Respectable Members


Kindly advise whether the dial of this watch is factory-original or refinished.

I find it difficult to swallow what the seller claims, 'DIAL ORIGINAL FATORY BEAUTIFUL TEXTURE LINEN 18K ROSE GOLD DIAL (NEVER REDONE)'

(A friend is keen, provided this watch is totally factory-original, especially its dial.)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271387384282?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

Thank-you.

 

Hi seamonster-
I don't know the "C" case watches,
so don't have the answer to your question (I'm sure
someone will) , but-
I have followed this sellers watches and he usually
seems to list in description if the dial is
refinished.
Did you notice the "OM" "OM" on the sides of the SWISS MADE?
Means SOLID GOLD (" Or massif" (solid gold in French).
Don't see that everyday.

 

My Spider Sense is tingling. Something isn't right about that watch but I can't put my finger on it.

 

Respectable Member pitpro

I notice this and thank you, 'Did you notice the "OM" "OM" on the sides of the SWISS MADE?' Unfortunately it is not centred.

Though the dial of the watch is solid gold, could the 'OM' be add-on?

Thank-you.

 

You should ask ulackfocus about the centering.
Apparently, on some older dials, the SWISS MADE
was centered to the dial and not to the 6 marker.
He will give you a better answer

 

Respectable Member ulackfocus

I think so, too. Your sensor is seldom wrong.

Thank you.

 

Respectable Member Seamonster.

We have a extremely knowledgeable member mondodec who has written up an essay on the dials.
http://users.tpg.com.au/mondodec//Constellation_Dials_Part_2.pdf should cover this variant. See the print on the dial on page 9. Not a solid gold one, however I tend to think the dial looks legit, but then the grinding marks on the dial backside makes me skeptical again.
I do not know if 18K dials are made using different techniques than "ordinary" ones, but I have learned that such marks are not a good sign.

The question still remains on the reference number 168.008. You had a post back in January of 2012 with question related to the same number. Did you uncover any details around it? The case back on the older post looks to be identical to this one?

The best of luck in your quest!

 

My problem is why have a printed linen pattern on a solid gold dial? Doesn't make sense.

 

Respectable Member gatorcpa

Like you I believe, there is a chance it is a redial. The word 'Constellation' appears bold relative to 'AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED'.

I do not know how to blow up or magnify the picture of the dial to check whether the letters in 'AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED/Constellation' are consistent. If I have this watch in person, I can always use a loupe/magnifier to verify this.

Thank-you.

 

Respectable Member Northernman

The seller of that watch, in my post of January 2012, confirmed the dial of his watch is refinished, while everything else is factory-original.

To me and probably many others too believe, the beauty of any vintage-watch lies in its factory-original dial. If it is in top condition it is a bonus. Aged is perfectly OK. Once it has been redone or refinished, one has to think twice about owning it. I will not recommend such a watch to a friend.

Thank you.

 

Respectable Member gatorcpa

It helps a lot and thank you.

In 'AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED', the common letters do not appear to be consistent - especially the letters 'A', 'C' and 'F', amongst others.

I agree, this watch has to be inspected in person.

Thank you.

 

How's this?

 

Respectable Member gatorcpa

I am still skeptical but you may be right, since my exposure is rather limited.

Thank you.

 

Respectable Member ulackfocus

This is a very clean watch, to my eyes. There is no question to ask.

Thank you.

 

I thought the first and second n in Constellation should be different on the date only dials from the 60's. The second one curls under more, as it does on my dial. The watch in question has two identical n's which is a common mistake by redialers. I also don't like the ink being so flat on the watch we're discussing. Look at the reflection coming off the ink on my old specimen - it has depth, even the minute / second track marks. The OM SWISS MADE OM looks weird to me too, then add the linen pattern on a gold dial being way strange.

All in all, I'd pass on that watch.