Community Stories

Early 60's Constellation Estate Sale Find

knafel1983
Posts
404
Likes
1,145
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?
 
DSC_0652.JPG
Sherbie
Posts
1,325
Likes
1,868
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
 
U
Posts
25,980
Likes
27,647
Sherbie Sherbie
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.
Edited:
 
Edward53
Posts
3,133
Likes
5,560
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.
New 009.jpg
 
U
Posts
25,980
Likes
27,647
knafel1983 knafel1983
So my father purchased this Constellation at an estate sale for $50.
.....................
I paid him a fair price for it

I'd ask about your family dynamics, but maybe I shouldn't! 😲 😵‍💫
 
knafel1983
Posts
404
Likes
1,145
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.
 
DSC_0660.JPG DSC_0662.JPG
Noddyman
Posts
1,117
Likes
1,784
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.
 
3C7EB826-A752-41E4-862C-3966D25BF95B.jpeg
knafel1983
Posts
404
Likes
1,145
Noddyman Noddyman
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.
That's a beautiful watch. I could live with an incorrect crown, especially if it's marked, and the same size.
 
WhatYourWatchSay
Posts
1,414
Likes
936
knafel1983 knafel1983
Interesting. That may work, but I'm not sure I want to try, lol. Knowing my luck, the gold logo will probably come off.

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.
 
TexOmega
Posts
8,089
Likes
58,164
If decagon crown, it must be the skinny one to be correct.

My 14381-1

Constellation.JPG DSC07722.JPG Small Decagon crown.JPG


Take it to a professional, stop the butchering. All, IMHO of course.
 
MaiLollo
Posts
1,560
Likes
4,419
TexOmega TexOmega
If decagon crown, it must be the skinny one to be correct.

My 14381-1

Constellation.JPG DSC07722.JPG Small Decagon crown.JPG


Take it to a professional, stop the butchering. All, IMHO of course.
😲
 
ConElPueblo
Posts
9,595
Likes
27,672
knafel1983 knafel1983
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?

Congrats - that's a lovely watch 😀

I have the twin brother to yours:

358428-06f31bd4f136f513bd4a8536a938049e.jpg


Edward53 Edward53
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.
New 009.jpg

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.


knafel1983 knafel1983
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?

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.
 
knafel1983
Posts
404
Likes
1,145
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.
 
knafel1983
Posts
404
Likes
1,145
Here's another one I have in stainless, caliber 561. It's a generic crown, I know.
 
DSC_0620.JPG
GuiltyBoomerang
Posts
1,727
Likes
5,959
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!

20170520_155101.jpg
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

sga3532

Need ID on 60's Constellation

sga3532 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Shabbaz
Shabbaz
Posts
2
Views
736
DaveK

Estate sale find: A fun little Waltham

DaveK Other Watch Brands Forum
Aroxx
Aroxx
Posts
6
Views
1K
D

f300 Estate Sale Find

dgarner5 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
watchlovr
watchlovr
Posts
3
Views
1K
Wryfox

Estate sale find - Gemini Spacewalk

Wryfox Open Discussion
140dave
140dave
Posts
8
Views
1K
C

Omega Estate Sale find, Please help!

CharlesFortWayne Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
Donn Chambers
Donn Chambers
Posts
9
Views
2K
L

Help IDing Estate Sale Find: Lady’s Omega Seamaster De Ville

Lowghost Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
JwRosenthal
JwRosenthal
Posts
4
Views
843