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MtV
·Hello everyone,
It’s been a while, but another hobby that requires some monetary attention causes me to part with a watch or two, so here’s something rather special that I hope we can keep in the OF-family – a first generation Constellation in one of the most desirable configurations:
The 2648 – Where It All Began
For those of you who aren’t familiar, the ref. 2648 was the first ever Constellation reference, released in 1952 and only built in small numbers for about two years – which can make the hunt rather frustrating. It’s different to all it’s 50s successors as it wears significantly larger. 1mm added case diameter doesn’t sound like much, what’s more noticeable is the slimmer bezel, resulting in a difference of about 2mm in dial diameter to the 2652, 2782, 2852 and 2887 that followed it. I happened to have a 2648 (right) and a 2652 (left) in the exact same configuration to showcase their distinct features:
Also, do note that there were no standardized cases or dial configurations at that point. Consequently, the variations are uncanny. “Omega” is written on the dial – except for on the latest examples, where it’s applied. There’s cal. 352 and cal. 354 examples. The number of dial variations can hardly be counted. There are oddballs like a 14k rose gold examples, a tone of gold that is usually only found with 18k gold quality. And then there’s the case itself, which came in different shapes. Look at this for a comparison, the lug on the right example (a beauty belonging to our own MSNwatch) is significantly more rounded than the example on the left. However, both are cases that carry their original shape.
Anyway, let’s get to it before I’ll start to talk myself into keeping it. Here it is:
The Watch
Omega Constellation
Reference: 2648
Movement: cal. 354 “bumper” automatic, chronometer certified
Serial: 14765737
Year: ca. 1954
Case: 35mm, 18k solid yellow gold
Dial: Original two-tone dome dial, honeycomb structure, solid gold arrowhead-indices, cross-hair, applied solid gold Omega logo and writing.
Strap & buckle: Black lizard strap, period-correct, gold-plated Omega buckle.
Condition
Dial & Hands: The original dial is in overall good shape. Hands and indices don’t show significant deterioration, the color-difference of the two-tone dial is sharp and present. There’s minute residue/discoloration, most notably in form of a spot between 7 and 8 – I’ve tried my best to highlight this in the pictures, it’s much less significant on the wrist, especially in direct sunlight. French “Chronometre” spelling, as is expected from such an early example, all the writing is clearly legible and present. Non-luminous layout, which, in times of radium as the go-to lume, is another plus and certainly helped the dial stay this nice.
Case: Original 35mm solid gold case, 18k. It’s certainly been polished before, do note though that the lugs never had a sharp edge from the factory. Minute scratches and dings everywhere, as expected from a 70-year old watch. The medallion on the case back is sharp, I assume it’s been polished lightly around it though, where the back shows a very light dent. 2648s never had the “CONSTELLATION” and “WATERPROOF” writing seen on later case backs, so it’s not like those were polished off.
Crown: The 2648s had a very specific thin decagonal crown that was slightly smaller than all later examples. This one was replaced by a flat-feet service item, which, to my eye, is the next best thing. If you want, I can also offer a thick decagonal crown, as was used for all other 50s Constellation references.
Crystal: Generic crystal in good condition.
Movement: Original cal. 354 bumper automatic, chronometer certified. The movement is in great shape, visually and mechanically. It’s been fully serviced in late 2023. Accordingly, it sets, winds and runs very smoothly, has a great power reserve, keeps good time. The time grapher shows an amplitude of 260-270, with a deviation of 3-10 seconds per day – so strap it on and enjoy, this one won’t need any maintenance for the foreseeable future.
