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Constellation?

MellyVinelli
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Hey everyone. I got this one off eBay for not a lot of money a couple years ago. I was nervous to ask because I could’ve gotten a frankenwatch re-dial but I don’t know what I have. I am aware that it is has been polished a fair bit because the definition on the case back is pretty poor.

The things that concern me are the bezel that is a gold tone on top of the stainless case which I don’t know if such a combo exists. The applied logos, arrowheads, star, omega etc all seem quite proper with no glue residue. “chronometer” has the American spelling and has the slant ‘M’. The minute indices seem to not be in line with the tips of the arrowheads and are set further toward the bezel. Most Google photos show the indices just inside the arrowhead points if you guys know what I mean. For that reason I am concerned it is a redial.

So for the constellation experts please let me know what you see that’s right and what’s wrong. Unfortunately I bought it without looking with the movement but it is supposed to have a cal 501.


IMG_2455.webp IMG_6ED8AB15-D2E4-4EE7-B9E6-8B7112E343B3.webp IMG_2449.webp IMG_2448.webp IMG_2447.webp IMG_2452.webp IMG_2451.webp IMG_2446.webp IMG_2445.webp
 
Dan S
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Looks like a redial to me, but not the worst I've seen. I have not looked carefully at every variant, but I agree that the gold bezel on full SS case with SS crown seems odd at first glance.
 
Dan S
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For comparison (obviously many examples are available on the internet).
omega_2852.webp
 
Dan S
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MellyVinelli MellyVinelli
Thanks. And what to you points to a redial?
Just having looked at a lot of dials. If you want to break it down to specific details, you can do that.
 
Peemacgee
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Ahem…. I think you meant English spelling.


Definitely a redial - the upper script is too close to the applied Omega.
- and all if the font is just slightly off.
And as you correctly point out, the minute haches should be inside the arrow head markers.
The chronometer spelling should likely be the French spelling on this snap back reference.

Very unusual that someone would fit a gold bezel to the stainless case.
Certainly not standard - so either some kind of special order or replaced at service. (More likely the latter)

Nicely enough done to happily wear though.

Hope that helps.
 
SOG53
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If you wish to know more you would need to take it to watchmaker to open back and see movement and inside Caseback info.
But unless you are having it serviced, if it tells time and you like wearing it, I wouldn’t bother just wear and enjoy it.
 
MellyVinelli
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Ahem…. I think you meant English spelling.


Definitely a redial - the upper script is too close to the applied Omega.
- and all if the font is just slightly off.
And as you correctly point out, the minute haches should be inside the arrow head markers.
The chronometer spelling should likely be the French spelling on this snap back reference.

Very unusual that someone would fit a gold bezel to the stainless case.
Certainly not standard - so either some kind of special order or replaced at service. (More likely the latter)

Nicely enough done to happily wear though.

Hope that helps.
Thanks for the response. Yes I did notice that the applied Omega was very close to the “Automatic”.

I am wearing it and not too worried about anything else about it. Aesthetically it is fine to me.

Thanks!
 
gatorcpa
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The caseback is very heavily polished to the point where “Constellation” engraving is almost gone.

Medallion might be a aftermarket replacement.

This was probably a barn find watch with trashed dial and worn case which someone did their best to restore.

Be careful about the movement, the cal. 501 came in both chronometer and non-chronometer versions.
gatorcpa
 
MellyVinelli
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
The caseback is very heavily polished to the point where “Constellation” engraving is almost gone.

Medallion might be a aftermarket replacement.

This was probably a barn find watch with trashed dial and worn case which someone did their best to restore.

Be careful about the movement, the cal. 501 came in both chronometer and non-chronometer versions.
gatorcpa
Yeah I get it. I paid bid up to $400USD for it so I didn’t break the bank on it. My first foray into Constellations so I’m happy with a daily beater.
 
gatorcpa
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MellyVinelli MellyVinelli
Yeah I get it. I paid bid up to $400USD for it so I didn’t break the bank on it. My first foray into Constellations so I’m happy with a daily beater.
At that price point, you are OK financially.

My first Constellation was similar. Paid about $250 in 2003, so with inflation about the same.
gatorcpa
 
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