Constellation rethinking...

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

Right, so after some research and general browsing about I've decided to keep the black Seamaster since it seems a very good sample (and is being completely overhauled) thinking I may have a hard time finding one like it further on down the road. Also, feeling that finding a Black Constellation of a model that I like and with an good dial seems more of a lifetime pursuit than something one will do next week, I think keeping the Seamaster is the better option.

So, now that black is out of the picture, what say ye about this one? To my, as of yet, rather untrained eye it looks great, albeit on the small side, but I'm always a bit suspicious when the seller writes (in red) "Look closely at the photos!
Be sure to read the Item description !" because it comes off as "Yeah, I'm hiding something and it's up to you to find it before you buy because after that I'll just point to having written this" Asking 800$

".

 

Posts

9,960

Likes

15,640

padders

·Jul 6, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

Dial looks OK but the movement is very dirty and is clearly in need of a service. I see rotor rub and other nasties so factor in service cost into the purchase. Otherwise based on those pics alone it looks honest. Maybe you should show the caseback and crown since as you say the seller is clearly hiding something. Oh I think it is missing the regulator screw too, again something a service can fix.

Edited: Jul 6, 2022

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

Thanks! Well, I wouldn't say "clearly" but that wording... I'm going to have whatever I buy thoroughly serviced so I'm factoring that in. (as well as taxes for import) Behold, the beauty shot as well as back etc.

 

Posts

385

Likes

3,407

kaapstadflaneur

·Jul 6, 2022

The case is over-polished and has lost the sharp facet running along the case edge. The case back medallion is also over-polished. You can see that the stars above the observatory have almost disappeared due to aggressive polishing. IMHO you can find a better gold-capped C-case for US$ 800.

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

Aha, I see. Over polished, does that mean the gold color being washed away then as well as softening of edges? And rotor rub, is that the black scratching? And what kind of complications would rotor rub indicate that one can look forward too?

 

Posts

12,804

Likes

17,418

gatorcpa

·Jul 6, 2022·ΩF InvestiGator

BroMega

Aha, I see. Over polished, does that mean the gold color being washed away then as well as softening of edges?

Yes.

BroMega

And rotor rub, is that the black scratching? And what kind of complications would rotor rub indicate that one can look forward too?

Yes. You can look forward to the watch not being able to wind by wearing. Also that “black scratching” might eventually result in rust that will scrape off and fall into the movement.

Not good.
gatorcpa

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

gatorcpa

Yes.


Yes. You can look forward to the watch not being able to wind by wearing. Also that “black scratching” might eventually result in rust that will scrape off and fall into the movement.

Not good.
gatorcpa

Thank you so much for taking the time to teach me this!

 

Posts

1,541

Likes

3,350

Engee

·Jul 6, 2022

My 6d worth.

if you’re going for a C shape Connie go for the date only cal 564 rather than a day/date version.

 

Posts

21,848

Likes

49,562

Dan S

·Jul 6, 2022

The case is too far gone for me.

 

Posts

1,372

Likes

1,998

connieseamaster

·Jul 6, 2022

Yeah, that medallion is definitely a 👎 for me

 

Posts

31,048

Likes

36,455

dsio

·Jul 6, 2022·Ash @ ΩF

C-Cases really are plentiful and overlooked by most so you can afford to be really picky with them to get a nice example, and this one just ain’t it.

 

Posts

3,548

Likes

9,615

Waltesefalcon

·Jul 6, 2022

I'd pass on this one. These are about the least collectible of the vintage Constellations (unless you consider the 80s vintage) and at that price I'd want one with at least a good case.

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

Thanks for the input everyone, this is a great place not only for learning but also for making sure your money stays in the bank, hahaha.

Engee

My 6d worth.

if you’re going for a C shape Connie go for the date only cal 564 rather than a day/date version.

Are they more reliable then or what's the thing with that?

 

Posts

1,541

Likes

3,350

Engee

·Jul 6, 2022

I don’t know about more reliable. The movement is regarded by many to be amongst the very best ever produced by Omega. On a personal level, day-dates don’t look as good as date only models.

 

Posts

12,804

Likes

17,418

gatorcpa

·Jul 6, 2022·ΩF InvestiGator

BroMega

Are they more reliable then or what's the thing with that?

Setting the day is a bit of a pain if you are not wearing a particular watch every day.

On the cal. 751, you have to set the day in reverse and quick set the date in advance. Not the most elegant set up procedure.
gatorcpa

 

Posts

1,144

Likes

3,111

perks713

·Jul 6, 2022

^ I wore a watch yesterday that I haven't had on in a few months. The only reason I put it on was because the date was correct on the watch. It's a great watch, I should wear it more often but I get tired of having to set dates. I don't see myself buying many more watches with date windows. Well unless it's a great deal 😀

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 6, 2022

perks713

^ I wore a watch yesterday that I haven't had on in a few months. The only reason I put it on was because the date was correct on the watch. It's a great watch, I should wear it more often but I get tired of having to set dates. I don't see myself buying many more watches with date windows. Well unless it's a great deal 😀

All you need to do then is to get 30 more watches with date and you're sorted.

 

Posts

9,960

Likes

15,640

padders

·Jul 6, 2022·Oooo subtitles!

Waltesefalcon

I'd pass on this one. These are about the least collectible of the vintage Constellations (unless you consider the 80s vintage) and at that price I'd want one with at least a good case.

The C case ain't a bad thing to be fair, it is way better than the 80s crap by an order of magnitude. In my mind on a par with the hidden crown models (elegant but an impractical design) but it rightly should be a lot cheaper than the 1950s or early 60s models. As I recall it is also a G Genta design if that matters to you. It doesn't to me, pretty much every thing Gerald did post 1965 gets a C- from me.

Edited: Jul 6, 2022

 

Posts

357

Likes

1,815

tnt9

·Jul 6, 2022

overpriced, u can get much better conditon for that amount.

 

Posts

137

Likes

103

BroMega

·Jul 7, 2022

Yesterday I found a black one again and started my research. Didn't have to leave this forum to learn the ifs and buts of a Constellation with a 562 cal. movement. Damn, this stuff is interesting and the forum is an absolute treasure. I had the audacity to feel mighty proud when I turned it down like a pro. So I just want to thank everyone for all the knowledge you share. So far I got to be a detective AND save my money! First I wanted the watch as soon as possible but now I realize that the more sub par and/or dubious stuff I find - the more I learn!

The, none more yellow, watch in question has a 562 with an adjusted bridge (yes, I now know what that is) but I learned that this doesn't necessarily prove anything because a bridge like that can just be substituted. Movement also looks as if it needs some service. Better pass then.

Again, thanks all!