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  1. mjk380 Dec 26, 2016

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    Good evening,

    Ive finally decided to take some time to find out some information of my late Fathers vintage Omega watch. I was advised to write a post on this forum.

    The watch in question is a 18k Omega Constellation Chronometer Electronic f300hz.

    I have no intention of selling the watch but it would be nice to know a rough Valuation of the watch.

    When it was made and any other worthy information would be much appreciated.

    I would say the watch is in overall good condition. It still has the original case and the white Omega box with no papers.

    The Omega symbol has departed from the buckle.

    Any recommendations on where I could take the watch to be serviced and have the buckle fixed in the UK South East as my knowledge in Vintage Omega's is very poor.

    Cheers
    Matt
     
    IMG_0347.JPG IMG_0349.JPG IMG_0350.JPG IMG_0351.JPG IMG_0353.JPG
    LED01904, ac106, GregH and 2 others like this.
  2. padders Oooo subtitles! Dec 26, 2016

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  3. BobXX Dec 26, 2016

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    Due to the poor serviceability of these electronic tuning fork movements, these watches are worth considerably more if they're in working order (which is often not the case).

    That being said, they aren't particularly valuable, even when working. I believe that good examples can still be found for well less than $500.
     
  4. mjk380 Dec 26, 2016

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  5. padders Oooo subtitles! Dec 26, 2016

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    Umm so you are saying a solid gold f300 is worth $500? Get a grip. Luckily this one is seemingly located in the U.K. where such pieces are appreciated and can be serviced relatively cheaply.
     
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  6. TTG Suffers from watch FOMO. Dec 26, 2016

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    LOL, my thoughts exactly..
    Thanks for another perspective for the OP..
     
  7. jimmyd13 Dec 26, 2016

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    Just to stick up for Bob, no but I regularly see poor examples going through auctions in the UK for around that ... you just know they're getting scrapped out ... similar story with a lot of non-running, no name pocket watches. They're not fashionable (I'm not saying that they're not desirable in the right circles) so they simply don't bring in the money. What I have noticed since the £ has plummeted is the number of overseas bidders (mainly US) on these things. The $ gives you a 15-20% saving at the minute.
     
  8. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Dec 26, 2016

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    A very nice watch in excellent condition. A jeweller (a real jeweller) should be able to fix the Ω back onto the buckle.

    As to value, you wouldn't be too far out with an insurance valuation of 8 or 9 hundred of your British pounds.

    Maybe a member in the UK could elaborate, e.g. @tyrantlizardrex or @Tom Dick ?
     
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  9. Tom Dick and Harry Dec 26, 2016

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    Not sure I completely agree in terms of poor servicabilty. STS in the U.K. Will still service and warranty these. Paula wirdnam at electric-watches offers a more economical option but of equal quality.

    There is a misconception around F300's and indeed models like the megaquartz F2.4Mhz, although they are not cheap to repair if done through official routes

    I'm sure a point will come when these models are much harder to repair but not for many years and equally there are mechanical models that are becoming increasingly difficult to repair if parts are required, especially with omega potentially moving the 500 series to category 4 in the next 12-18 months

    Food for though
     
    Edited Dec 26, 2016
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  10. tyrantlizardrex Dec 26, 2016

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    To echo @Tom Dick - STS for the full warrantied experience (not cheap), Paul at Electric Watches for the budget friendly option.

    STS should be able to do the buckle repair for you (Paul just does movements).

    As to value... scrap gold plus £300 I'd say... so likely £1000 ish?

    The box you have is also much later from the look of it.

    On a personal note, that's a cool watch. Wear it well. :thumbsup:
     
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  11. Tom Dick and Harry Dec 26, 2016

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    In terms of value, get serviced by Paul (electric-watches) assuming it is running and the date changes ok budget up to £125 for service if parts are required maybe up to £250. Service at STS (omega authorised service centre and many, including me, would argue the best in the world) budget £450

    Don't have it refinished, it looks very original, the buckle is plates (as most where, even in 18K). You might be easier to but a new buckle (tons on eBay) instead of messing around having the logo re attached. Buckle would be £25-£35 on eBay

    The box is not original to the watch, it's a mid to late 90's example

    Value wise

    As it stands (running) £1000-£1100

    Serviced and warranties: £1250+

    Actually very nice, well made and weighty watches. Let's not forget that the stigma around quartz and electronics is a recent thing, not helped by agressive marketing by the watch companies (including omega) punting the value of mechanical and under valuing quartz.

    When it was made this watch was a range topper, the build quality reflects this and as such it is an undervalued watch at the moment in my humble opinion.

