So my father purchased this Constellation at an estate sale for $50. To my knowledge, it looks original. The gold cap is peeled off the crown though, with the Omega logo still visible. It appears to be one of the sock drawer finds, probably sitting for decades, probably never serviced, but keeps time. I paid him a fair price for it, since I believe it's original, and in decent shape. I didn't want to sift through the vintage muck online. Does everything appear original, at least in this one photo?

 

Looks ok so far, based on just the 1 photo. Whats the strap though - ostrich and maker? Can gou please take more photos of the watch, from underneath and from the sides?

Crown is the wrong type completely, but thats easy to fix

 

The crown looks like it is the correct type for that reference. Need to see it from the side to be sure though.

EDIT - this should be a 14.381 with a 551 inside. Maybe that crown is a little too thin, but it certainly looks like the right style.

 

That is a lovely watch with original dial, hands and crystal. I also think it looks like a 14381. I don't know what that crown is but I'm sure it's not the correct one. Cog wheel type crowns are ok for 14381s as they came with either those or the decagonal crown, but they are less domed than here, with taller teeth and a distinct boundary between them and the little dome that sports the Omega crown. This is the only photo I've got of a14381 (on the left) where you can see some detail of the crown, hope that helps illustrate what I mean. Finding the right crown for this watch might take a while but it's well worth doing.

 

I'd ask about your family dynamics, but maybe I shouldn't!

 

It's not about family dynamics. I wanted the watch, and still paid less than I would have online. Unfortunately, I tried opening the case with my case opening tool, and scratched the case back. The seal seems to have turned into glue, and I can't get it open. Any suggestions? I've heard the heat gun trick, but I don't have a heat gun, nor do I want to risk damaging the watch. I guess I'll turn it over to my service guy, since it needs a service anyways. Yes, that is a $20 some dollar ostrich strap I purchased from a guy out of Florida on Ebay. As far as the crown, a chunk of gold cap is missing.

 

Take it to a watchmaker to get the back off before you do some damage you regret. The crown looks original to me just well worn.
This one of mine is 18k with a very similar dial, dates to 1959 fitted with 551. Wrong crown on mine, can’t find one to save my life.

 

Super glue, a steel bolt, four hour cure time, a wrench and a dish of acetone.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/anyone-ever-try-this-to-open-a-stuck-case-back.72048/

 

Interesting. That may work, but I'm not sure I want to try, lol. Knowing my luck, the gold logo will probably come off.

 

That's a beautiful watch. I could live with an incorrect crown, especially if it's marked, and the same size.

 

Interesting point. Maybe a larger sized bolt to go around the emblem and only touch the case back?

I've also had luck with a duct tape ball--roll a ball of DT sticky side out to get a grip on the case back. It's worked a few times.

 

If decagon crown, it must be the skinny one to be correct.

My 14381-1



Take it to a professional, stop the butchering. All, IMHO of course.

 

Have you caught your breath, yet?

 

Not yet. Check in a couple of days

 

Congrats - that's a lovely watch

I have the twin brother to yours:

It's the correct crown, just heavily worn. A shame that these aren't available anymore - they are far more user-friendly than the decagonal ones.

Super glue + ratcheting socket wrench. That's how I open all my watches that come fused together in a solid lump. If you cannot get a good grip on the watch, either grip it in a piece of cloth in your hands or (also with cloth!) place it in a vice and slowly apply pressure. Plonk caseback and socket in acetone afterwards and rinse them off after they have come apart. Have never scratched, bent or marked anything this way.

 

serial # 17000338

 

I'll send it to my local watchmaker. $125 for a complete service, and I've been using him for years, excellent work. I'm not brave enough to try the super glue trick.

 

Here's another one I have in stainless, caliber 561. It's a generic crown, I know.

 

Mine is a distant long lost sister cos she's stainless steel and has a non correct Seamaster crown...good to see another Constellation though!