Constellation - advice on dial and lume dots

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masek

·Nov 3, 2022

Hi all,
I am looking to buy a Constellation Pie Pan and I am in contact with a seller.
He is not aware of the reference number, nor the caliber of this watch, so I am considering driving a couple of hours to have a closer look at it. Before I do so, I would like your advice on the dial and the lume dots.
Does it appear right to you?

To me the dial looks legit, but did these Connies have lume dots? And if they did - could the original lume dots possibly be that white?

 

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X350 XJR

·Nov 3, 2022·Vintage Omega Aficionado

Likely a ref 168.005 caliber 561.

Yes, this reference had dials with lume plots at the ends of the figures as seen here. I think the apparent whiteness is likely due at least in part to the over exposed photo.

I see no point in driving to see the watch if the seller is unable to provide access to the movement.

 

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Noddyman

·Nov 3, 2022

The lighting is harsh so difficult to say if those lume dots are original. The dial itself is original and quite nice with just a few freckles visible around the five o’clock marker. The case also has nice sharp lugs.
I would guess it’s from around 62/63 and likely a 168.005 or possibly a late 14902. Movement should be 561.

 

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masek

·Nov 3, 2022

Thanks, @X350 XJR and @Noddyman!
I really appreciate your feedback here.
The reason to why I would drive to see it, is that I can open it myself.

 

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Noddyman

·Nov 3, 2022

Make sure you take a loupe and view in natural daylight. That photo could be hiding more dial imperfections than you think.

 

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Dan S

·Nov 3, 2022

Based on the photo, I think that the lume dots do deserve a closer look, since they are MUCH lighter than the lume in the hands. Perhaps you can take a UV light with you. Not necessarily a deal-breaker but worth knowing.

 

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gbesq

·Nov 3, 2022

Hard to tell from the photo, but the lugs don’t look sharp to me.

 

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masek

·Nov 14, 2022

gbesq

Hard to tell from the photo, but the lugs don’t look sharp to me.

Got these pictures from the owner today. The lugs is not that bad are they?

 

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gbesq

·Nov 14, 2022

I’d like to see the side profile of the lugs, but they still look pretty polished down to me. This is what sharp unpolished dog leg lugs should look like.

 

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iamvr

·Nov 15, 2022

Or like this...

I have seen a few examples where the facets on the sides are still clearly visible but the ends of the lugs have become soft which seems to be the case in the OP's example.

Plus there are signs of serious rotor rub, but that can be addressed with a proper service.

 

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janice&fred

·Nov 15, 2022

For myself I don't fixate on finding drawer queen examples of vintage stuff. Time worn, serviced and some polishing over the decades is fine with me. I like to handle my vintage watches and don't want to become OCD about my shirt sleeve rubbing the lugs or possibly tapping the watch against a door jamb. That sort of super-sharp edged oddball collection watch usually winds up in a safety deposit box for no one to enjoy but the obsessed owner's satisfaction of possessing it. Sure there are exceptions but for the most part I think a bit of relaxing on the polished fixation is in order to better the enjoyment of these 50+ year old watches. I like the Constellation pictured and for me it's all about price as far as owning it.

 

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iamvr

·Nov 15, 2022

janice&fred

For myself I don't fixate on finding drawer queen examples of vintage stuff. Time worn, serviced and some polishing over the decades is fine with me. I like to handle my vintage watches and don't want to become OCD about my shirt sleeve rubbing the lugs or possibly tapping the watch against a door jamb. That sort of super-sharp edged oddball collection watch usually winds up in a safety deposit box for no one to enjoy but the obsessed owner's satisfaction of possessing it. Sure there are exceptions but for the most part I think a bit of relaxing on the polished fixation is in order to better the enjoyment of these 50+ year old watches. I like the Constellation pictured and for me it's all about price as far as owning it.

I hear you. I'm usually a dial guy and can live with some polishing of the case, but when it came to the the dogleg Connie I was very, very picky because it's those sharp edges that make this model so attractive. And believe me, mine doesn't collect dust in the drawer 😀. But I agree with you, the OP's watch is not over-polished and the dial is nice. I would def. wear it (if it wasn't for the date window 😁).

 

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masek

·Nov 15, 2022

Thanks for your feedback, @gbesq, @iamvr and @janice&fred! I have probably been focusing too much on the dials here, and I see that the lugs could be less polished. The asking price is $1400.
I agree with @janice&fred in rather buying a watch to use than a safe queen, but I will wait until something nicer comes around.

 

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Noddyman

·Nov 15, 2022

I still feel those lugs are very reasonable and will look just fine in real life.
Not convinced about the lume though, still think that’s been redone at some point.