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Help with First Vintage Omega Constellation

Al_Kilmer
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I’m in the market for my first vintage omega, therefore I am seeking the community’s expertise and keen eye to help make this decision as informed and rewarding as possible. Was browsing a popular vintage resale site when I came across this listing from a private seller (no seller history to view). Here’s what the seller listed in the description:

“Omega Constellation Day-Date beautiful conditions with rare linen dial, all genuine, fully working and keeping good time. The watch has been serviced recently. Serial number is dating the watch to 1968.
- Original bracelet (1040) with end links (518)
- Original signed crown
- Original marked plexiglass with Omega symbol
- Original linen dial
- Original two tone hands
Case is gold capped 18k, bracelet gold plated 20 microns 18kt and full gold 14kt bezel.”
Asking Price: $1424
13F3CCD4-BBB0-416E-B149-727700DAF053.jpeg 56F4D47A-2447-43D7-916E-97CFE94E6658.jpeg BC6EE7B4-5A88-412C-8D07-2BD96B103489.jpeg E7D0BA66-E959-4EDA-83D8-C93A3AFE3252.jpeg 2A665F58-6551-42E2-A5F6-2475486C9413.jpeg 18E4672C-6C60-49AF-8C36-5A944D5CE382.jpeg 0D53528E-EBF3-410E-9E04-0D136D6995A0.jpeg 164D7B26-2696-44BC-9016-0ED2081CCBDE.jpeg 5169BA70-D602-4171-89D3-A08B01E51574.jpeg 381D6C1A-244E-422F-B44F-60F94BBA54E6.jpeg

The Reference for this watch is 168.029 and has the 751 movement. Anything I should be worried about? Genuine? Fake? Frankenwatch? Over/underpriced?? Any bit of help counts. Thanks
Edited:
 
ConElPueblo
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Hi and welcome to OF.

From those photos is it hard to tell if everything is as it should be as they are of too low resolution, not in focus, cropped poorly or a combination of that.

It's also rather difficult to tell if a watch is over- or underpriced without knowing the asking price 😀

Besides the "18ct gold cap" (and that is probably just lack of knowledge), I don't see any glaring faults, but proper photos might change that.
 
Al_Kilmer
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ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
Hi and welcome to OF.

From those photos is it hard to tell if everything is as it should be as they are of too low resolution, not in focus, cropped poorly or a combination of that.

It's also rather difficult to tell if a watch is over- or underpriced without knowing the asking price 😀

Besides the "18ct gold cap" (and that is probably just lack of knowledge), I don't see any glaring faults, but proper photos might change that.
Sorry about that, I’ve edited the original post with the price listed and (hopefully) higher res photos.
 
STANDY
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If this is wear of the gold plate in here it’s a no

97760539-5248-4AB5-8D2F-45933CD98B2F.jpeg


I would ask for a photo of this exact spot that is clear. If the seller doesn’t agree don’t bother.
 
Al_Kilmer
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STANDY STANDY
If this is wear of the gold plate in here it’s a no

97760539-5248-4AB5-8D2F-45933CD98B2F.jpeg


I would ask for a photo of this exact spot that is clear. If the seller doesn’t agree don’t bother.
I will reach out to the seller and see if I can get a better shot of that area. In the description, it’s says the case is gold capped; I wonder if they meant gold plated.. May i ask what would be the concerns to make it a hard pass due to the eroded gold spot? Obviously if it’s a fake then that’s one thing. Just wondering if wear of the gold due to age is undesirable.
 
eternalover
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I don’t think many collectors buy Gold plated. I think 9 or 14 it may be ideal as they are quite tough. nomercy on this site seems to get nice Connies And kringkily as well and seem to get good feedback. I have looked and looked but not taken the plunge yet. I would pass - it looks too nice. I have noted before that sparkle and linen dial watches seem to be well preserved in general compared w standard.
 
ConElPueblo
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It is 14ct gold cap - there are no plated Constellations of this type. "Gold plated" is sometimes used as a general term for non-solid gold pieces.

At $1400, I wouldn't look at this, but you'll have to decide if you want to invest time and effort into finding one better and cheaper, otherwise you're pretty much at the mercy of those who are best at marketing the watches they are selling.

STANDY STANDY
If this is wear of the gold plate in here it’s a no

It looks that way 🙁

Probably the victim of some enthusiastic polishing/refinishing.
 
eternalover
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Thanks I would have thought plated would wear off quite badly - do you Ever buy them?
 
Shabbaz
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Japanese ebay dealers, like closer, often have C-case connies for much lower prices. Especially when you're in a low tax country it could be interesting to check these dealers out.
 
eternalover
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Y I had a look at a lot of those, and they look good but w tax still haven’t pulled the trigger.
 
STANDY
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Al_Kilmer Al_Kilmer
I will reach out to the seller and see if I can get a better shot of that area. In the description, it’s says the case is gold capped; I wonder if they meant gold plated.. May i ask what would be the concerns to make it a hard pass due to the eroded gold spot? Obviously if it’s a fake then that’s one thing. Just wondering if wear of the gold due to age is undesirable.

Any wear through of gold on a case is a no to most here.....
 
gatorcpa
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The watch looks OK to me. Crowns on these were gold plated, even on solid gold cases. They are touch points and designed to be replaced every so often, like tires on your car. However, the recommended OEM replacement will have a different look.

The only issue I have here is that the price is too high.
gatorcpa
 
ConElPueblo
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
The watch looks OK to me. Crowns on these were gold plated, even on solid gold cases. They are touch points and designed to be replaced every so often, like tires on your car. However, the recommended OEM replacement will have a different look.

The only issue I have here is that the price is too high.
gatorcpa

I don't think it's the crown, but the area just above it where the case facet is. From the pictures, it really looks like it has worn/been polished through.
 
gatorcpa
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ConElPueblo ConElPueblo
I don't think it's the crown, but the area just above it where the case facet is. From the pictures, it really looks like it has worn/been polished through.
Hard to tell. These facets are polished to a mirror finish and will reflect light. It is difficult to polish through a 250 micron gold cap. The bracelet at 20 microns shows little or no wear through.

Better pictures are needed.
gatorcpa
 
ConElPueblo
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Hard to tell. These facets are polished to a mirror finish and will reflect light. It is difficult to polish through a 250 micron gold cap. The bracelet at 20 microns shows little or no wear through.

Better pictures are needed.
gatorcpa

I know, but pictures 1, 6 and 9 in the OP shows the same change in hue in different lighting situations. Have a look at the hi-res version of picture 1, for instance.

My guess is that it has been refinished and was polished through accidentally. Perhaps due to wear from manipulating the crown?
 
Al_Kilmer
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And just like that, the watch has been sold. The search continues
 
Yomega
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I am happy-end to find this thread. I purchased the watch! The light is killing the polished surfaces but you can see on the photo that the polished edge is the same color as the bezel(solid gold).

A photo of the actual state, on my wrist.

20201001_143918.jpg
 
janice&fred
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Yomega Yomega
I purchased the watch!

You have a good eye and yep she is a beauty. I am also a big fan of those Gold capped C case models with bracelets. Pure snazz!
 
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