Hello forum members. My father has recently gifted me his Omega Constellation. I am looking to simply understand more about the watch - when it was born, what exactly it is, in the hierarchy of horology where such an example might fall in terms of desirability? With those thoughts in mind, I would welcome opinions from the forum regarding such topics. The watch is not forsale now, nor do I plan on selling it - ever. It currently lives its life in my sock drawer, which seems a significant travesty to me. That said, I'm a bit scared to wear it, but for, ahhh, topflite occasions? What I know about the watch: My father was in the service, primarily in the Mediterranean area, and this was one of the watches he picked up during his time overseas. As far as I know, this is an original vintage watch, with one owner, purchased in the 60's (?). The watch functioned when given to me, and the only thing I (well, my wife) addressed was to have it cleaned and documented at the local jeweler. I was not quick enough/aware enough to get photos of the watch when it was opened. However, the jeweler provided the following documented description: "A gents yellow Omega wrist-watch. Constellation Model, Chronometer automatic case #:18173868 movement #:14381-11SC model #:551 Gilt dial, stick markers working order. Attached Omega Jubilee style link band, yellow gold filled. The case top is 14k yellow gold, note model not active." I will thank all in advance for any further information folks can provide, and appreciate and respect the depth of knowledge I am tapping into when approaching the group in search of information. Kind Regards.
You have a lovely gold-capped Constellation with, what looks like, the original Beads of Rice bracelet. The dial condition is spectacular. Spend some time here to learn more: http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/ What you have listed as the movement number is actually the reference number and the model number is actually the movement caliber. Here's a link to the watch on the Omega Vintage Database http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-...ache=1&cHash=1b49a755de0a9674d9181d984da43d33 What you have as the case number is actually the movement serial number. You can date it here: http://www.chronomaddox.com/omega_serial_numbers.html Your estimate of the purchase date is about right.
Hi Jar welcome to the forum Congratulations on your gifted Constellation first thing to learn is -never let your wife touch your vintage watches! where to start: the Constellation was the best of the best (in a pretty impressive stable) of Omega watches they are chronometer rated -ie to a very high accuracy in time keeping at 18,17M your watch dates to around 1961 you have the movement and model the wrong way around it is a cal 551 case style 14381 it looks like gold cap (i.e. a thick layer of gold much heavier than gold plating) it doesn't have a gilt dial -it's white but the indices could well be gold plated or solid gold even -likewise the hands the dial looks to be a very good really clean -original i.e. no redial dials of this period don't have 'Officially Certified' on them below 'automatic' lovely crisp medallion on the back -this is also solid gold you also have a very nice gold filled Beads of Rice Bracelet (BOR) or also called Grains of Rice the only thing I can't rationalise is the inserts in the indices and hands -not seen them like this before I'm hoping a real expert on here will explain that one..... if you haven't had it properly serviced please do so before you wear it -but don't go to the local jeweller -go to a watchmaker specialising in vintage Omegas ask your Pa if he kept the box and papers somewhere for more info (than you might ever need) see Desmond's excellent site http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.co.uk -and check out the show and tell Constellation thread on this forum -you won't believe the beauties on there hope that helps regards Philip
"the only thing I can't rationalise is the inserts in the indices and hands -not seen them like this before". It is the old aged lume. Original.
Wow. You guys do not waste time. Thanks for the info, and the links - I've now become a bit more familiar with "Desomond's" site!! A TON of info there..... Regarding the original box and such, I think not - I'm quite sure he would've passed them along had they been available. That said, I will ask over the holiday. Regarding the "inserts", I'm guessing we are discussing the center section of the hour marker "sticks"? And it would seem the consensus opinion is that these center sections are showing their age with the formerly luminescent material degrading over time? Followed up with a question regarding type of lume material?
yep -that's right watches were painted with radium to glow in the dark -a rather unpleasant radioactive substance (with something like a 1000 year half life) this stuff made the -usually ladies -people who painted the dials ill over time it was replaced with tritium (the reference to Ts) -a slightly less unpleasant radioactive substance around the late 50's but Omega continued to use radium for a few years where it wasn't banned The tritium dials were marked with one or two Ts alongside the Swiss Made at the bottom of the dial but to complicate things further - the early tritium dials were't necessarily marked with a T -hence my response to Hoi
What about the lugs? The other posts I've seen discuss "dogleg", the ones on this watch seem to transition in a much softer way - I would not consider them "doglegs".....so what are they a "type" of some kind?
Depends on the reference. If you google your reference number, you'll see from the images that it doesn't have dog legs.
Wow, where was that kept all of it's life? In an oxygen free ultraviolet proof container? That's in fantastic condition for its age. Now remember, don't let your wife get too interested in vintage watches. Too many of those here have, and paid the price
Ha!! Pretty sure it's gone from dad's sock drawer to my sock drawer. I'll have to ask him more about this one. It never received much wrist time, least ways I don't remember seeing it much. He's always seemed to prefer the Rolex for everyday wear. Not sure which model, but far less "bling", a steel case variant of some such with a steel band removed (ahh, that's in the sock drawer too) replaced with a canvas or leather band that gets removed and replaced as deterioration demands. The Rolex is a workhorse, not a show piece. I think the Omega was kept as "the nice one", the "sock drawer queen" as it were..... Again thanks for all the feedback, links, and comments!! One last question, does the group maintain a list of dealers or service providers that the group feels good about/has high confidence in? Kind Regards