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First purchase and some advice needed

C
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I just pulled the trigger on my first Omega (Should be here next week).

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/constellation--id44156560.htm

I have been looking at them since I saw my first Bond movie. I got the watch with no strap/bracelet. I have a few questions.

  • The seller says it runs but needs serviced. Would you suggest an authorized service center or an independent service center?
  • I have looked at the data on the watch and it originally came with a bracelet (ref 1040). Would a leather strap be acceptable while I source the correct bracelet?

Thanks in advance
constellation.webp
 
ErichKeane
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An independent Omega authorized watch repair facility is always going to do a better job keeping value/not ruining collect-ability, which Omega will destroy.

A leather strap with that would be perfectly acceptable. Many prefer watches of this style on leather anyway. Pick what makes you happy!
 
SOG53
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Welcome to OF!
You have a late model C-Case Constellation, should be cal 1000 series movement, from mid-late 70's? Need SN inside on movement to date more accurately. The caselines look pretty sharp so does not look polished, which is good.
These have the OMEGA applied below the watch center, and the Constellation text on top. The Constellation text is the new style with the striaght n. Here is an article from Desmonds blog about the C case line it is educational AND entertaining!

Per your questions:
1. Seller says watch winds (I don't see statement that it runs) so for sure it should be serviced. Recommend an independent watchmaker with Omega parts account, with vintage service experience. If you share your approx location members will have recommendations.
2. The bracelet for this watch is the 1040, here is an example they are very nice. But take your time to find one in good condition and put a nice leather strap on it in meantime. (I think best endlinks may be 518- I have less common 593)

Congrats on your first Omega enjoy it and stick around you may find more to your likeing. And this OF thread shows a number of nice original C-Case Constellations owned by OF members- it is a very popular reference and a good first Omega. Desmonds blog article and another helpful OF thread also attached.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/ Cover Image
Thread 'The C-Cased Constellation Thread' ·
On the suggestion of @Bill Sohne how about we have a thread on these under appreciated, Gerald Genta designed chronometers?

I’ll kick things off!

I picked up this 168.029 with a cal. 751...
tyrantlizardrex ·

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2497538/ SOG53
SOG53 ·
Welcome to OF. This is a C-case Constellation, one of the later versions. They are quite popular and would be a good first vintage watch. There are many dial and case styles within this family- here are some materials that will familiarize you with the various options:


If you havent yet done so, good idea to look through this thread which shows the many examples of these watches owned by OF members.

https://omega-constellation-collect...12/constellation-c-shape-omegas-child-of.html...

https://omega-constellation-collect...12/constellation-c-shape-omegas-child-of.html

IMG_1306.webp IMG_1316.webp IMG_1273.webp
Edited:
 
C
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SOG53 SOG53
Welcome to OF!
You have a late model C-Case Constellation, should be cal 1000 series movement, from mid-late 70's? Need SN inside on movement to date more accurately. The caselines look pretty sharp so does not look polished, which is good.
These have the OMEGA applied below the watch center, and the Constellation text on top. The Constellation text is the new style with the striaght n. Here is an article from Desmonds blog about the C case line it is educational AND entertaining!

Per your questions:
1. Seller says watch winds (I don't see statement that it runs) so for sure it should be serviced. Recommend an independent watchmaker with Omega parts account, with vintage service experience. If you share your approx location members will have recommendations.
2. The bracelet for this watch is the 1040, here is an example they are very nice. But take your time to find one in good condition and put a nice leather strap on it in meantime. (I think best endlinks may be 518- I have less common 593)

Congrats on your first Omega enjoy it and stick around you may find more to your likeing. And this OF thread shows a number of nice original C-Case Constellations owned by OF members- it is a very popular reference and a good first Omega. Desmonds blog article and another helpful OF thread also attached.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/ Cover Image
Thread 'The C-Cased Constellation Thread' ·
On the suggestion of @Bill Sohne how about we have a thread on these under appreciated, Gerald Genta designed chronometers?

I’ll kick things off!

