Constellation 168.017: are these original parts (from verified seller on Chrono24..)?

[pietrofrp]

Hi everyone,
I am seeing on Chrono24 a seller in Japan with those Constellation, with verified purchase and so on, so someone should feel secure in buying from him...but is it really?

4 Constellation 168.017 is selling right now for 617€:
What do you guys think? (I sure see some problems with hands)

First one





SECOND ONE


THIRD ONE




FOURTH ONE

 

[TexOmega]

Bad dial, case, crown and movement.....for both.

So, what's your question, again?

 

[X350 XJR]

They're all genuine cruddy un-serviced Omegas.

 

[pietrofrp]

TexOmega

Bad dial, case, crown and movement.....for both.

So, what's your question, again?

Hi Tex,
I'm doing research for a possible purchase of a first Omega Watch (budget around 600€), my question is - not beeing very expert in watches - if those would be a good option?
They are actually 4 different watches from the same seller.

 

[ZIELSZIEK]

pietrofrp

I'm doing research for a possible purchase of a first Omega Watch (budget around 600€)

In my opinion, that's a good budget for this particular reference but I feel that you could have a good example for that kind of money. These are very overpriced for what they offer and far from being good. Crud in the movement is a big no no. So are the other flaws with the rest of them.
The thing is, and this is coming from a noob as well, you need to invest more time into it.
This will be a good start for your research: https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/ (ironically it happens to contain a watch just like the ones that seem to interest you)
Also, whenever you come across a watch you want to buy and you're not sure about it, just use the forum resources. Search the ref number(and other significant data) and you will definitely get what you're looking for.
Keep in mind that there are sometimes variations and Omega is one of, if not, the hardest brand to understand and collect due to that. What you saw as being "wrong" with the hands is just a variation of this particular model, if I got that correctly.
Also, make sure to factor a possible service in your budget at a known good watchmaker.

 

[TexOmega]

pietrofrp

Hi Tex,
I'm doing research for a possible purchase of a first Omega Watch (budget around 600€), my question is - not beeing very expert in watches - if those would be a good option?
They are actually 4 different watches from the same seller.

They are ok if you just want to wear a vintage watch, but not at that price. They are $200 USD type watches. Plus $150+ service/each

This Forum has great resources but you have to put in the time, plus read the links provided above by others.

Post some pictures like you did above and ask questions, and add your comments on what YOU think of the pieces.

We can then assist you.



Welcome to the Forum, enjoy the journey

Edited: Apr 21, 2020

 

[pietrofrp]

ZIELSZIEK

In my opinion, that's a good budget for this particular reference but I feel that you could have a good example for that kind of money. These are very overpriced for what they offer and far from being good. Crud in the movement is a big no no. So are the other flaws with the rest of them.
The thing is, and this is coming from a noob as well, you need to invest more time into it.
This will be a good start for your research: https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/ (ironically it happens to contain a watch just like the ones that seem to interest you)
Also, whenever you come across a watch you want to buy and you're not sure about it, just use the forum resources. Search the ref number(and other significant data) and you will definitely get what you're looking for.
Keep in mind that there are sometimes variations and Omega is one of, if not, the hardest brand to understand and collect due to that. What you saw as being "wrong" with the hands is just a variation of this particular model, if I got that correctly.
Also, make sure to factor a possible service in your budget at a known good watchmaker.

Hi zielsziek,
Thanks for your info, I actually have been reading that thread (learn how to fish) - very interesting and lots of useful contents - but I guess I preferred to post something here because I still am not totally sure of the price range for the Constellation, in Chrono24 I find it to be much more than my budget, but here you say that I could find something good with it..
Also I understand that the preferred channel for fishing here is eBay, but of course for a noob like me will be more risky, dunno..

As per the "variations" on the different Omega references you got my point right, indeed is quite difficult to not being suspicious with so many possibilities..uhm.
Going to the watches I posted here I would say that maybe I could make an offer for the first 1, at a lower price..considering the service afterwards.

 

[Ness]

Try this link and be patient. You will find a vintage Omega in better condition for that budget.

https://www.catawiki.com

 

[ChrisN]

I wouldn't go for any of these as others have said.

I think you will not have any luck finding a 550 series Constellation in good condition for €600. Unfortunately, those days are gone unless you have been at this game for a while and have the necessary knowledge and contacts. Even then, I'd expect you would add a further 50% for a service. You don't have to service your watch, it's your call, but if it is dirty and dry, you will wear parts out and parts for 60s Omegas are not cheap.

Try looking at the manual wind Omega Seamaster range (as an example) as they are generally cheaper and also cost less to service. These are stunning watches as well and I've owned/own a few.

Good luck, Chris

 

[wilderbeast]

ChrisN

I wouldn't go for any of these as others have said.

