Constellation dial furniture

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Hi all!

I was enjoying some macro photography of my 1964 Constellation, and started wondering what metals were used in the dial furniture/hands?

• Hour markers
• Date window
• Star
• Hands
• Omega logo/writing
  
  I know the hour marker inserts are Onyx.
  
  Also, how impressive are the faceted Onyx inserts! Presumably this is so the light doesn't reflect in the same angle as the metal surround, leading to a darker black?

 

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Peemacgee

·Sep 1, 2025·Purrrr-veyor of luxury cat box loungers

The furniture on a Constellation dial is gold.
The hands are gold plated.

 

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Peemacgee

·Sep 1, 2025·Purrrr-veyor of luxury cat box loungers

The prismatic onyx inserts on a regular Constellation are indeed rather lovely.

Ironically, the deluxe version (18k case and dial) uses a wider flat onyx insert which has a more ‘in your face’ effect.

 

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dsio

·Sep 1, 2025·Ash @ ΩF

Peemacgee

The furniture on a Constellation dial is gold.
The hands are gold plated.

Indeed, gold does make for a good choice too as it's very easily worked, cast, polished and textured then riveted into place on the dial mechanically. It's not used just because it's fancy or luxurious but rather because its very convenient and co-operative for that use case.

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Thanks both, I had assumed they would be gold!

 

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cristos71

·Sep 1, 2025

I read somewhere that a vintage omega dial could have up to 1g gold as furniture, has anyone ever stripped and weighed the indices?

 

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Archer

·Sep 1, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Odd...

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Archer

Odd...

Sorry - any chance of being more specific?

 

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Archer

·Sep 1, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

smb88

Sorry - any chance of being more specific?

The gap between the dial and the case/crystal tension ring...

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Archer

The gap between the dial and the case/crystal tension ring...

Mmm, I see.

Presumably nothing to be overly concerned about? It was recently serviced when purchased.

I'm just waiting on a new crown (from the wonderful @cristos71), so I could ask a watchmaker to check it out when they fit it, if you think it's worthwhile?

 

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Dan S

·Sep 1, 2025

smb88

Mmm, I see.

Presumably nothing to be overly concerned about? It was recently serviced when purchased.

I'm just waiting on a new crown (from the wonderful @cristos71), so I could ask a watchmaker to check it out when they fit it, if you think it's worthwhile?

Looks like incorrect or mismatched parts.

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Dan S

Looks like incorrect or mismatched parts.

Interesting, which parts in particular? Do you mean the dial and the case are mismatched, or something like movement holder ring?

This is the watch in question, there are more photographs on the thread

https://omegaforums.net/threads/1964-168-5004-18k-gold-cased-omega-constellation.185226/

Thread '1964 168.5004 18k Gold Cased Omega Constellation' ·

Hi all,

This is a Dennison cased Omega Constellation dating to 1964 in 18ct gold. It has been in and out of my collection for a while now. Serviced approximately 18 months ago, I don't think I've...

SOLD

£ 1800

jimmyd13 · Jul 21, 2025

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

smb88

Interesting, which parts in particular? Do you mean the dial and the case are mismatched, or something like movement holder ring?

This is the watch in question, there are more photographs on the thread

https://omegaforums.net/threads/1964-168-5004-18k-gold-cased-omega-constellation.185226/

You've piqued my curiosity @Dan S / @Archer

I've taken some more shots, the gap isn't uniform and appears most pronounced at about 11 and 4 o'clock.

Would be interested to hear your thoughts on the cause. I think the dial seems to match with other examples from around 1964, which is the hallmark date of the case, so I'd be surprised if they were mismatched?

Is it possible there's some other component inside that's incorrect? Or is there something responsible for holding the dial in that perhaps isn't tensioned/tightened correctly?

Or indeed, just manufacturing tolerances?

Thanks for your help!

 

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MtV

·Sep 1, 2025

Mmh - slightly bent dial?

 

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Archer

·Sep 1, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Hard to tell for sure - is there a tension ring for the crystal, and if so is it silver or gold tone?

 

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smb88

·Sep 1, 2025

Archer

Hard to tell for sure - is there a tension ring for the crystal, and if so is it silver or gold tone?

I can certainly see a reflection around the edge when viewing from the outside in, so I would think yes there's a tension ring, I think it's silver if so.

 

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mac_omega

·Sep 1, 2025

smb88

I think it's silver if so.

maybe a wrong tension ring - should be gold coloured on a gold watch...

 

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smb88

·Sep 2, 2025

mac_omega

maybe a wrong tension ring - should be gold coloured on a gold watch...

Thanks, that makes sense.

Would anyone be able to let me know the correct part number for a replacement crystal with gold tension ring (or how I can look this up myself)? My case reference is 168.5004.

Many thanks!

 

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Archer

·Sep 2, 2025·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

smb88

Thanks, that makes sense.

Would anyone be able to let me know the correct part number for a replacement crystal with gold tension ring (or how I can look this up myself)? My case reference is 168.5004.

Many thanks!

The original crystal was 063PX5029 - GLASS PLEXI 2N RING D31.62 H4.4

That is discontinued, but there is a replacement:

063PX5006 - PLEXIGLASS ARMED YEL. RING D31.62 H4.85

Basically the same, but the replacement is a little taller.

 

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smb88

·Sep 2, 2025

Archer

The original crystal was 063PX5029 - GLASS PLEXI 2N RING D31.62 H4.4

That is discontinued, but there is a replacement:

063PX5006 - PLEXIGLASS ARMED YEL. RING D31.62 H4.85

Basically the same, but the replacement is a little taller.

Thanks Archer!