Looking at this local auction and there is two Constellations I would like some advice on please 1st choice is Omega Constellation day/date automatic wristwatch, calibre 751, 35mm diameter, circa 1969, working 2nd choice Omega Constellation calendar automatic wristwatch, with pie-pan dial, calibre 561, 34mm diameter, circa 1960's, working Sorry photos are not great I know. Low reserves on both so not sure what a good price is as I don't know much about constellations except what I have just read on http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.no/. Many thanks
Both look to be all original and in decent "barn find" condition. They will likely both need service immediately, so factor that into your bid price. The 2nd one is far more collectible (pie-pan dial) and should bring a much higher price. However, if you do choose to sell in the future it will be a much easier sale. The base movements on both are the same and many of the parts are interchangeable between the two. Both are among the best series of automatic movements made by Omega. Can't go wrong with either, provided they are in proper working condition. Good luck on your auction(s). gatorcpa
Hi OmegaCal66 firstly you can't go wrong if you get your info from Desmond's blog -and as far as I'm concerned -Constellations are great great watches I looked at the watches in this sale too -and especially the Connies -and there are a lot of 'tired' watches throughout the sale 1st watch nice 'round case' -semi hidden crown -which although has had a life looks pretty good with decent edges cal 751 -the successor to the final 500-series the cal 564 -very good movement Desmond has a whole paper dedicated to movements the movement looks in reasonable nick -but would likely need a service dial looks all original to me but has possibly lost some lume at 3 o'clock? -that wouldn't stop me buying it -the lume won't glow anyway, so you'll never miss it I think it is just a bit of crap on the crystal that makes the hour hand look as though it has a chip on it can't see the Omega symbol on the crystal but the crystal looks good except for a small scratch/crack near 6 well defined medallion scratches on case back from some numpty trying to open the case -will polish out if it bothers you correct stye of crown for this reference IMHO -this is a really lovely watch the 751 day/date isn't as popular as say the same '564 date' so they are good value for money if you like the style if this was a 564 version (with a hidden crown) we would be going head to head -that same round case style with pencil hands -but without the day -is at the top of my shopping list. in saying that it is still a low estimate for a Constellation -expect to pay min of the top estimate probably more like double the bottom estimate -it just depends who else wants it factor in at least £200 for a service 2nd watch this one is more difficult to judge as the pics aren't good enough to assess the font on the dial however, from what I can tell -the font is too thick on 'Automatic' -looks like someone bought a new Sharpy the minute markers don't look consistent -but could be distortion from the crystal the cross hairs aren't consistent the star is on the piss the case is in good nick -but whilst it looks like it has sharp edges it's very shiny -which is a bit odd movement looks in good nick too -but there are possible signs of the rotor rubbing on the case back -see faint ring from 3 -6 on the case back pic -so might need a new rotor (with bearing) original style crown medallion is a bit worn -but not disastrously so IMHO -I would stay away from this watch unless you can get better pics -or see it up close and personal it shouldn't sell for more than the bottom estimate but if some unlucky punters consider it is all original then the current UK auction price is around £400-500 hope that helps! best of luck with the auction - if you do pick one up -post the pics up here when you get it Philip p.s. I was writing while Gatorcpa was replying -I'd take his opinion over mine on the 2nd watch
Gatorcpa and Philip, many thanks for your invaluable info. Will let you know how I get on. Was never 100% on the 2nd one so glad you made my mind up for me. Is there a book that tells you the Constellation story/variants as it might be I get hooked Best G
You found just about the best information available. One last point, in my opinion, the pie-pan dial looks correct. However, Phillip's point is well taken and you should ask for a better picture to be sure. I should have mentioned that above. gatorcpa
watch 1 £320 -so not too far off with my top end guestimate (approx £394 or $610 all in) hope the OP held his nerve -still a good deal at that price watch 2 £550 -so still not too far off but still (£100) too expensive for that watch IMO -if it is legit (approx £675 or $1050 with add-ons) doesn't bode well for future Connie sales in the UK.....
Got the first one but let the 2nd pass as couldn't get a decent photo off it. Will post photos when I get it. Some of the other watches went for random amounts so if you can see them in the flesh you would probably do well.
Here it is, sorry still practising my photo technique and not very sunny here at mo. Running and looking great, very happy. Thanks for all the help.
Nice watch at what seems to me to be a good price for UK even adding in a service cost. Congratulations!