Correct bracelet + endlink options for Omega Constellation 2943

Nissestr · Feb 24, 2023

Hello!

First time poster here,
I recently got my hands on this Omega Constellation CK 2943 sc 1 and have been looking around for what would be a good fit authentic bracelet and end-link wise. I've looked around at Desmonds blog for example about Connies and have found that there isnt any clear choice to go for, other than a 5 or 7 center row BoR or the more sought after flatlink 7912. I've looked upon a few threads here before creating the account trying to find answers but havent came that far for those perfect references that would be the perfect fit, as this 2943 has other case/lugs than the more typical 60s Connie, and it has gone even worse with finding a correct end-link.

Would a 1036 BoR with 512 (?) endlinks be a time-correct example that I should look after? I'd prefer it to be a good fit and time-correct. I don't mind if it takes some time to lay my hands on it, it took me a few years to hunt down a correct 18k 14mm buckle for my 2846...

Best Regards,
Nissestr
Photo for attention of the 2943 😀

RoadRunner73 · Feb 26, 2023

Nice Connie ! Now as you have pointed out, it doesn't seem that Omega had a straight forward and unique combination of BoR / case in the 60's ; they have apparently frozen the subject on later models ; it is so that I am exactly in the same situation; so in my opinion, just grab the one that pleases you most, so either 7 or 9er; my personal choice is rather in favor of the 9er, but then I'm after the adequate combination with a Dog Leg model, so in this case, I tend to prefer the 9er in consideration of the straighter lugs, whereas yours are a bit more rounded ; so there a 7er might suit it better, but that's only my opinion and I'm no expert !

RoadRunner73 · Feb 26, 2023

Having said that, I would definitely go for corresponding links, as to me the gap between the bracelet and the case really need to be filled. If so, then be sure to have a perfect match links/bracelet.

Dan S · Feb 26, 2023

As you already know, there is no specific end-link or bracelet made for these. That said, #11 or #12 endlinks can be massaged to fit reasonably well, especially if you are willing to spend some time adjusting the end-links and if you are not obsessive about gaps, like @RoadRunner73. Even vintage bracelets that are correct for a given reference generally can't be expected to have the same precision fit as modern models. If you will only be satisfied with a perfectly precise zero-gap fit, then save yourself the trouble.

gbesq · Feb 26, 2023

As Dan notes, there is often no specific BOR bracelet and end link reference so it often comes down to trial and error, the availability of the bracelet and end links, and dumb luck. To my knowledge, Omega currently only makes one 18 mm BOR bracelet and that is reference 3010, part number 020ST3010511. I believe, although I am not sure, that the bracelet comes with a pair of 511 end links, and retails for about $450 USD. Both the 511 and 512 end links are available from Omega. The 511s are part number 026ST511 and the 512s are part number 026ST512. If memory serves, the end links retail for about $80/pair. Credit to @Archer for the part numbers. I'm not sure what other 18mm end links are available new from Omega, if any, so one often has to scrounge on eBay, go to a supplier like Ofrei (where selection is quite limited) or source them from other collectors. In my experience, the 511s and 512s work best with the five row BOR bracelets, including bracelet references 1036, 1502, 8220 and 3010. I have only one vintage Constellation, a 168.004, with a BOR bracelet and that uses number 22 end links. As I noted earlier, it's largely trial and error and that can get expensive if you're wrong on the bracelet and end links combination. Your best bet is to try to find photos of an identical watch to your own with a BOR attached that fits well and then try to get the bracelet and end link references. Sometimes, it IS possible to get a near perfect fit, but not always. As an example, below is a photo of three of my watches with BOR bracelets. From left to right: Seamaster 14389 with 511 end links (gap evident); Ranchero 2990 with 512 end links (good fit); and Constellation 168.004 with 22 end links (also a good fit). There are a few past threads that have tables which list the correct combination of bracelets and end links for various case references. If I can find them, I will post.

