Help picking C Case Gold Constellation

FedFod · Oct 16, 2024

Hey folks,
as the title says, I am looking to buy my first Constellation C shape, but I am not a vintage expert and therefore would very much appreciate your help in finding the right model.
I am not fixed on any single reference, it just needs to be solid gold and preferably with the fluted bezel and a frosty dial (not asking too much eh?)

My idea is that I will post some of my findings here, and if some of you expert has some time it can give me a hand.
Or even, if you know of a model being sold somewhere, would be awesome to hear about it. Preferably sold in EU to avoid border import costs.

The first one I am looking at is this one from Italy.
It looks like the movement checks with the case reference, and the dial doesn't seem to be a redial and actually quite clean.
It looks like it has been heavily polished, but is it too polished?

The seller is asking 3200€, is this price in line with the watch according to you?

Living the Ebay listing as well: https://www.ebay.de/itm/23569214343...X2NF3Q&hash=item36e058b34a:g:QAoAAOSwCaVlIHxn

Thanks a bunch for any help!

FedFod · Oct 16, 2024

Here is another one from Ebay that looks pretty good I think, auction still going

SOG53 · Oct 16, 2024

You will make a better purchase if you research the references you like, including searching ebay completed auctions for prices realized-
your stated preferences narrow it down to just a few references in gold with fluted bezel- but there are earlier and later references with different movements and dials, date only or day/date, 14 k or 18k . Desmond's blog is good review if you havent already read it :

https://omega-constellation-collect...12/constellation-c-shape-omegas-child-of.html

these are quite common so wait for a good one no need to rush. They go for 2K and up for solid gold.
good luck

Dan S · Oct 16, 2024

If you start posting every example here, the experts will soon tire of looking at the thread. So it would be good to learn enough to do some triage before posting. In particular, you need to know exactly how the case should look on each reference you are considering, including the shape and finish of each surface. So find some good examples and really study them.

FedFod · Oct 17, 2024

Thank you guys!
I didn't know that article from Desmond, and it's such a great article! Not only it is full of great infos, but it is extremely funny to read as well.

I'll do my due diligence, and get back to this post only when I am really convinced that the model I found could fit the bill.

Cheers!

SOG53 · Oct 17, 2024

https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/

Thread 'The C-Cased Constellation Thread' ·

On the suggestion of @Bill Sohne how about we have a thread on these under appreciated, Gerald Genta designed chronometers?

I’ll kick things off!

I picked up this 168.029 with a cal. 751...

tyrantlizardrex · Mar 7, 2018

Good place to see lots of examples posted by OF members. May help you focus the search

FedFod · Oct 20, 2024

I think I found something! This one, that should be a 168.017, ticks all the boxes for me. It has the black baton hands, the sun bezel and the frosty dial. All what I want. The case looks not too polished as well.
What do you guys think?
I found it at a local antique dealer for 2700€

Peemacgee · Oct 20, 2024

Difficult to see from those pics but it looks like it has lost its orbital graining to the top of the case.
It does, however, have a solid gold dial.

When you say it should be a 168.017 - surely you can get movt shots and inner case back pics if someone expects you to shell out €2700?

FedFod · Oct 20, 2024

Peemacgee
Difficult to see from those pics but it looks like it has lost its orbital graining to the top of the case.
It does, however, have a solid gold dial.

When you say it should be a 168.017 - surely you can get movt shots and inner case back pics if someone expects you to shell out €2700?

Yeah noticed that too about the orbital brushing. But of all the solid gold cases I have seen in these days, that’s one of the best for that price.
I’ll definitely ask the seller to open it up, will update you guys when I have more infos. For the moment just wanted to check with you about the case and dial

SOG53 · Oct 20, 2024

Pretty hard to find gold case with no polishing/ wear on case on these. Hard to see case edges on these frontal photos but if it retains reasonable edges and movement checks out I think it’s a good one. It has the OM gold dial which certainly increases appeal and value.
Good luck and post update!

Dan S · Oct 20, 2024

FedFod
Yeah noticed that too about the orbital brushing. But of all the solid gold cases I have seen in these days, that’s one of the best for that price.

The total loss of the original finish would be a deal-breaker for me personally. Sometimes you need to pay more to get a good example, and when you are looking for a solid gold Constellation, you should not be bargain shopping, IMO.

FedFod · Oct 21, 2024

Dan S
The total loss of the original finish would be a deal-breaker for me personally. Sometimes you need to pay more to get a good example, and when you are looking for a solid gold Constellation, you should not be bargain shopping, IMO.

I’d rather not as well, good examples are just super difficult to come across on this side of the pond, as I could gather from this week of research I have been doing.
I’ll try to get more photos and get back to you guys

dsio · Oct 21, 2024

SOG53
Pretty hard to find gold case with no polishing/ wear on case on these. Hard to see case edges on these frontal photos but if it retains reasonable edges and movement checks out I think it’s a good one. It has the OM gold dial which certainly increases appeal and value.
Good luck and post update!

Yea I’d be a bit more forgiving with these in gold, as long as the edges are there and the bezel is sharp it should be able to be restored to the original finish without much effort, or you can just wear and enjoy it. The gold dial and decent bezel makes it rather appealing but price is always a factor of course. I’d still be in the $2,200-2,500 range, maybe a little more for a gold dial.

FedFod · Oct 22, 2024

Couple more photos from seller.
Actually, he is not an antique dealer as I thought, only a private person. He bought the watch 20 years ago for pleasure and never really worn it.
He won't give movement pics because he says he doesn't know hot to open it, I've suggested going to a watchmaker and get the watch opened there.
Anyway, here are the case sides:

SOG53 · Oct 22, 2024

Case edges look good from these shots, best angle to assess is something like this:

You mentioned watch is local- have you seen it in person? If not I would recommend having a look, if possible- and if you really like it I would tell him you will buy it once you can see movement and inside caseback with opening by a jeweler- assuming all is correct inside.
It could be 168.017, or possibly earlier 168.009 which would be revealed with movement SN and inside caseback. To me the solid gold OM dial makes this quite special.

FedFod · Oct 22, 2024

SOG53
Case edges look good from these shots, best angle to assess is something like this:

You mentioned watch is local- have you seen it in person? If not I would recommend having a look, if possible- and if you really like it I would tell him you will buy it once you can see movement and inside caseback with opening by a jeweler- assuming all is correct inside.
It could be 168.017, or possibly earlier 168.009 which would be revealed with movement SN and inside caseback. To me the solid gold OM dial makes this quite special.

Thank you for your insight!
I did say local, but what I meant is that is in my same country, actually would be quite the trip for me to go see it live : (
I am now negotiating on more photos and shipping terms.

FedFod · Oct 24, 2024

Checking the local ads have seen this 017.
That dial is crisp!
P.S.: seller for the gold one doesn't want to open the watch. Anyway he's gone for a few days so I'll have to wait for anything.