Help with Valuation – 1968 Omega Constellation Chronometer Cal. 564

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some help with estimating the fair market value of a vintage Omega watch I’m considering purchasing. It’s being offered by a European seller, and based on my research, I believe the reference number is likely 168.018.

Here are the details provided by the seller:

• Original dial, indices, and hands in very good condition
• Overall condition rated as very good for its age
• Fully serviced by a professional watchmaker (written confirmation included)
• Runs accurately and reliably
• New leather strap installed
• Case width (excluding crown): approx. 35 mm
• Original Omega crown
• Well-preserved stainless steel case
• Movement: Omega Caliber 564, 24 jewels – described as in perfect condition
• Movement cleaned and regulated
• Collectible condition
• 1-month warranty provided
• Invoice issued with purchase

I’ve also attached several photos of the watch.

I’d really appreciate it if anyone familiar with vintage Constellation models—especially Cal. 564 and ref. 168.018—could help me estimate its current market value (both retail and private sale). Any input is welcome!

Thanks a lot,
Lukas

Thanks for your reply,

I checked a few sources before posting — mainly listings on Chrono24, eBay, and some past sales threads on Omega Forums and Watchuseek. Based on the case design, dial layout, and movement (Cal. 564), I narrowed it down to what seems to be reference 168.018.

The watch is currently listed at around $1,500 USD, and while the condition looks very good and it’s recently serviced, I’m concerned that the asking price might be on the high side — especially considering it’s on a new leather strap and without original box or papers.

Prices I found online vary a lot, so I’d really appreciate a more experienced opinion on whether this pricing is fair.

Thanks again!

How about the asking price?


Case is quite soft (polished), crown doesn't look correct, plexi seems aftermarket

Check the "Sold" listings at ebay and you can get estimates for both (private and retail)

Any more pictures provided?

Doesn't the seller provide a reference number?

Welcome @CloudyLuke

It's always easier if you can tell us what the asking price is, as we can say if it is a good deal or not.

Regarding the watch in question:
You're correct in thinking it is a 168.018
Good looking dial
The watch is not in 'collectible condition' (depending on your definition of course)
The case is significantly polished
The crystal is a generic replacement (the Omega crystal forms part of the waterproofing system)
The ad says the watch is serviced and regulated but if the images are post-service then the regulator is somewhat 'hard-over to the right'
The rotor shows signs of rotor rub -
The case is pitted and/or dirty and possibly missing the gasket (but it could be in the case back)

I take it you don't have a pic of the inner case-back?

If you're quoting USD$, are there import charges on top of the price?
These watches still haven't found their market yet (I've been saying that for years now...) and a really good one should still be around $1,000 - $1,500 is way (way) too much for this watch.
Edit: probably double its market value

Here are couple of pics from a previous OF thread to give an idea of what the case should look like - note the facets on the lugs and matt case back with sharp edges.

Thanks so much for the detailed response — that’s exactly the kind of insight I was hoping for.

I really appreciate you pointing out the over-polishing, rotor rub, generic crystal, and regulator position — these are things I definitely wouldn’t have picked up on without more experience. I don’t have a photo of the inside of the case back, unfortunately, but I’ll try to ask the seller for one.

My personal advice would be to not bother the seller and pass on this watch unless it was too cheap to not buy it.
These references are plentiful - and becoming more plentiful as time progresses and they start coming out of bedside drawers.
No reason to buy a substandard one - especially for a premium price.