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Inherited 60s Omega Constellation

J
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Hello everyone!
First of all I would like to excuse my lack of "watch language", I have done some research but my previous knowledge about watches is lacking to say the least.

From what my father told me the watch was bought for my grandfathers 50th birthday in 1969. He used it as his daily driver until he passed away early 2000s. Since then it has been stored away until just recently when my father gifted it to me.

I have tried to do some research and think it looks quite a lot like the Omega Constellation 168.005, I haven't dared to open it up yet but could that guess be correct? As you can tell from the pictures it has some wear. The bracelet is not original (I will swap it out) and I don't think the "crystal" is either since there is no Omega logo in the centre. The dial seems to be in good condition, any reason to suspect it is not original?

I am planning to take it to a reputable watch store tomorrow that are hopefully capable of servicing it. What are the dos and don'ts? The "crystal" is really scratched up, can I swap it out or is that a big NO. Is my assumption about the crystal not being original correct or could it be original even without the Omega logo? The second hand has some discoloration, could that be cleaned by a proffesional or should it be avoided. I really want to treat the watch with respect and not potentially ruin it.
PXL_20210613_195736025.jpg PXL_20210613_195831867.jpg PXL_20210613_195953164~2.jpg PXL_20210613_200101122.jpg
 
Vanallard
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Welcome to OF - that’s a fantastic family heirloom! It’ll clean up very nicely. The seconds hand is a replacement (too long) so you can replace it with one that is the correct length. An original Omega crystal won’t set you back very much either. Otherwise, all the watch needs is to have the movement serviced by a reputable watchmaker. No need to mess with the dial or case, both appear to be in well preserved condition.
 
J
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Vanallard Vanallard
Welcome to OF - that’s a fantastic family heirloom! It’ll clean up very nicely. The seconds hand is a replacement (too long) so you can replace it with one that is the correct length. An original Omega crystal won’t set you back very much either. Otherwise, all the watch needs is to have the movement serviced by a reputable watchmaker. No need to mess with the dial or case, both appear to be in well preserved condition.
Thank you for the welcome and all information. Interesting about the seconds hand, that is definitely something I will have to consider. Is it difficult to source an original crystal? Sadly I don't have an authorized Omega dealer nearby but maybe that is not a necessity?
 
bdp
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Welcome to the the forum, what a great watch to start your collection (it is contagious).
You don't need to take it to an AD, if you tell us where you are located I am sure one of the members can recommend a good watchmaker nearby to you who will not polish the watch.
Look forward to seeing pictures after the work has been completed.
Enjoy
 
Caliber561
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J Janne
Thank you for the welcome and all information. Interesting about the seconds hand, that is definitely something I will have to consider. Is it difficult to source an original crystal? Sadly I don't have an authorized Omega dealer nearby but maybe that is not a necessity?
Fantastic piece!
If I were you I would take it to an Omega-certified watchmaker. If you send it to some random person who isn't experienced working on vintage Omegas, there's a number of things they could miss or bungle, and you would also run the risk of overpaying for/not being able to source parts, as only Omega-certified watchmakers have parts accounts.
 
nicks
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Neither a new Omega crystal nor a replacement seconds hand are expensive or difficult to source (yet). So I’m not sure you need an Omega-certified watchmaker.

But for sure you don’t want to give it to anyone randomly selected. If you post your general location, someone will point you in the right direction.
 
MtV
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Welcome @Janne
Great heirloom and you did a great job with your research and asking for advice here.
I’m not sure if this crystal can still be ordered from Omega but @Archer might be able to help with that information and possibly the part number - the latter would also help with sourcing one on eBay, for example.
If you go to a watchmaker without a parts account, it’s not uncommon to bring spare parts with the watch. I’d suggest you seek someone who’s used in dealing with vintage watches, though and clearly discuss what you would like to have done. A service of the movement is a given, but people here would advise to emphasize that you do not want the watch polished. The lugs might lose their distinct shape. Also discuss with him what parts he wants to replace. Mechanical parts from the movement that are worn out are fine, of course, but you wouldn’t want him to replace the (correct) crown on your watch for a generic one, for example. You’ll also have to ask yourself what you expect from the watch - is it ok for you if it’s not waterproof? That would make it a lot easier to keep the crown you have - you’d need to be cautious when washing hands, though, and maybe shouldn’t wear it in the rain.

If your watchmaker can’t source the correct second hand drop me a pm. I’m pretty sure I should have a spare one for that ref / cal 561/564.
 
