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Help me decide if a vintage Constellation is right for me

M
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Hello everyone
I am really new to this site (joined this afternoon). I recently accepted a new position at work and want to celebrate with a new (to me) watch. I have been looking at vintage Constellations from the late 50's-60's with cal.561-564 pie-pan dial gold capped with dog leg lugs would really be my goal. So here's my problem vintage watches are smaller in diameter and I have a 7.25-7.5 inch wrist. I have no way of seeing one in person to know if it would look silly on my wrist making buying one online "somewhat tricky". I have seen that this era of Constellation also comes in a jumbo version 37-38 mm and have seen a non-wind cal. 561 version that is 36-37 mm I believe on the Omega Enthusiast website but his prices are kind of high and he specifically mentions that size is not really a reason to return a watch. All of his photos are really great he shows large images in hi-res and he points out defects/wear/patina, but all photos are on his 6-inch wrist, so I can't even estimate how it would look on me. I would entertain a watch with a dial in good condition and stainless steel. I would even consider an authentic version with all correct parts that needs service for the right price. So what I'm really asking is am I barking up the wrong tree will this version/era of a vintage Constellation just not be right for me? I do think they are really cool looking and timeless in design. This is for me not really looking to resell if I get what I'm looking for. If anyone thinks I should be looking for a different Omega watch please weigh in. I really think my next watch will be an Omega I like the heritage, but what's right for me and my fat wrist?
 
Dan S
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Your wrist is probably a little larger than average, but not gigantic, so I doubt anyone will say that a typical vintage watch will look "silly" on you. However, everyone has different taste in watches and different feelings about the size of watches. We can't tell you what you will like - that's your decision. Only you can decide if the size is ok for you, and the only way to know is to wear some watches. And preferably for more than just a few minutes at a store.

Maybe you can join a local watch enthusiast group, make friends and develop a network. Then one of your friends can lend you watches to wear.

Alternatively, you can just start buying watches and trying them out. Then you can sell the ones you don't like. That's a pretty common approach for people who don't necessarily live in highly populated areas.
 
Maybe
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I think you have to try the watch IRL. Honestly if you are in a hurry the cost will be higher. The constellation line is as you mention a classic watch. The most expensive have pie pan dial and dog leg case but there are examples without these features. The price gets better then and for example there is a jumbo 36mm model (don't know reference) with hidden crown which has an attractive price. Good luck!
 
reverbtime
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Omega Enthusiast has higher market prices, but you will get a legit watch. Since vintage is a minefield, I definitely think the premium is worth it if new to vintage, and for peace of mind.

FWIW, a 35mm silver/white dial watch will always appear larger visually than a same size black dial watch IMO.
 
Peemacgee
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welcome @murph39

There is no finer vintage Omega watch to have than a Constellation but they are not large by modern standards.
The shape of your wrist matters - I have flat slim wrists so can happily get away with them.
How you feel about it will be a personal thing.

Just to help with a couple of things:
Doglegs are not the most expensive constellation (this title tends to go to some earlier lyre-lug watches) but they are popular so not inexpensive.
Gold cap watches will be cheaper than SS but are harder to find in good sharp condition as they are often polished.
True jumbo Constellations that you refer to are uncommon (as they were specials for the eastern market) there is a dedicated thread to these watches.
The 'hidden crown' 36mm 'jumbo' referred to above is actually 35mm and not a jumbo at all (except in certain seller's blurb) - but does wear larger on the wrist due to the dial/bezel layout, the references are 168.004 and 168.010 -both come with 561/564 movts and piepans.
The latter has wider spaced lugs so appears a little larger.
Omega enthusiast has a good selection of watches but his prices are top end.
Constellations aren't 'non-wind' as they all have a crown but are also all self-winding automatics.
Unless you buy from a trusted dealer, who provides proof of a proper service, most vintage watches will require a service when you purchase one.

Pics of a 168.010 gold cap pie pan -v- 168.005 (dogleg) pie pan for reference on a 7" flat wrist
Unknown.jpeg IMG_3367.JPG Unknown-1.jpeg


hope that helps
 
X350 XJR
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reverbtime reverbtime
Omega Enthusiast has higher market prices, but you will get a legit watch.

You will certainly get higher prices from them, but they have listed some questionable watches, so the legit part is not so guaranteed.
 
reverbtime
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
You will certainly get higher prices from them, but they have listed some questionable watches, so the legit part is not so guaranteed.
Indeed! No matter how reputable a dealer is, and even after "buying the seller"; one must research as much as possible the watch.
 
M
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
You might want to start in the correct forum:

https://omegaforums.net/forums/vintage-omega-watches-help-discussion-and-advice.23/

Then read this...

https://omegaforums.net/threads/learn-how-to-fish.52603/

...and this.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-ultimate-constellation-thread.160877/


And be patient.
Thanks for the info and advice looks like I have some homework ahead of me. Thank you I have little to offer the group at this point in time but want to learn. I bought a pre owned sea dweller 10+ years ago from an AD didn't get a great deal but don't feel like I got ripped off either and I really do like the watch no problems so far
 
M
Posts
14
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7
Dan S Dan S
Your wrist is probably a little larger than average, but not gigantic, so I doubt anyone will say that a typical vintage watch will look "silly" on you. However, everyone has different taste in watches and different feelings about the size of watches. We can't tell you what you will like - that's your decision. Only you can decide if the size is ok for you, and the only way to know is to wear some watches. And preferably for more than just a few minutes at a store.

Maybe you can join a local watch enthusiast group, make friends and develop a network. Then one of your friends can lend you watches to wear.

