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  1. donashby May 29, 2018

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    Hello All,

    I found a beautiful looking tropical dialed Constellation, but I am more into the sport type watches and know nothing about these. Before I buy it, I will do some online research, but thought I would ask here what everybody thinks about this one too. Dial obviously special condition, but what about the hands and the rest, do they all look original? I do not have a movement photo yet, but I will ask for one. Also, what do you think this might be worth?

    Thanks for the help.

    Best-DON

    Screen Shot 2018-05-29 at 8.16.22 AM.png
     
  2. Gurn May 29, 2018

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    Very interesting dial. Almost looks like it was made that way.
     
  3. Noddyman May 29, 2018

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    If patina’s your thing I would say you’ve found yourself a nice watch. The case is very good and the hands and crown look correct. Just check the indices still contain their lume as it’s hard to tell from one photo.
    It would also worth posting a caseback (inside/out) and movement shot before you go too far.
    Good luck.
     
  4. ulackfocus May 29, 2018

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    felsby likes this.
  5. MikeMan2727 May 29, 2018

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    I would also ask to see the movement. If the dial has aged in this way, you want to make sure the movement doesn't have too much oxidation or corrosion. The case and hands look good. Very interesting patina.
     
  6. ConElPueblo May 29, 2018

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    I would suggest that the BoR bracelet is the incorrect type for this ref. Constellation. I'd say it ought to have a 5-link BoR (this one is a 7-link), if any.
     
    Davidt likes this.
  7. Gurn May 29, 2018

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    If you don't mind, what's the asking price?
     
  8. ANALOGUE May 29, 2018

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  9. ANALOGUE May 29, 2018

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    By the way... Do you guys concider the watch in question as tropical?
    In my world, tropical is a black dial gone brown, but not a bright dial gone yellow/gold-ish.
     
    TropicConnie likes this.
  10. Kja May 29, 2018

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    It is still tropical, it is the sun that turns Connie like this from champagne to the deep creme brulee colors.. Speedies don't have a monopoly on a word.
     
  11. ANALOGUE May 29, 2018

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    Hi!
    Did not say anything abt speedy ;)

    And as far as I know it is not completely certain that it is the sun that makes some dials brown but not others (even thought I guess it is the most likely explanation). I just thought tropical was brown, but that dealers have starten to call everything that have been damaged/patinated and got any kind of brown-ish colour tropical.

    A pic of my Omega that I call tropical and my certina DS that I don't call tropical.
    IMG_20180526_140525.jpg IMG_20180522_064858.jpg

    Sorry that I went a bit OT!
     
  12. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member May 29, 2018

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    The watch looks fine - the dial has a little too much patina for my taste but I can see why some people would like it. The price is not terrible for a dealer, considering that it has been serviced and has a BOR.
     
    Noddyman likes this.
  13. ConElPueblo May 29, 2018

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    :eek::eek::eek:
     
    Davidt, BenBagbag, Dero13 and 3 others like this.
  14. Dan S May 29, 2018

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    I agree that there is not much evidence that the sun causes the damage to black dials that results in a tropical appearance. Personally, I think that even with black dials, several different mechanisms are at work. In some cases the actual dial color has changed whereas in other cases the dial is deteriorating and allowing the underlying dial color to show through in spots.

    I don't know why the patina on the OP's dial would be called "tropical"; I guess it's just sellers jumping on the bandwagon to hype their damaged watches. I doubt that sunlight is involved in this case. It's more likely to be cigarette smoke, heat, moisture, etc.

    Sorry for the hi-jack.
     
    ANALOGUE likes this.
  15. Edward53 May 29, 2018

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    OP's posted watch looks like a 14381.
     
  16. Peemacgee Purrrr-veyor of luxury cat box loungers May 29, 2018

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    Let’s put this into perspective
    ‘Tropical’ = degraded dial
    Patinated = degraded dial
    If you like the look - great - whatever floats your boat.
    But let’s not fall into the trap of allowing dealers to attribute extra value to something that is essentially defective.
    There’s plenty of that going on with other watch references/brands and we can do without it in the Constellation (or any dress watch) market
     
  17. Noddyman May 29, 2018

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    I totally agree.
    If owned from new or a family heirloom then fair enough but to knowingly buy a damaged dial makes no sense. I know others will disagree but just my penneth worth.
     
  18. ulackfocus May 29, 2018

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    That dial is more leopard, or better yet leprosy, than tropical. :eek: :D

    Annoying, aren't those fan boys? EVERYTHING has to be about a Speedmaster with them. :rolleyes:

    @Kja - nobody ever said "tropical" only referred to Speedmasters. In fact, I believe the word was used for Rolex dive watches many years ago. (OMFG! Rolex?!?!?!?! Speedmasterbaters HATE Rolex!!!! That oughta stop them from using the word! ::stirthepot:: :p :p :p :p )
     
    ANALOGUE and merchandiser like this.
  19. donashby May 29, 2018

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    Thanks all for the infos, advice and opinions! The guy is asking 1800 Euros or around $2000. Not sure what I will do yet, but I will let you all know if I buy it!

    Thanks again-DON
     
  20. ulackfocus May 29, 2018

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    What? €1800 for that leprosy dial? The one offered here is $1500 (€1300) or best reasonable offer.
     
    ANALOGUE likes this.