I picked up this 168.029 with a cal. 751...
tyrantlizardrex ·

https://omegaforums.net/posts/2497538/ SOG53
SOG53 ·
Welcome to OF. This is a C-case Constellation, one of the later versions. They are quite popular and would be a good first vintage watch. There are many dial and case styles within this family- here are some materials that will familiarize you with the various options:


If you havent yet done so, good idea to look through this thread which shows the many examples of these watches owned by OF members.

https://omega-constellation-collect...12/constellation-c-shape-omegas-child-of.html...

https://omega-constellation-collect...12/constellation-c-shape-omegas-child-of.html

IMG_1306.webp IMG_1316.webp IMG_1273.webp
Happy New Year! I have done some research and the movement is listed as cal. 1021. As much as I would love to have an actual Omega leather strap, I do have some leather working experience and will be trying my hand at making a strap for it.

Also, for a local watchmaker in my area, I am South of Youngstown, Ohio, between Youngstown, Pittsburgh, and East Liverpool.
 
Dan S
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SOG53 SOG53
Seller says watch winds (I don't see statement that it runs) ...
At the very least the sweep hand is in different positions in different photos, so that's a good sign.
 
Dan S
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I've never owned one of these, so I'm not familiar with the construction, but there seems to be some sort of gold-colored retaining ring around the crystal. Is this meant to be a two-tone watch?

Regarding bracelets, there appear to be two "correct" options:
1172/736
1040/593
 
C
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Dan S Dan S
I've never owned one of these, so I'm not familiar with the construction, but there seems to be some sort of gold-colored retaining ring around the crystal. Is this meant to be a two-tone watch?
Not sure if it is meant to be two-tone, however once I get my grubby mitts on it, I will have pics.
 
C
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Got the watch this weekend. I am still looking for a watchmaker to handle the service. I found one but I got the willys after texting with him about scheduling.

Here are the pics. I want to leave the case as is with minimal polishing. Any suggestions on a leather strap?

PXL_20260113_151817777.webp PXL_20260113_151827274.webp PXL_20260113_151849105.webp
 
SOG53
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Can you take a picture at this angle? Trying to see if the brown color ring is inside the crystal
IMG_1287.webp
 
ErichKeane
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IIRC, that brown ring is a rubbery-plastic gasket that goes around the crystal. I've got a ladies watch in need of some that I'm going to try to make someday soon.
 
paddymoran
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C CelticJedi78
Got the watch this weekend. I am still looking for a watchmaker to handle the service. I found one but I got the willys after texting with him about scheduling.
If you search the forum you may find recommendations for a watchmaker in your area - or alternatively you could always ask for recommendations.
 
amuscare87
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C CelticJedi78
Got the back off. Was able to get pics of the movement.

PXL_20260114_152418845.webp PXL_20260114_152435377.webp PXL_20260114_152441172.webp PXL_20260114_152449107.webp

Doesn’t look to be in too bad of shape! I would agree with previous posters on finding an independent watchmaker to perform the service. Omega is nice, but you are going to pay a premium and it will take longer. As far as a strap, I would recommend the brick bracelet that someone had posted earlier in the thread if you like bracelets. If not and you want a strap, there are many quality suppliers out there but I always use Tunsleather on Etsy. He is shipping from Thailand I believe, but there is no better quality strap than what he sells IMO.
 
SOG53
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C CelticJedi78
If you need a better pic let me know.

PXL_20260114_042614969.webp
Thanks the yellow gasket is exterior to Crystal. I don’t think it is an Omega crystal and dont think an external gasket is correct for the watch. your watchmaker can source proper crystal and sort that out should not be problem.
 
Archer
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C CelticJedi78
Got the back off. Was able to get pics of the movement.

PXL_20260114_152418845.webp PXL_20260114_152435377.webp PXL_20260114_152441172.webp PXL_20260114_152449107.webp
Can you tell us what is written on the inside of the case back? There should be a case number in there. Then I can tell you what the proper crystal is for this watch, as I don;t believe it should have the crystal and seal that you are showing. That looks like someone had modified this to accept a sapphire or mineral crystal.
 
Archer
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Thanks - well I'm surprised - this actually comes with a sapphire crystal. So everything there looks good.
 
Danimals
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C CelticJedi78
Got the watch this weekend. I am still looking for a watchmaker to handle the service. I found one but I got the willys after texting with him about scheduling.

Here are the pics. I want to leave the case as is with minimal polishing. Any suggestions on a leather strap?

PXL_20260113_151817777.webp PXL_20260113_151827274.webp PXL_20260113_151849105.webp
I believe Hirsch Straps has been recommended else where on the forum. I just ordered a leather strap from them, happy with the selection options and quality
 
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