Alternatively, you can just start buying watches and trying them out. Then you can sell the ones you don't like. That's a pretty common approach for people who don't necessarily live in highly populated areas.
That kind of looks like I'm heading that way thanks
 
M
Posts
14
Likes
7
Maybe Maybe
I think you have to try the watch IRL. Honestly if you are in a hurry the cost will be higher. The constellation line is as you mention a classic watch. The most expensive have pie pan dial and dog leg case but there are examples without these features. The price gets better then and for example there is a jumbo 36mm model (don't know reference) with hidden crown which has an attractive price. Good luck!
I have seen those, but my thinking is if I'm gonna get a 60-year old watch I would really try for what appeals to me and that's why I am here besides I really do like watches
 
M
Posts
14
Likes
7
Maybe Maybe
I think you have to try the watch IRL. Honestly if you are in a hurry the cost will be higher. The constellation line is as you mention a classic watch. The most expensive have pie pan dial and dog leg case but there are examples without these features. The price gets better then and for example there is a jumbo 36mm model (don't know reference) with hidden crown which has an attractive price. Good luck!
I saw one on the omega enthusiast site he wants over 3k for it I thought that was a little excessive. he has another with hidden crown thats no wind wasn't sure about that one only way to wind it is with the rotor and are parts available if it needs repair thanks for the help!
 
M
Posts
14
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7
reverbtime reverbtime
Omega Enthusiast has higher market prices, but you will get a legit watch. Since vintage is a minefield, I definitely think the premium is worth it if new to vintage, and for peace of mind.

FWIW, a 35mm silver/white dial watch will always appear larger visually than a same size black dial watch IMO.
I have been looking at several of his watches you are right they all do look legit and he has a lot the movements all look very clean and I figure if they have been running for 60+ years they should be pretty stable thanks for the help
 
M
Posts
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Likes
7
Peemacgee Peemacgee
welcome @murph39

There is no finer vintage Omega watch to have than a Constellation but they are not large by modern standards.
The shape of your wrist matters - I have flat slim wrists so can happily get away with them.
How you feel about it will be a personal thing.

Just to help with a couple of things:
Doglegs are not the most expensive constellation (this title tends to go to some earlier lyre-lug watches) but they are popular so not inexpensive.
Gold cap watches will be cheaper than SS but are harder to find in good sharp condition as they are often polished.
True jumbo Constellations that you refer to are uncommon (as they were specials for the eastern market) there is a dedicated thread to these watches.
The 'hidden crown' 36mm 'jumbo' referred to above is actually 35mm and not a jumbo at all (except in certain seller's blurb) - but does wear larger on the wrist due to the dial/bezel layout, the references are 168.004 and 168.010 -both come with 561/564 movts and piepans.
The latter has wider spaced lugs so appears a little larger.
Omega enthusiast has a good selection of watches but his prices are top end.
Constellations aren't 'non-wind' as they all have a crown but are also all self-winding automatics.
Unless you buy from a trusted dealer, who provides proof of a proper service, most vintage watches will require a service when you purchase one.

Pics of a 168.010 gold cap pie pan -v- 168.005 (dogleg) pie pan for reference on a 7" flat wrist
Unknown.jpeg IMG_3367.JPG Unknown-1.jpeg


hope that helps
THANK YOU!! that is really amazing I appreciate the effort you put into that response along with the solid advice and probably approximates my wrist size too you guys are really great and giving glad I found this site!
 
Davidt
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Don’t forget, people had 7.5” wrists 60 years ago. Wrist sizes haven’t changed, just people’s preferences.

I’m 6’1”, about 16 3/4 stone and my wrist is 7.5-7.75”. I happy wear 34-35mm vintage Seamasters and Constellations but I also feel anything over 41mm is like a dinner plate.

So, I’d say a 34mm Connie would be fine for your wrist but ultimately, only you can answer that.
 
M
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Davidt Davidt
Don’t forget, people had 7.5” wrists 60 years ago. Wrist sizes haven’t changed, just people’s preferences.

I’m 6’1”, about 16 3/4 stone and my wrist is 7.5-7.75”. I happy wear 34-35mm vintage Seamasters and Constellations but I also feel anything over 41mm is like a dinner plate.

So, I’d say a 34mm Connie would be fine for your wrist but ultimately, only you can answer that.
Thank you!!! You guys are the best with just one question I have so much info an a lot to research and think about
 
M
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7
Davidt Davidt
Don’t forget, people had 7.5” wrists 60 years ago. Wrist sizes haven’t changed, just people’s preferences.

I’m 6’1”, about 16 3/4 stone and my wrist is 7.5-7.75”. I happy wear 34-35mm vintage Seamasters and Constellations but I also feel anything over 41mm is like a dinner plate.

So, I’d say a 34mm Connie would be fine for your wrist but ultimately, only you can answer that.
I have a 40mm sea dweller from about "95 this is a real chunk of metal but it is very comfortable. I have a quartz Swiss army watch that is probably in the size range of these constellations but I sent it off to be re-cased given to me by my parents and both have passed so it's sentimental value probably and use this for size comparison haven't worn it since it was damaged but I won't get it back for a while so I wait and do research thank you your input is very helpful
 
wilderbeast
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@Davidt has put it very well and whilst my vintage Connie is a later C-case version, I love the size of it on my 7.25” inch wrist, and I have vintage Smiths pieces that are even smaller at 32-33mm. You definitely get used to it and it looks very sleek under a shirt cuff.

Good luck in your hunt!
 
ahartfie
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
You will certainly get higher prices from them, but they have listed some questionable watches, so the legit part is not so guaranteed.

Thank you. I always feel bad about talking smack but I don’t trust him or his watches as far as I can throw them. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
 
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