Constellation pie-pan 168.004

nkb · Sep 10, 2019

Good day all!
This Connie is a prospective purchase and I would like candid opinions please?

Pros:
Original dial which is quite clean
Serial number, cal. number (561) and ref 168.004 match and date it to 1964
Not overly polished
New crystal (aftermarket)
New rubber gasket
Service crown (better than hidden crown for setting time)

Cons:
Is the case soft?
Rotor is quite worn. However not much evidence of rotor rub on the inside case-back?
Price is $1200 from a dealer.
Pics aren't perfect but this is what I got from the dealer

I am tempted but would like to know if I would be overpaying? These models don't come up that often and I think the dial is very reasonable which is the most important/valuable aspect of this specimen!

nkb · Sep 11, 2019

OF's do you copy? Over.😁

felsby · Sep 11, 2019

If the dial is OK for you, I think it looks fine, albeit a little worn.
However, keep a keen eye on the "Private Watch Sales" thread on OF and you might make a better deal.

Mark020 · Sep 11, 2019

Poor example and ambitious price IMHO

nkb · Sep 11, 2019

felsby
If the dial is OK for you, I think it looks fine, albeit a little worn.
However, keep a keen eye on the "Private Watch Sales" thread on OF and you might make a better deal.

Thanks for your valuable feedback I really appreciate it!
The dial is good for me yes.

I will look a the "Private Watch Sales" however by the time I add shipping and custom taxes what price am I likely to pay in the end for a better deal? I am in South Africa😁🤨 Are most of the sellers on the PWS in Europe, North America and Australia?

nkb · Sep 11, 2019

felsby
If the dial is OK for you, I think it looks fine, albeit a little worn.
However, keep a keen eye on the "Private Watch Sales" thread on OF and you might make a better deal.

Thanks for your valuable feedback I really appreciate it!
The dial is good for me yes.

I will look a the "Private Watch Sales" however by the time I add shipping and custom taxes what price am I likely to pay in the end for a better deal? I am in South Africa😁🤨 Are most of the sellers on the PWS in Europe, North America and Australia?

nkb · Sep 11, 2019

Mark020
Poor example and ambitious price IMHO

Thanks for your opinion? Why do you think it is a poor example in particular? I would like to learn more!

aprax · Sep 11, 2019

I have thought a lot about the watch you're intersted in and couldn't place exactly why I am not enthousiastic about it. The dial is ok, would have profited from onyx inlays on the markers. So dial is ok, bezel seems sharp enough. But the lugs seem soft. I'll post this 18K version which I bought a few weeks ago for 2470 GBP alltogether with the 18k bracelet:

So its a borderline thing in my opinion: The wrong crown matters somewhat, and the lugs should really be sharper for a SS version. The scratches on the rotor are certainly not attractive. Also, bear in mind that pie-pans on 168.004s are less pronounced and thus less desirable as a general rule. So all considered, the price is a bit high IMO.

Noddyman · Sep 11, 2019

aprax
I have thought a lot about the watch you're intersted in and couldn't place exactly why I am not enthousiastic about it. The dial is ok, would have profited from onyx inlays on the markers. So dial is ok, bezel seems sharp enough. But the lugs seem soft. I'll post this 18K version which I bought a few weeks ago for 2470 GBP alltogether with the 18k bracelet:

So its a borderline thing in my opinion: The wrong crown matters somewhat, and the lugs should really be sharper for a SS version. The scratches on the rotor are certainly not attractive. Also, bear in mind that pie-pans on 168.004s are less pronounced and thus less desirable as a general rule. So all considered, the price is a bit high IMO.

I give you a like for your watch and for your comments.
I feel the same way about the OP’s watch, - it leaves me a little underwhelmed.

kkt · Sep 11, 2019

nkb
Thanks for your valuable feedback I really appreciate it!
The dial is good for me yes.

I will look a the "Private Watch Sales" however by the time I add shipping and custom taxes what price am I likely to pay in the end for a better deal? I am in South Africa😁🤨 Are most of the sellers on the PWS in Europe, North America and Australia?

Actual shipping shouldn't be all that much. It's sellers that add the cost of packaging materials and inconvenience of getting to a shipping office that might add to it. It really depends on the shipper.

Likewise, the customs are up to the buyer's country. Get in touch with your customs office and ask them. The seller isn't going to know.

The sellers on Omegaforums are all over. Yes, many in Europe, North America, and Australia, but also plenty in East Asia and the mideast. I haven't noticed many in subsaharan Africa. You may need to import or go to a dealer in South Africa and pay the associated costs either way.

Peemacgee · Sep 11, 2019

nkb
Thanks for your opinion? Why do you think it is a poor example in particular? I would like to learn more!

I have to agree that the case is soft and the dial is just ‘okay’ (there’s something going on with the 3 index)
I’ve no idea what has been going on with the rotor or how you would get multiple scratches like that on it. It is also rubbing on the movement.
For further reference, here is an SS dome dial .004 I was lucky enough to snag earlier in the year showing how the case should look.
And a pie pan .004 I picked up a little before that

nkb · Sep 11, 2019

Wow! Wow! and wow again! The response from all you experts is just phenomenal! The specimen's you have are excellent.

It has become very clear to me that this watch that I was interested in is not going to lead to its purchase. Patience to wait for the specimen in the right condition and right price is the wisest advice in this game.

Once again thank you all and cheers for now 👎👎

Constellation pie-pan 168.004

nkb

nkb

felsby

Mark020

nkb

nkb

nkb

aprax

Noddyman

kkt

Peemacgee

nkb

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