Strap & Buckle: Included is this black lizard strap and an original, period-correct, gold-plated Omega buckle. The pin has lost plating and there’s a spot on the logo, the buckle has seen a lot of use, but I’d argue it’s still a welcome detail, especially on the wrist:
Seller Reviews
Plenty reviews available here, but either my username is too short to use the search function for that or I’m not handling the forum software eloquently enough, which is entirely possible. Anyway:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/seller-mtv-is-the-absolute-best.145752/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-an-absolute-gentleman.132595/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-fantastic-seller.150494/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/big-chuck-up-to-mtv-for-a-smooth-transaction.134417/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-perfect-seller-and-a-gentleman.129023/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-wonderful.162085/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv...t-seller-for-those-who-would-not-know.138044/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-from-mtv-couldnt-be-better.139930/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-wonderful-transaction-with-mtv.129099/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-mtv-is-a-great-seller.129008/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-experience-with-mtv.128707/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/perfect-experience-buying-from-mtv.132194/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/pleseant-transaction-with-mtv.128563/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/smooth-transaction-with-mtv.125454/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.127615/#post-1724346
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-transaction-with-mtv.119998/#post-1603079
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-great-seller.115237/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1610885
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-brilliant-seller.119214/#post-1590116
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-recommended-seller.118712/#post-1581899
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1585630
https://omegaforums.net/threads/matt-mtv-is-a-terrific-seller.120993/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/many-thanks-to-mtv-great-seller.123761/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-a-very-good-seller.131177/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-highly-recommended.142834/
I’m also happy to provide verification through my eBay-account that has been standing for 20 years, with >2000 reviews, 100% positive. Please do ask.
Payment, Shipping & Returns
Payment is accepted via PayPal F&F, bank transfer, Wise or cash in person. Happy to meet you for a personal transaction, of course. Coffee’s on me.
I’m asking
3450€, shipped within the EU, UK or Switzerland
The watch is located in Germany. Buyers from outside of the area mentioned above are also welcome, do note that I’ll have to ask a slight premium for shipping.
No returns, please, unless I misrepresented the watch in any way.
And now, some pictures. Let me know if you require more or a certain angle I might have missed or a video.
The nice and shiny movement:
A few shots in direct sunlight, which instantly reduces the visibility of the spot around 7-8. This is about as bad as it'll ever look in the sunshine:
And some close-ups to enjoy the details:
The clear line between the two dial colors and one of those lovely arrowheads:
In case you're wondering where the "Swiss Made" is: It's there, just hard to spot with the tension ring of the crystal.
Medallion looks crisp, with 8 clearly defined stars:
And a little closer...
Note the bevel on the bezel, clearly present all-around.
It’s been a while, but another hobby that requires some monetary attention causes me to part with a watch or two, so here’s something rather special that I hope we can keep in the OF-family – a first generation Constellation in one of the most desirable configurations:
The 2648 – Where It All Began
For those of you who aren’t familiar, the ref. 2648 was the first ever Constellation reference, released in 1952 and only built in small numbers for about two years – which can make the hunt rather frustrating. It’s different to all it’s 50s successors as it wears significantly larger. 1mm added case diameter doesn’t sound like much, what’s more noticeable is the slimmer bezel, resulting in a difference of about 2mm in dial diameter to the 2652, 2782, 2852 and 2887 that followed it. I happened to have a 2648 (right) and a 2652 (left) in the exact same configuration to showcase their distinct features:
Also, do note that there were no standardized cases or dial configurations at that point. Consequently, the variations are uncanny. “Omega” is written on the dial – except for on the latest examples, where it’s applied. There’s cal. 352 and cal. 354 examples. The number of dial variations can hardly be counted. There are oddballs like a 14k rose gold examples, a tone of gold that is usually only found with 18k gold quality. And then there’s the case itself, which came in different shapes. Look at this for a comparison, the lug on the right example (a beauty belonging to our own MSNwatch) is significantly more rounded than the example on the left. However, both are cases that carry their original shape.
Anyway, let’s get to it before I’ll start to talk myself into keeping it. Here it is:
The Watch
Omega Constellation
Reference: 2648
Movement: cal. 354 “bumper” automatic, chronometer certified
Serial: 14765737
Year: ca. 1954
Case: 35mm, 18k solid yellow gold
Dial: Original two-tone dome dial, honeycomb structure, solid gold arrowhead-indices, cross-hair, applied solid gold Omega logo and writing.
Strap & buckle: Black lizard strap, period-correct, gold-plated Omega buckle.
Condition
Dial & Hands: The original dial is in overall good shape. Hands and indices don’t show significant deterioration, the color-difference of the two-tone dial is sharp and present. There’s minute residue/discoloration, most notably in form of a spot between 7 and 8 – I’ve tried my best to highlight this in the pictures, it’s much less significant on the wrist, especially in direct sunlight. French “Chronometre” spelling, as is expected from such an early example, all the writing is clearly legible and present. Non-luminous layout, which, in times of radium as the go-to lume, is another plus and certainly helped the dial stay this nice.