WLW62 · Feb 26, 2023

If my link works, the post/attachment by @Davidt has a lot of info. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a bracelet with 522’s myself.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/bracelet-guide.93724/

Dan S · Feb 26, 2023

I'm really not picky about small gaps on vintage watches, but they can sometimes be reduced by gently closing or opening the end-links, using slightly larger diameter spring-bars, etc. In the past, I've spent far too much time playing around with end-links, but over time I stopped worrying about it.

WLW62 · Feb 26, 2023

Also, credit @michael e for the scanned data.

Dan S · Feb 26, 2023

WLW62
Also, credit @michael e for the scanned data.

And just to note that if you go towards the end of this thread, I translated the scanned data into a searchable format, and @river9 put them into a google doc.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-bracelet-endpiece-list.81618/page-3

WLW62 · Feb 26, 2023

Dan S
And just to note that if you go towards the end of this thread, I translated the scanned data into a searchable format, and @river9 put them into a google doc.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-bracelet-endpiece-list.81618/page-3

I have not read to the end since this extra work was added. Nice. I need to pay more attention.

Nissestr · Feb 26, 2023

RoadRunner73
Having said that, I would definitely go for corresponding links, as to me the gap between the bracelet and the case really need to be filled. If so, then be sure to have a perfect match links/bracelet.

Thank you for your thoughts!

gbesq
As Dan notes, there is often no specific BOR bracelet and end link reference so it often comes down to trial and error, the availability of the bracelet and end links, and dumb luck. To my knowledge, Omega currently only makes one 18 mm BOR bracelet and that is reference 3010, part number 020ST3010511. I believe, although I am not sure, that the bracelet comes with a pair of 511 end links, and retails for about $450 USD. Both the 511 and 512 end links are available from Omega. The 511s are part number 026ST511 and the 512s are part number 026ST512. If memory serves, the end links retail for about $80/pair. Credit to @Archer for the part numbers. I'm not sure what other 18mm end links are available new from Omega, if any, so one often has to scrounge on eBay, go to a supplier like Ofrei (where selection is quite limited) or source them from other collectors. In my experience, the 511s and 512s work best with the five row BOR bracelets, including bracelet references 1036, 1502, 8220 and 3010. I have only one vintage Constellation, a 168.004, with a BOR bracelet and that uses number 22 end links. As I noted earlier, it's largely trial and error and that can get expensive if you're wrong on the bracelet and end links combination. Your best bet is to try to find photos of an identical watch to your own with a BOR attached that fits well and then try to get the bracelet and end link references. Sometimes, it IS possible to get a near perfect fit, but not always. As an example, below is a photo of three of my watches with BOR bracelets. From left to right: Seamaster 14389 with 511 end links (gap evident); Ranchero 2990 with 512 end links (good fit); and Constellation 168.004 with 22 end links (also a good fit). There are a few past threads that have tables which list the correct combination of bracelets and end links for various case references. If I can find them, I will post.

Thank you aswell! I feel like it may be an expensive but somewhat fun project to digest in to; some which may be higher chances of it beeing a somewhat good match.

WLW62
If my link works, the post/attachment by @Davidt has a lot of info. I’ve been keeping an eye out for a bracelet with 522’s myself.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/bracelet-guide.93724/

Dan S
And just to note that if you go towards the end of this thread, I translated the scanned data into a searchable format, and @river9 put them into a google doc.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/case-bracelet-endpiece-list.81618/page-3

Ive been through that thread a few times but didn't find corresponding solutions for 4-digit connies, only the later 60/70s. Thanks anyway!

4/11/12/630 end links might work

Dan S · Feb 26, 2023

Nissestr
Ive been through that thread a few times but didn't find corresponding solutions for 4-digit connies, only the later 60/70s. Thanks anyway!

As noted several times, the references to which you are referring did not come with bracelets, so you would not expect to find them in the list. You are trying to retrofit a bracelet to a strap watch.

