First vintage purchase - 168.017 C-case

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Since I've been here I've fallen in love with C-case Constellations. I decided that I had to have one and started doing my homework. I prefer the date only and really wanted a linen dial. I was prepared to take my time and find a nice example. My initial searches turned up many watches in rough shape. No big deal, the right one will come around eventually.

Then one evening I got a hot tip from a member here who remembered I was looking at these. Great looking 168.017 with a linen dial and a sharp case in Japan closing the next morning! I spent that evening scrutinizing the pictures and decided I had to go for it. Was hoping for a bargain but that quickly went out the window. Ended up in a bidding war and somehow won the thing at I believe a decent price right as I was pulling the plug. So instead of a months long hunt I have my latest dream watch in a couple weeks!

It just showed up unexpectedly today and I'm super happy with it. I wasn't expecting to see it for a few more days. It came on an Omega 2039 bracelet so I'll have to find a 1040 separately. Although, I am really liking the 2039. I dig the look, super comfy, and infinitely adjustable.

Thank you @__ryan__! You're the man! Also, thanks @kaplan for your help! And thanks Omega Forums (I think) for enabling me and educating me! Looking forward to getting some better pictures soon.

 
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Well done! These are really great watches; and under-appreciated/under-valued. Enjoy your first...
 
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Fantastic condition, enjoy it! C cases are among my favorites.
 
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That case is razor sharp! I saw a 1040 not long ago, either here or on eBay for not silly money. I’ll PM you if I find it. They totally take the watch from- hey good lookin to sex machine!

 
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Well done! These are really great watches; and under-appreciated/under-valued. Enjoy your first...
Thanks! Yea, I don’t see it stopping at one. Maybe a 168.029 linen dial next on the list. Or a 027 with dauphine hands. Or... 😁

Oh man, why did I pass this along 🤦

Congrats 👍
You’re the best! I’ll keep hunting. Hopefully I can return the favor.

That case is razor sharp! I saw a 1040 not long ago, either here or on eBay for not silly money. I’ll PM you if I find it. They totally take the watch from- hey good lookin to sex machine!

Looks very good! It might be worthwhile to reach out to @No Mercy for a 1040 bracelet 👍
Thanks! No Mercy sold a nice one here a couple of weeks ago for about $200. I almost preemptively bought it but decided I should figure out the watch first. Didn’t think things would move along this quickly and was hoping to get a watch with a 1040 on it anyway. It’s all good, I’ll find one. Or just buy another C-case with a 1040. Problem solved. 😁
 
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@Aroxx

I am looking for a 027 with dauphine hands myself. Any sellers? 😀
If I see one I’ll send it your way. Won’t be buying anything myself for awhile.
 
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If you are planning on keeping the late 60’s Omega vibe, you are gonna need an SM120 and a Speedy MKII. Gotta collect the whole set. ::stirthepot::
 
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Hey Aroxx, congrats on your new C-case. Looks sharp! I recently bought the same reference from @kaplan and love it.

I also reached out to @No Mercy when he had the 1040/518 bracelet listed a few weeks ago, and although that one was sold, he had another available. It should be arriving this afternoon if all goes well. Which is my long way of saying, definitely ask him.
 
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These things do grow on you. The first time a saw a c-case I thought "eww, what an ugly watch", but now after a 6 months of looking at tons of Omegas these are very appealing. I will buy one someday.
Well done OP.
 
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@Aroxx
How often have you seen those 027's with dauphines being sold?

Like once every 4 months, but they are usually silver sunburst (not white, not gray, silver/steel color)
 
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@Aroxx
How often have you seen those 027's with dauphines being sold?
Can't say. I've only been looking at these for about a month or so. Definitely don't see many dauphine hands but my sample size is very small. I see Kaplan just weighed in above so he knows what he's talking about. Aaron sold a beautiful 017 with dauphine hands recently that is honestly what kind of turned me on to these. He also takes amazing pictures so that helped 😀. https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...68-017-w-dauphine-hands-1040-bracelet.154100/

If you are planning on keeping the late 60’s Omega vibe, you are gonna need an SM120 and a Speedy MKII. Gotta collect the whole set. ::stirthepot::
Not really going for 60's I just really like these. It has turned me onto the old Constellation line more. Maybe I'll focus there a bit. I love the dial of the MKII but that case... maybe if I had it on the wrist it would grow on me. Next Omega I'd like to have in my collection is the "OG" Pierce Brosnan Bond Seamaster 2531.80. Love Goldeneye but sorry I gotta pass on the quartz.

These things do grow on you. The first time a saw a c-case I thought "eww, what an ugly watch", but now after a 6 months of looking at tons of Omegas these are very appealing. I will buy one someday.
Well done OP.
Thanks! I've heard that from a couple of people. It's funny that I'm the opposite. I first saw the C-case and it was love at first sight!
 
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Stunning example, congrats and wear in health.
If you can source a 1040 do, they are super comfortable. Mine says hi.
 
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Thanks! No Mercy sold a nice one here a couple of weeks ago for about $200. I almost preemptively bought it but decided I should figure out the watch first. Didn’t think things would move along this quickly and was hoping to get a watch with a 1040 on it anyway. It’s all good, I’ll find one. Or just buy another C-case with a 1040. Problem solved. 😁
Haha! That was my plan too with my c-case as it didn't come with a bracelet when I bought it. I was close to buying a second one just for the bracelet. BUT, bracelets do so up and I bought mine from another member on here. Still reach out to No Mercy as he seems to have an inventory of Omega parts/bracelets 👍

Aaron sold a beautiful 017 with dauphine hands recently that is honestly what kind of turned me on to these. He also takes amazing pictures so that helped 😀.
And thanks! I have a soft spot for the versions with dauphine hands. I think they are gorgeous! I do miss it and wish I could keep every watch I buy but that's just not where I'm at in life at the moment. Almost done with school... However, selling that one allowed me to go for a different "c-case" https://omegaforums.net/threads/seamaster-chronograph-145-016-black-dial-serviced.156514/

and like c-case constellations, there are variations to collect. The Panda is next on my list