I think you will not have any luck finding a 550 series Constellation in good condition for €600. Unfortunately, those days are gone unless you have been at this game for a while and have the necessary knowledge and contacts.

I agree with Chris. Received wisdom is that you’ll get a better deal on here than through dealers. For a C-case 168.017 I was happy with cost me €610 in December through this forum and then another €485 to replace stem and crown, undertake full service and to get a new Omega crystal. Decent straps and an Omega buckle were another expense on top of that. I am thrilled with the results, but it does show that a really good example will either simply cost a lot more, or will take a lot of patience to find. Compare mine to the ones you’ve looked at above:

 

[pietrofrp]

wilderbeast

I agree with Chris. Received wisdom is that you’ll get a better deal on here than through dealers. For a C-case 168.017 I was happy with cost me €610 in December through this forum and then another €485 to replace stem and crown, undertake full service and to get a new Omega crystal. Decent straps and an Omega buckle were another expense on top of that. I am thrilled with the results, but it does show that a really good example will either simply cost a lot more, or will take a lot of patience to find. Compare mine to the ones you’ve looked at above:

Surely yours is a wonderful watch, thanks for sharing your experience!

 

[pietrofrp]

ChrisN

I wouldn't go for any of these as others have said.

I think you will not have any luck finding a 550 series Constellation in good condition for €600. Unfortunately, those days are gone unless you have been at this game for a while and have the necessary knowledge and contacts. Even then, I'd expect you would add a further 50% for a service. You don't have to service your watch, it's your call, but if it is dirty and dry, you will wear parts out and parts for 60s Omegas are not cheap.

Try looking at the manual wind Omega Seamaster range (as an example) as they are generally cheaper and also cost less to service. These are stunning watches as well and I've owned/own a few.

Good luck, Chris

Indeed I am also looking at Seamaster (and maybe that is my best choice for the budget), specifically the 166.010 (for which I have another thread open), which is not manual wind as you suggest but still I think I may find a very good watch for my budget.
Am I correct?

 

[NikoMartinez_SYD]

I think for a little bit more budget you can find one in much better condition.

 

[ChrisN]

pietrofrp

Indeed I am also looking at Seamaster (and maybe that is my best choice for the budget), specifically the 166.010 (for which I have another thread open), which is not manual wind as you suggest but still I think I may find a very good watch for my budget.
Am I correct?

For €600, you should not expect a good automatic Omega 166010, serviced and with a bracelet. I advertised this one three years ago for €520 and I had so many emails, I could have priced it far higher.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-562-with-bor.60577/

Try for something with a leather strap (a BOR bracelet would sell for 25% of your budget), manual wind and serviced (many people buy vintage watches and they are so unreliable that they never get worn so, get one correctly serviced or allow for a service from your budget) with a warranty. You may be lucky and find a 166010 for what you're willing to pay but, it seems very unlikely.

By the way, you're pricing in euros so, I assume you're in Europe but, you are looking at watches from Japan. If you buy a watch from outside the EU, you will pay about 22% taxes when it arrives at customs.

Good luck, Chris

 

[pietrofrp]

ChrisN

For €600, you should not expect a good automatic Omega 166010, serviced and with a bracelet. I advertised this one three years ago for €520 and I had so many emails, I could have priced it far higher.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-562-with-bor.60577/

Try for something with a leather strap (a BOR bracelet would sell for 25% of your budget), manual wind and serviced (many people buy vintage watches and they are so unreliable that they never get worn so, get one correctly serviced or allow for a service from your budget) with a warranty. You may be lucky and find a 166010 for what you're willing to pay but, it seems very unlikely.

By the way, you're pricing in euros so, I assume you're in Europe but, you are looking at watches from Japan. If you buy a watch from outside the EU, you will pay about 22% taxes when it arrives at customs.

Good luck, Chris

Thanks Chris, quite true that I would probably do better if I search in Europe markets, I were not actually calculating import taxes at this stage but I should.
And also true that the BOR bracelet gets much of my budget, so despite I like it a lot, maybe that budget is better spent on the watch itself, and go for a leather strap as you say.

Nonetheless, the fact that you sold your 166010 for that price 3 years ago proves that I should be faithful..😉

 

[Mark020]

NikoMartinez_SYD

I think for a little bit more budget you can find one in much better condition.

Or at least one which was cleaned.....

 

[Skipper_S]

Where are you located? Keep in mind the customs fees before you buy - if applicable in your case... for example if you live in Europe expect to pay a much more if you buy from Asia..

pietrofrp

Hi everyone,
I am seeing on Chrono24 a seller in Japan with those Constellation, with verified purchase and so on, so someone should feel secure in buying from him...but is it really?

4 Constellation 168.017 is selling right now for 617€:
What do you guys think? (I sure see some problems with hands)

First one





SECOND ONE


THIRD ONE




FOURTH ONE