Nissestr · Feb 26, 2023

Dan S
As noted several times, the references to which you are referring did not come with bracelets, so you would not expect to find them in the list. You are trying to retrofit a bracelet to a strap watch.

Right, that was the reason why 😀

gbesq · Feb 26, 2023

GENERALLY, your best shot will be 11/511 or 12/512. The former are better for angled lugs, the latter for straight lugs. Don’t expect a perfect fit, but a good watchmaker can work wonders.

RoadRunner73 · Feb 26, 2023

Dan S
As you already know, there is no specific end-link or bracelet made for these. That said, #11 or #12 endlinks can be massaged to fit reasonably well, especially if you are willing to spend some time adjusting the end-links and if you are not obsessive about gaps, like @RoadRunner73. Even vintage bracelets that are correct for a given reference generally can't be expected to have the same precision fit as modern models. If you will only be satisfied with a perfectly precise zero-gap fit, then save yourself the trouble.

I am just referring to some people who buy/sell bracelets without any end-links, which to me is nonsense ; other than that, it is clear that there might be slight gaps between end-links and the case, that's lesser of a problem to my eyes.

RoadRunner73 · Feb 26, 2023

Dan S
You are trying to retrofit a bracelet to a strap watch.

Oh that's interesting ! Are you saying that some Connie refs were initially meant to be worn with straps, where others with bracelets ?
I think I remember a couple of ads from Omega for Connies and Seamasters in the 60s advertising the option to choose between strap or bracelets, or am I wrong ?

MtV · Feb 26, 2023

I’d guess that as with most 50s Seamasters / Constellations, a flatlink on #4s or #7s will actually be the best fit. #4s usually sit great in those cases. That is if money is no object though - the flatlink option will be 4-5x of what a BoR is, and that’s if you go with a cheaper (and not period correct, yet visually very similar) 1035. If you want an early 7077/7912 the price will even be higher.

Nissestr · Feb 26, 2023

MtV
I’d guess that as with most 50s Seamasters / Constellations, a flatlink on #4s or #7s will actually be the best fit. #4s usually sit great in those cases. That is if money is no object though - the flatlink option will be 4-5x of what a BoR is, and that’s if you go with a cheaper (and not period correct, yet visually very similar) 1035. If you want an early 7077/7912 the price will even be higher.

Thanks Matt, I guess its the way to go. Is that your go-to with fatlug 50's aswell?

Dan S · Feb 26, 2023

MtV
I’d guess that as with most 50s Seamasters / Constellations, a flatlink on #4s or #7s will actually be the best fit. #4s usually sit great in those cases. That is if money is no object though - the flatlink option will be 4-5x of what a BoR is, and that’s if you go with a cheaper (and not period correct, yet visually very similar) 1035. If you want an early 7077/7912 the price will even be higher.

I agree that these look great.

MtV · Feb 26, 2023

Nissestr
Thanks Matt, I guess its the way to go. Is that your go-to with fatlug 50's aswell?

Not sure if I’d say „go-to“ as the extra cost is significant, but it’s definitely my favorite. A beefy lug example, ref 2577:

And they work for the Constellations all through the 50s, I believe.

2648 (steel works all the same):

2652:

2782:

2887:

2852:

14381 (same as 14393):

I don’t have a picture of the flatlink on a dogleg 14900/14902 at hand, but I think I remember that even those completely different, angled lugs work with the flatlinks and #4s.

If you collect 50s Omegas it’s incredibly versatile.

edit: I have a 2943 case at home. Can install a flatlink and take a pic, if you’re interested to see how it fits.

Correct bracelet + endlink options for Omega Constellation 2943

Nissestr

RoadRunner73

RoadRunner73

Dan S

gbesq

WLW62

Dan S

WLW62

Dan S

WLW62

Nissestr

Dan S

Nissestr

gbesq

RoadRunner73

RoadRunner73

MtV

Nissestr

Dan S

MtV

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