Hi Everyone,
I'd appreciate your insight. I am not a watch collector and really don't know the first thing about sourcing a vintage watch. Recently, my Grandfather had is vintage "TV Dial" Constellation stolen. I believe it was from 1959. This watch had extreme sentimental value and I'd love to replace it. I've done a bit of research and I believe it was a 168.059. Online it suggests that I should try to find a 1011 rather than a 1001.

I have a few questions:
1. I understand that the caliber 1011 is superior to the 1001. However, which caliber would have been used in 1959/1960?

2. I think the model number was 168.059. Could someone confirm that this model has the same vintage as my Grandfather's?

3. What is a fair value for this watch?

4. Where is the best place to source one?

I believe it looked similar to this (168.059). It definitely had an integrated watch band.



Thank you for any help you can send my way. My Grandfather is pretty broken up about this and it would be very special if I could replace it.

-Stew

 

Sorry for your loss.

You're way off with the dating of the watch. This model was launched in the early 70ies, around 1973 I believe. The cal 1001 was used. It's not inferiour to the 1011, it's the same family, just different complications.

Luckily for you, they are not especially hard to find, and they are not pricey (compared to many other vintage watches nowadays) either. You should be able to get a good one around 800$

 

I can't add much to the good advice already given, only to say .

Hope the bastard that stole it bites the big one.

 

Your best bet is probably eBay, you may even find your grandfathers actual watch there!

 

I've seen ones like this go for less than 800$ on ebay. In good condition, mind you.

 

This looks similar?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Omega-gen...911196?hash=item28140a4cdc:g:6U8AAOSwoudW577DPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Except that's a Geneve and his grandfather's was a Constellation.

 

http://www.chrono24.com/en/omega/vi...ion-date-automatic-mens-preown--id3190444.htm

 

Random find but here is also a Geneva that looks very very similar
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs...el-jumbo-size-cal-1012-automatic-2984690.html

 

Oh! Here's a $200 constellation.

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs...-chronometer-house-quartz-1977-a-3016954.html

 

Not sure why the Geneve and Quartz links when he clearly stated it was a Constellation with 1001 movement.

 

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for the insight. Your comments have raised a few more questions/comments.

1. It is definitely from 1958-1960. He bought in on a trip back to Belgium at that time.

2. As a complete newbie to Omega watches, I mentioned that it looked similar to the picture above. You've mentioned that this watch was 1970s. This means I'm definitely mistaken with the photo.

3. My initial research indicated that it was a Constellation. However, in light of your comments I'm not so sure now.

4. In your opinion, what model should I be trying to source? It had an integrated band, had a TV dial face, and was from 1958-1960.

Thoughts?

 

You're sure it was an Omega?

 

Yes, I'm positive it was an Omega. I'll look back through my family photos to see if I can find a picture of it.

 

Unless it's gold, check the pawnshops of your community. If you find one, odds a really good its his. Not good enough to get it returned to you at no cost as stolen property (absent having the serial number of reporting that to the police in most places that won't get it returned to you) but good chance you get the real McCoy at a reasonable cost unless the pawnshop owner thinks the highest sales price online is the price they can actually get.
If it is gold, its melted.

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but end fifties plus TV dial and integrated bracelet does not seem possible to me.

 

Ok, let me do some more research. He was certain that it came from his trip in 1959/60... but you know how memories can be a bit fluid in old age

 

I did not dare to ask, but that seems the best explanation to me if you remember the looks of it

 

Something like this? This watch was produced in 1958, It is not a constellation though.

 

Ok, thanks everyone for being helpful. I just spoke to my grandmother and she told me that it was definitely purchased in 1970/71. She said that my grandfather is an idiot and that they couldn't afford a nice watch in 1960. LOL!

Now that I've got that ironed out, I'll see what I can find. I may post a few options before I purchase. Your opinons are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!