Help identifying this Constellation

Hi,

I found this watch in father’s belongings after he passed away this year. He told me where to find before he passed but he didn’t get to share any details of its history. Since I don’t know have any experience with vintage watches, I was hoping someone here can help me identify this watch.

I believe that my father acquired this watch somewhere in Asia, most likely Hong Kong or Japan. I don’t think my father wore it much if at all. He was a frugal man and probably wouldn’t want anyone to know he had something like this.

I haven’t opened it since I don’t have the proper tools for this. I tried doing some research online but it doesn’t line up with anything I’ve seen.

I’m interested in which Constellation it is, whether it’s authentic, whether it’s been modified, and it’s value. I don’t plan to sell it but I would like to know whether I should take it to an AD to service it or to a vintage omega expert.

Here are some photos of the watch:

Gatorcpa - Thank you for responding. I found the watch wrapped in plastic. Sadly, it probably is in its original condition. I wish he had worn it and shared the story of the watch. I don’t have any connection to the watch other than it was my fathers.

I wasn’t sure if it was that particular reference because the dial, hands and crystal didn’t match your link. However, I just found a listing on eBay of the exact same watch.

How can you tell if it is the deluxe version with solid gold dial?

My condolences on your loss.

If you are thinking of selling it, I'd suggest not getting the full service - disclose that it has not been serviced, and the buyer will allow for the expense and they can be sure it's getting serviced at a watchmaker they trust. However, you will want a watchmaker to open the back and take pictures of the movement (showing the caliber and serial number, and condition), and the inside of the caseback (for the reference number and hallmark).

If you're keeping it, get the same pictures to document the watch, but you can get the service at the same time. Don't take it to an Omega boutique or mail it to their service center - what you want is an independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account and experience with vintage watches. Tell and write "no polish" on the work order, even though your watch doesn't look like it needs it.

We rarely see watches in such great condition. "New Old Stock" has become a bit of a joke that all sellers say if it's not completely trashed, but yours really is.

If you say where you are, someone can probably suggest a good watchmaker who understands how to work on vintage watches.

Thank you for responding. I have no plans to sell the watch. Even though he didn’t wear it, I knew he wanted me to have it.

I would like to have the watch serviced so I can wear it. The amazing thing was when I looked at it yesterday, the date was 28 and the watch was running. I set the time and it was keeping pretty good time.

I live in Northern California so I’m willing to drive anywhere between Sacramento to San Jose if anyone can recommend some good vintage omega watchmakers.

Finally, I have some questions on how to use the watch. The watch didn’t come with box and papers. How many turns does it take to fully wind the watch? How do you set the date? It doesn’t seem to have a quickset date function. Does that mean I have to turn the crown till I get to the desired date? Can I turn the crown backwards? Given the age of the watch I don’t want to damage the movement.

Thanks!

I am sorry for you loss.

Unless the quickset function is broken it sounds like you have a calibre 561 movement. In which case you need to pull out and wind the crown to change the date. There is a semi-quickset method explained here in this extract from the Omega manual (page 7).
http://www.old-omegas.com/youandyouromega66.html
As above I would recommend a service as the oils will have dried up by now.

Sorry for your loss.....
The watch is gorgeous and very hard to find one in a condition like that.

Take to an independent watchmaker and service it, it should be no more than 200-250usd.

I’m not going to be much help here but I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss but I’m so glad you’ll have this piece to wear and remember your dad by. It’s beautiful.

Any recommendations for a vintage Omega watchmaker located in Northern California to service the watch?

I’m willing to drive from Sacramento to San Jose if necessary.

Thanks!

I'd recommend not winding or wearing the watch again until after it's been serviced. The lubricating oils will have dried up by now, so while they watch will work it is causing extra wear on the parts.

$200 to $250 seems like a really low estimate for a good watchmaker in Northern California! If someone really has someone who does a good job that cheap, I might have to start mailing my watches to him...

There are different quickset mechnisms, and there are also watches with no quickset mechanism. It's hard to say without knowing the caliber, which you'll find when the watchmaker opens the case. When you get it serviced, ask the watchmaker.

I want to thank everyone for your kind words. As much as I appreciate the beauty and condition of the watch, I wish I knew the story of how he acquired the watch. I also wished he wore the watch more.

I guess if there is a lesson here, it is to wear your watches. Share your stories with your loved ones so they will know about your life. You always think there is more time but that’s not always the case.