Peemacgee
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Welcome @Janne

congratulations - lovely heirloom.
Good advice above - especially about taking it to a trusted watchmaker who is experienced in vintage watches.
 
J
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Thanks for all the kind replys! I am from the southern part of Sweden and from what I can tell the closest authorized dealer is around two hours away. Today I will take it to a local reputable watchmaker and ask if they are capable of sourcing the original crystal and seconds hand and servicing it. I will be very clear that I don't want it polished, just a light clean up that I haven't dared to do myself. About replacing worn out parts for the movement if necessary, is it equally important that those parts are original as with the crystal and the seconds hand or is it ok with generic parts?
 
Peemacgee
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J Janne
Thanks for all the kind replys! I am from the southern part of Sweden and from what I can tell the closest authorized dealer is around two hours away. Today I will take it to a local reputable watchmaker and ask if they are capable of sourcing the original crystal and seconds hand and servicing it. I will be very clear that I don't want it polished, just a light clean up that I haven't dared to do myself. About replacing worn out parts for the movement if necessary, is it equally important that those parts are original as with the crystal and the seconds hand or is it ok with generic parts?

not sure why @timecube deleted his post - it seemed to make sense to me.

your watch will require a full service if it hasn’t been serviced in say the last 5 years.
This means dismantling it down to its component parts, cleaning, reassembling, oiling and regulating.
The instructions should be ‘no polishing of the case’
It can be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath.
the dial should receive no more cleaning than that of the breath of an angel.

You should only use genuine Omega parts if at all possible.
this includes the crystal as it forms part of the water-tightness of the watch.

You don’t need an Omega AD and members frequently send their watches overseas for a suitable trusted watchmaker.
There are quite a few members from Northern Europe, I’ll tag @ConElPueblo to see if he can recommend anyone in your area.
 
J
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I have now been to the dealer and handed it in for inspection. The guy was very knowledgeable about the watch and confidence inspiring, he was also confident that he could source the original parts. I was very clear that I wanted to keep it as original as absolutely possible and that I did not want it polished. Now I just have to wait and hope for a positive response after the inspection 😀
 
J
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Hi again! Today I got a message from the dealer saying the watched needed to be repaired and the estimated cost for this was around 500$. I assume this price did not include new crystal/seconds hand. Does anyone have a general idea of what the watch might be worth? Sadly I don't have the exact reference number, I will ask for it tomorrow. I really want to get the watch working but at the same time I don't want to pay more in repairs than what the watch is worth. There is no reason to suspect a redial for example that would devalue it?

Kind regards
 
onlyomega94
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Since you live in Sweden, I can say that a similar steel pie pan dog legs Constellation sold for 10.000 SEKK yesterday on a Swedish auction platform. It, however, had a re-dial and engraving on the back so yours would be worth more IMO.
 
J
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onlyomega94 onlyomega94
Since you live in Sweden, I can say that a similar steel pie pan dog legs Constellation sold for 10.000 SEKK yesterday on a Swedish auction platform. It, however, had a re-dial and engraving on the back so yours would be worth more IMO.
Thanks for the research. So there is nothing, in your opinion, to suspect a redial on mine? I have no reason to suspect it but it would be a real bummer to spend a lot of money on it and later find out that it had been redialed.
 
onlyomega94
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J Janne
Thanks for the research. So there is nothing, in your opinion, to suspect a redial on mine? I have no reason to suspect it but it would be a real bummer to spend a lot of money on it and later find out that it had been redialed.
You’re welcome. There are no red flags to me but I’m not an expert on Constellations (nor am I on any Omegas) so wait for other opinions. But as you can see, even with a redial Constellations are worth some money - especially the case and dial type that you have.
 
Shabbaz
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It's not a redial. $500 for a service without parts is a bit on the high side. But it really depends on your location. I live in a big city so enough availability of watchmakers.
 
onlyomega94
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
$500 for a service without parts is a bit on the high side.

I agree with this. I live in Copenhagen (so similar price levels to Sweden) and my Omega specialised watchmaker charges 320 dollars to service an automatic movement with date function.
 
J
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Shabbaz Shabbaz
It's not a redial. $500 for a service without parts is a bit on the high side. But it really depends on your location. I live in a big city so enough availability of watchmakers.
Perfect! He used the word "repair" so I assume there is some kind of problem with the movement and not just a service. It is a small city (100k) so this dealer is basically my only local option. I will go there tomorrow morning and see what he discovered during the inspection and what motivates the price.
 
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