Constellation Quartz 1980s 3961069

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

Hi
I have this lovely Constellation from the mid to late 1980s but cannot find anything about it on the internet. It was originally a wedding present in 1988. I’m sure it is genuine (I have the box) but wonder why I can’t find any other examples.
Are the diamond-looking batons actually diamonds? What is the movement number?
The case back state 3961069 as the model.
The bracelet is numbered 1448/431.6

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Posts

3,844

Likes

8,659

redpcar

·May 30, 2022

https://www.google.com/search?q=Omega+3961069&sxsrf=ALiCzsbuehJxILbRsTn7Yloxw0nlI8Wrvg:1653930035013&ei=M_iUYro03e-S9A-gyoNA&ved=0ahUKEwj6meHB2Yf4AhXdt4QIHSDlAAgQ4dUDCA4&uact=5&oq=Omega+3961069&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EANKBAhBGAFKBAhGGABQ9ShYjTJgyzVoAnAAeACAAagDiAHPDpIBBzItNS4wLjGYAQCgAQHAAQE&sclient=gws-wiz

 

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

Hi
Yes, I’ve seen those pages but none have the diamond chips as batons.

 

Posts

3,844

Likes

8,659

redpcar

·May 30, 2022

Ok. The the more accurate question for the team is - Did Omega add the diamonds at the factory or did a watchmaker after the fact.

 

Posts

9,548

Likes

15,059

padders

·May 30, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

I think it is a factory dial as I think I've seen it before. That said It is not a particularly desirable model and the diamonds don't really add a lot of value to don't get your hopes up that you have an unexpected windfall, think a few hundred bucks tops. Without meaning to be rude, this era was a low point for the Connie. The gold sections of the links are probably solid gold so there is some quality there though. This means if it is sized very small it can be prohibitive to buy replacements.

Edited: May 30, 2022

 

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

Thanks for the information. Yes, I think it looks to be a factory dial.
The links articulate very well and the ‘feel’ of the bracelet does seem to be of high quality. I was just surprised it seems so difficult to find another example of a similar watch.

 

Posts

9,548

Likes

15,059

padders

·May 30, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

One further comment. There seems to be a little patina on the dial. When you see that on an older quartz watch, it can be because a battery has out-gassed or worse still leaked acid on the movement and some of the vapour deposits on the dial. If you haven't already, I would open the watch to see what state the battery is in. Hopefully it is fine, but if it is not the damage can be severe. When you store a quartz watch long term it is best to either remove the battery, or remember to change it every 5 years or so.

 

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

The battery was replaced last week by a local jeweller, and the chamber was very good. All ok in that regard.

 

Posts

613

Likes

329

webvan

·May 30, 2022

Nice watch with a solid gold bezel and a fine 1444 (or even better, a thermocompensated 1445) movement. The diamond indexes would be an...acquired taste probably though ;-) Also it's a very small watch by today's standards.

 

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

Hi
Thanks.
The ETA number is 255471 if that helps with the quartz movement?
If the gold metal is actual gold, why isn’t it hallmarked anywhere? Just because it’s Swiss and doesn’t need an English mark? It certainly hasn’t tainted or discoloured over the years, and it does look like gold.

 

Posts

9,548

Likes

15,059

padders

·May 30, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

C cuissage

Hi
Thanks.
The ETA number is 255471 if that helps with the quartz movement?
If the gold metal is actual gold, why isn’t it hallmarked anywhere? Just because it’s Swiss and doesn’t need an English mark? It certainly hasn’t tainted or discoloured over the years, and it does look like gold.

You can't put a legitimate UK hallmark on mixed metals, only for solid items. This is why two tone watches never have them, even when some parts like bezels are solid gold.

 

Posts

613

Likes

329

webvan

·May 30, 2022

C cuissage

Hi
Thanks.
The ETA number is 255471 if that helps with the quartz movement?
If the gold metal is actual gold, why isn’t it hallmarked anywhere? Just because it’s Swiss and doesn’t need an English mark? It certainly hasn’t tainted or discoloured over the years, and it does look like gold.

It's a 1444 then according to this listing https://watchcharts.com/listing/390...ar-date-18k-ss-men-quartz-watch-6j-eta-255471

 

C

Posts

15

Likes

5

cuissage

·May 30, 2022

Hi
Yes, I’ve just found the same link. Must be a 1444.
Thank you for your help and expertise with this.