I may have stumbled across a find, but I'd feel better if I had a few opinions from those on OF who are well versed in vintage Constellations. Estate sale. I've identified it as a gold capped 14381 with an original beads of rice bracelet. Pie pan dial and no date which I like. Full movement service within the last year and I've seen the service record. Comes with the original box (in mint condition, believe it or not)!, but no papers. Dial and hands appear original to me and in very good condition. Crystal, crown (not sure that the crown is correct for the reference) and stem were replaced when the watch was serviced. Thoughts, please? ?

 

At first glance, it's a redial and the crown is wrong.

 

Coincidentally I have the same Ref.
Here are pics of how it should look like (if you are on hunt of exactly this Ref).

 

In addition to the wrong crown and the redial, the adjustment screw is missing and the rotor is in a bad shape. Always have a look on this.

 

Thanks to all. REALLY appreciate the prompt response and the advice.

 

May I ask the requested price for this watch?

 

Sweephand also seems wrong to me, too long.

 

$1,800. Glad that I asked you guys. I have much to learn.

 

$1,800? No way.

 

In Zimbabwe Dollar's maybe?

 

No, I think it was in Rubles. Thanks again, guys. The level of knowledge on this forum is amazing. I'm learning that the only stupid questions are the ones that I don't ask.

 

Box is not mint as well... far from that. It's missing the inner box. It's a total rip off sale...

 

Well, let's say it leaves more room for other beautiful pieces from this seller...

 

I hope I am not coming across as rude, but while the dial on yours is correct, the case is really quite polished and the crown is a replacement.

It is also for a date version ("Constellation Calendar"), so incorrect for the watch as well.

 

No, it’s ok
I agree with the polished case, but as far as I know the crown must be the correct one. Do you have a source?

 

ironically, The best thing about the OPs watch is the excellent condition (thickness) of the gold plate layer, esp at the back of the lugs

the bracelet looks well worn though

 

Are you saying it's replaced because it's a toothed crown, or because it is the wrong type of toothed crown?

 

The latter. I wrote about the scalloped/toothed/knurled crown in an old thread and while there are no certainties, I am pretty sure that only the thin version of the scalloped crown is correct. @BenBagbag made a great post in that thread showing what he had researched.

Here's a photo of three 14XXX Constellations I used to own:



The slim gold crown is the one I consider to be correct, as is the decagonal one. As decagonal crowns were replaced with Seamaster clover crowns during services, I would propose that the thin scalloped crowns were replaced with the thicker variety.

 

And remember, a 14381 CAN look like this.