Firstly.. Hello to everyone and what a fantastic forum! Very basic background info... We are Luxury watch dealers specialising in New and used Rolex plus many vintage watches, mostly tend to be Omega. Don't Boo me here but I actually specialise in Rolex and we distribute books for Mondanie in the UK, however, that is not to say we don't appreciate Omega. We love the brand and everything it represents and was fortunate enough to be given a copy of 'Omega - A Journey Through Time' by Omega some time ago now. Since reading that book and of course our own research and through sales Omega is quickly becoming by new love. anyway... We need your help. We have a watch for sale but other than stating the obvious being an 'Omega Constellation Megaquartz 32Khz' I was hoping one of you Omega Pro's could shed some more light. It has a very unusual bright orange second hand (possible replacement) but again i'm not sure on this. Also it is very dificult to tell if this is the 18k gold version. The model dates it to Circa 70's, however, it isn't the TV dial and therefore i am confused and totally stumped! It doesn't mention plating so I need your help please. We are referring to the case only. The bracelet is possibly a replacement but is not gold, it is plated. We know that in the 70's a lot of the Constellation MQ's were wither S/S or 18k Gold case. I will add some photos. Any help would be great guys and I hope to spend many years on here meeting new contacts and sharing as well as receiving some great info! James - Quantiéme
I cannot see a Swiss gold hallmark on the outside of the watch at all. A lot of the 1970's models would have the full information inside. If you can get the case reference number, you can try to look it up on the Omega Vintage Database. It will be located on the inside of the caseback. A photo of that and the movement would be helpful. I'm 99 94/100% sure that the seconds hand is an incorrect replacement. Hope this helps, gatorcpa
Very dodgy photo! taken with my iPhone. The are no markings of Gold, but i also understand that not everything was hallmarked, very uncommon for it not to be but it could have been a possibility. Just in case you cant read the refs: 196 0015 296 0809
Sorry, typo. 396** The reason i am questioning whether it is gold or not (by the way) is because we have used our gold testing equipment and tested the case as much as possible without damaging it and all results are coming back as gold, even using a file in a discreet location to remove plating if any, the kit still tests positive for 18k. But i just can't see it myself
The reference is 396.0809. https://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-details/15352/ I found some pictures of a stainless steel version here: http://s52.photobucket.com/user/Gar...hes/Omega Constellation 1960015?sort=4&page=1 Note that the Ref. 396.0809 and 196.0015 are the same watch. The 196 is on a strap and the 396 is the bracelet version. I think there is a good chance the bracelet is original and both are gold plated. You can check the clasp markings against the ones in the link above. Hope this helps, gatorcpa
I think gatorcpa is right about the gold being plated, since solid gold Omegas as far as I know have solid gold casebacks and not steel ones.
The database suggests a press down case? This is screw down and a S/S case.. would it mention plated if so?
Ok, i used the database wrong. I understand now. Well i think from seeing the watch, without the glorious photo studio lighting, I can just tell it's not gold and is plated. I just wanted to check with you all beforehand before selling something at a very wrong price! You guys are all great by the way! I was not expecting such a swift reply. Thank you Gatorcpa for your help also
Perhaps there is a mark on the case where the strap sits. it would be a number detenoting the micron level of plating.
This is the thing... it doesn't which is why we find it unusual. That or my eyesight is not what it used to be!
I have two gold plated omega watches and both have a number on the case between the lugs with the omega mark next to them, not that two watches are representative of all gold plated omega watches, but it seems strange not to find it there. Perhaps it rubbed off, they are only light engravings on mine. I know that there were many dial combinations but do you think that a brown/gold or even a blue dial would be more common with a gold coloured case?