    Although mechanical watches are vogue at the moment when this watch was new it was absolutely the top of the pile. This is really more mechanical than quartz (although it runs on a battery) it's as accurate as the best chronometer on the market today (when serviced and set up properly) and as mentioned there are plenty of people who can confidently work on these and warranty them

    As a final thought, there is a huge collectors market for 'hummers', in stainless steel you can indeed get good examples for $500 but you won't find even an utter dog example in 18K for near double that. An 18K version in a less desirable case did £875 + premium at my local auction house less than a month ago and I wouldn't have touched it with a barge pole.

    On bracelet your watch: £1288 when new
    Moonwatch: £124

    Do not be put of my the mechanophiles, it's a very well made, excellent condition and collectible vintage watch which is right up there in terms of quality and heritage with the constellations of old

    You have a special watch

    IMG_3899.PNG
     
    Edited Dec 26, 2016
  12. mjk380 Dec 26, 2016

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    @tyrantlizardrex & @Tom Dick

    Thank you very much for your information and knowledge regarding my watch. I sure will look into Paul at electric watches and STS come the new year.

    The valuations you both gave seemed more respectable. But in my eyes would never be for sale.

    I'm hoping that it's the case of just a new battery :D.

    Slightly disappointed to hear that the box is not the one for the f300. I have attached a clearer photo of the box so that you could clarify this is the case.

    Once again thanks again for your knowledgeable input.

    Much appreciated

    Matt
     
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  13. Tom Dick and Harry Dec 26, 2016

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    Matt

    Our pleasure, that's what the community is all about

    Your box is 100% not correct, nothing you should be heart broken about. This box design was introduced in the mid 1990's and went on until the early/ mid 2000's. Your watch was made until about 1975/76 so there is the thick end of 20 years between your watch been made and your box been made. The quality of the box was bobbins, the red leather simply disinterested over time. I've got a 1998 bond mid size quartz (my first omega when I was 21........ I know, I know) the box has been meticulously stored but has tarnished as yours has.

    I'm sorry to say but I'm as much a box geek as a watch geek...... such a loser!

    The only way I could see the watch and box been original is if it was sold as dead stock by a dealer (it's not unknown) or if it was sold through a dealer to your relative some years after it was originally sold

    Glad you are keeping your watch. Do not take it to anywhere other than an expert to get it repaired, even the battery changed. I would personally recommend Paul for your job, tell him we have pointed you in his direction.

    Best wishes and keep us updated

    Tom
     
    Edited Dec 26, 2016
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  14. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Dec 26, 2016

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    Your box may be the one the watch came in if it was a strap model. Most jewellers just grabbed the branded box that suited the watch at that time and you didn't always get the "correct" box.

    Maybe one of our box experts (yes, there are such experts) will know more.
     
  15. JimInOz Melbourne Australia Dec 26, 2016

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    Just saw Tom's reply. So there you go, not a biggy that it's not the box.

    Now go and enjoy that watch on a nice new correct width strap.
     
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  16. BobXX Dec 26, 2016

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    Sorry, I was referring to the far more common gold-capped / plated models, which regularly run < $400. Solid gold examples are more valuable (of course).
     
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  17. BobXX Dec 26, 2016

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    By "poor serviceability," I was referring to exactly that fact: that there are only 3-4 places that can be trusted to service these movements nowadays, which is infinitesimally fewer than comparable standard movements of the period.

    These days, few normal (i.e. non-OF) owners are motivated or informed enough to bother with proper servicing, which further compounds the problem.
     
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  18. mjk380 Dec 26, 2016

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    @Tom Dick once again great input.

    Hmmm... eyebrows have been raised as to where the watch went from the red box as I believe the F300 was purchased by my grandfather back in Poland many years ago. But that's to be questioned with family.

    The disintergrating red box certainly had me fooled. :D

    I sure will mention you to Paul. May I ask what region he is based as it would be good to deliver in person as opposed to postage.

    Cheers
     
  19. Tom Dick and Harry Dec 26, 2016

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    Bob

    I completely agree but in the realms of some of the Omega mechanical calibre we vintage collectors enjoy, there are many of those heading that way too IMHO. There are plenty of people willing to take a punt of 30T2's, bumpers or 500 series watches but specialists with the expertise, the spares or the knowledge are becoming fewer and fewer, although I fully accept that the longevity and durability of mechanical is there over quartz or hummers.

    I think that hummers and quartz are much more niche than mechanicals but non the less still repairable, when these watches grow legs is when people buy a 'project' and end up hundred if not thousands in a hole. Thats said last time I had a 33.3 serviced and it needs parts I ended up in quite a large hole too......... LOL