Hey everyone, I've been doing a lot of looking and was wondering if anyone can advise me on the condition of this Constellation. I know that the crown isn't original and there's a wonky star but everything else looks pretty good to me! Seller is saying it's at +18 seconds/day which isn't bad for a watch that's 60 years old right? Thanks for helping a novice out! This might just be my first omega!
I was hoping if anyone can spot if the dial isn't original or if it's been restored etc. Reference for this model is 14902 61SC
The dial is damaged and unattractive, so really that would end my interest in this watch personally... I would say that the crooked star is a red flag for a refinished dial, but it looks original to me. Perhaps the star simply fell off, and was reattached very poorly. But otherwise, the case looks to have seen polishing. As for the +18 seconds per day, this is not considered good. The age of the watch doesn't have anything to do with the accuracy, and the accuracy doesn't have a whole lot to do with the healthy/condition of the movement either. There are vintage watches that have not seen service for decades, but still keep "good" time - but it doesn't mean that there isn't serious wear and tear happening within the movement. Basically, if you are seriously interested in this watch (or any vintage watch without documented service history), then you must plan having the movement serviced. Don't skip this step. I would guess that the cost would be around $300-500US, potentially more depending on any parts being replaced.
That's the lighting. The crooked star and the polishing would be a turn off for me. I know the feeling of getting a first Omega/watch. I would recommend practicing patience. It's hard when you want something so bad, but the right one will come. cough... took me 8 years...