Hello all, first thank you for help. I recently inherited a Omega watch from my grand mother. I have been searching around and believe it to be a omega constellation however it does not say constellation on it. The markings show "Omega automatic chronometre officially certified." I found the receipt from when she purchased it used at jewlrey store back in 1989, however it does not state the model. It just says " omega men's automatic wrist watch with genuine lizard black band - made in Italy " The band did apparently have lettering on it, however it has worn away. I can't seem to find any photos of information on it. I would love to learn more about it. Thanks again.

 

No, it's a chronometer but more likely a rather well worn 14311. Some of these predate the Constellation, and post-1952 some had the applied star attached to the dial and are known as "Globemasters" even though not mentioned on the dial.

Nice scientific dial, but IMO the hands have been replaced and the sweep is awful.

 

Hi thank you for the reply. Any idea the year range on something like this? Was it common for chronometer to be spelled cheonometre? With the re.

 

That's the way Omega spelled it. Chronometre.

I'd take it to a watchmaker and have them pop the back off. Take some pictures of the movement numbers and the info inside the caseback.

It would tell us a lot more...

 

I will do that. Assuming it's a 14311, is this a very valuable watch? I'm just curious on how specialized of a jeweler I should take it too. Looking at under a $1,000? Or 1-2k?

 

That sweep looks like it came off a Smiths.

 

Hi. Can't see the original post about the dial you quoted. So it looks like the hands have been replaced at some place on it? yoh mention smiths, can I ask what that is?

 

An English watch maker. Their sweep seconds hand looks very similar.

 

Thanks, been reading about the 14311, not that I would sell it, but how much gold is in the bezel of these things?

 

still nice IMO, and has restoration potential to make it right...

 

I wouldn't take to a 'jeweler' I would take it to a 'watchmaker' especially one that is sympathetic to vintage watches.

I took a valuable watch to a 'jeweler' once when I was new to vintage and his first question about my mechanical watch was "You think it needs a new battery?"

I have no idea how valuable that watch is. May be a gold case and it may be gold-filled. Won't know until you pop the back.

If you state the area where you live someone may be able to suggest a 'watchmaker'.

 

The hour tick marks do not consistently align with the hour markers (triangle tips). The text is a bit inconsistent as well. Possible redial?

 

Thanks for the information. I'm in Memphis TN. That's kind of what I was afraid of with the jeweler. The last piece I reviewed from my grand mother was my wife's engagement ring, I took it to Jared the galleria ( who I bought my tag from) to have sized and was turned away. Turns out the ring was over 100+ years old, hand engraved platinum and they actually didn't want to touch it. Had to go to a specialty place in Dallas TX. I really appreciate the help from you guys, I don't want to make a mistake a screw up a watch by doing something dumb.

 

Best to weight the watch and take off around 14 grams and then multiply by .75 - that will give you gold content in grams, from which you can convert to troy ounces and check against the gold price.

Agree, could be a refinished dial. High res pics would sort that one out.

Yes, in the 50s the spelling was chronometre until the later 50s when it changed.

 

Well was able to use a fingernail to pop the cover off. Looks like it has some stuff scribed into the back cover.

 

Best I can do with my phone for now

 

Thanks gator. I sent you a PM, I hope you don't mind. I am curious I noticed the numbers on the watch and the numbers on the back case don't match. Should they?