee

Peemacgee

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