Case: Original 35mm solid gold case, 18k. It’s certainly been polished before, do note though that the lugs never had a sharp edge from the factory. Minute scratches and dings everywhere, as expected from a 70-year old watch. The medallion on the case back is sharp, I assume it’s been polished lightly around it though, where the back shows a very light dent. 2648s never had the “CONSTELLATION” and “WATERPROOF” writing seen on later case backs, so it’s not like those were polished off.
Crown: The 2648s had a very specific thin decagonal crown that was slightly smaller than all later examples. This one was replaced by a flat-feet service item, which, to my eye, is the next best thing. If you want, I can also offer a thick decagonal crown, as was used for all other 50s Constellation references.
Crystal: Generic crystal in good condition.
Movement: Original cal. 354 bumper automatic, chronometer certified. The movement is in great shape, visually and mechanically. It’s been fully serviced in late 2023. Accordingly, it sets, winds and runs very smoothly, has a great power reserve, keeps good time. The time grapher shows an amplitude of 260-270, with a deviation of 3-10 seconds per day – so strap it on and enjoy, this one won’t need any maintenance for the foreseeable future.
Strap & Buckle: Included is this black lizard strap and an original, period-correct, gold-plated Omega buckle. The pin has lost plating and there’s a spot on the logo, the buckle has seen a lot of use, but I’d argue it’s still a welcome detail, especially on the wrist:
Seller Reviews
Plenty reviews available here, but either my username is too short to use the search function for that or I’m not handling the forum software eloquently enough, which is entirely possible. Anyway:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/seller-mtv-is-the-absolute-best.145752/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-an-absolute-gentleman.132595/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-fantastic-seller.150494/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/big-chuck-up-to-mtv-for-a-smooth-transaction.134417/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-perfect-seller-and-a-gentleman.129023/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-wonderful.162085/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv...t-seller-for-those-who-would-not-know.138044/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/watch-from-mtv-couldnt-be-better.139930/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/a-wonderful-transaction-with-mtv.129099/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/recommended-mtv-is-a-great-seller.129008/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-experience-with-mtv.128707/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/perfect-experience-buying-from-mtv.132194/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/pleseant-transaction-with-mtv.128563/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/smooth-transaction-with-mtv.125454/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.127615/#post-1724346
https://omegaforums.net/threads/great-transaction-with-mtv.119998/#post-1603079
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-great-seller.115237/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1610885
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-brilliant-seller.119214/#post-1590116
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-recommended-seller.118712/#post-1581899
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-a-great-seller.118955/#post-1585630
https://omegaforums.net/threads/matt-mtv-is-a-terrific-seller.120993/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/many-thanks-to-mtv-great-seller.123761/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-a-very-good-seller.131177/
https://omegaforums.net/threads/mtv-is-highly-recommended.142834/
I’m also happy to provide verification through my eBay-account that has been standing for 20 years, with >2000 reviews, 100% positive. Please do ask.
Payment, Shipping & Returns
Payment is accepted via PayPal F&F, bank transfer, Wise or cash in person. Happy to meet you for a personal transaction, of course. Coffee’s on me.
I’m asking
3450€, shipped within the EU, UK or Switzerland
The watch is located in Germany. Buyers from outside of the area mentioned above are also welcome, do note that I’ll have to ask a slight premium for shipping.
No returns, please, unless I misrepresented the watch in any way.
And now, some pictures. Let me know if you require more or a certain angle I might have missed or a video.
The nice and shiny movement:
A few shots in direct sunlight, which instantly reduces the visibility of the spot around 7-8. This is about as bad as it'll ever look in the sunshine:
And some close-ups to enjoy the details:
The clear line between the two dial colors and one of those lovely arrowheads:
In case you're wondering where the "Swiss Made" is: It's there, just hard to spot with the tension ring of the crystal.
Medallion looks crisp, with 8 clearly defined stars:
And a little closer...
Note the bevel on the bezel, clearly present all-around.
Edited:
