Is this Pie Pan 168.006 worth it ?

Hello,

I am currently in Japan and looking for a Constellation pie pan.

I came across this one on Sweetroad’s website (I haven’t seen it in person yet).
What do you think about its authenticity and overall appearance?

They list it as reference 168.006 : does this reference actually exist? I thought pie pan Constellations were usually 168.005.

I’m also a bit surprised by the crown, which looks fluted rather than decagonal. Is this normal? Do you see any other potential red flags?

Finally, the seller is Sweetroad : does anyone have experience with them? I’ve seen mixed reviews online.

That said, I could get the watch for around €1300–1400, which seems like a very good price for this model, especially from a professional dealer compared to current market prices.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Here is the listing : https://www.sweetroad.com/view/item...pHlC81hheBDj4sryvfQEEyYsqJAwlNdgaAmEXEALw_wcB

And some pictures from the website :

Thank you for your reply.

How big of a red flag is it if the seller doesn’t list the correct reference for the watch...?

Also it would be 1300 € but rather around 1600 $>

The watch does have some scratches, but I don’t mind some wear, and at least it doesn’t seem overpolished

Do the dial, movement, and crown look correct to you?

Thanks!

EDIT : MY BAD ! it was listed as 168.0065. A line break made me misread.

You mention rotor rub when they say the watch has been overhauled. Is that a red flag? Is it okay to use the watch like this a few years ? (without other problems occuring). I'm taking into account in my budget a watch that does not need to be serviced quickly.

For the reference yes I made researches in between and that's what I found, actually I stumbled on some of your messages by doing so 😀

I will ask them about this. Please can you tell me how you identified the rotor rub ?

Is this something in the movement that has been "rubbed" , meaning that the rotor was in friction ?

Or you can see on the picture that the rotor is still misaligned ?

Sorry I don't know if I'm being clear.

If the seller cannot give me solid proof, I don't know if I could pass on it, cause it is still a very good price

Here's a good article with more about this reference: https://stories.omegaforums.net/japanese-constellation-168-0065-piepan/

Hello,

I have few more questions. Still on the hunt!

I realized that the ref. 168.0065 doesn’t have the star on the dial, and the text layout is a bit different. I think I actually prefer having the star… I have to consider that. By the way, that one would have been around €1500 (≈ $1700). Also on the pictures the case seems thicker than what I'm used to see, is it just an impression? Plus I read on the article posted above that the case should actually be slightly thiner.

I’ve now found another seller offering two pie-pan models. Both watches are said to be overhauled and original, except for the crown. When I asked about the dial the seller also mentioned that the dial is “most likely original, but there’s no way to be 100% sure.”

I’m not sure how to interpret that. Does it sound like genuine transparency to you, or could it indicate a potential issue with the dial?

Would you mind taking a look at the watches and sharing your thoughts?

Also, do you think an incorrect crown is a deal breaker?

One of them is priced around €1600 (≈ $1850). With bracelet

Thanks a lot!

There the pictures :

And here comes the other one, priced 1800€/2080$

So basically, here are my main doubts:

If I go for the ref. 168.0065, I’m a bit concerned about the missing star. Even though I didn’t notice it at first, now I feel like I might miss it? (Or not at all)
I’m also wondering whether the case shape could be slightly different (thicker) and wear differently on the wrist, even though from what I’ve read it shouldn’t.

If I go for the ref. 168.005, my concerns are more about the crown (although I guess that could be replaced later) and especially the dial. The watchmaker says he can’t fully guarantee that it hasn’t been refinished, and I’m not sure how big of a risk that is?

On one hand, I think having the JDM version is pretty cool, but on the other hand I’m slightly worried it might be a “cheaper” version (with big quotation marks!) compared to the more classic pie-pan models, maybe a bit less collectible?

Even though I love watches, I’m definitely not an expert, so your help is really valuable to me.

Thanks again!

I also think that the other two watches look realy good. The original crown would be good but you can maybe find amother one. I would Go for the cal 500 ones because of the Movement. But on the other hand i also like the dial layout from the japan model. I also heard that the japan one also wears a little bit thicker.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! It really helps.

I’m giving up on the Japan version, I’d rather go for a classic dog leg pie pan 😀

About the painted indexes… right, there’s always something that could be better. I think even with that it’s still a very beautiful and collectible watch right ? so I’ll probably go for it. You're like the most extremist vintage omega people on the planet so it shouldn't stop me ahah (not saying that in a bad way)

Also, this is very similar to a pie-pan I had a few months ago (I returned it because the seller sent me a non-functioning watch twice), and it was apparently painted indexes as well, do you confirm ?it wasn't a problem for me back then..

It should actually be exactly the same, except for the crown?

The good news is I paid €2600 back then (got reimbursed). This time I’d be paying €1600 or €1800 depending on which one I choose so big savings!

About that, seller says the higher price on one watch is due to the sharper edges - which one do you think offers the best value? I guess I’ll really feel it in person, but I’d like your opinion.

One last question: what do you think about the seller saying “the dial is most likely original”? Is he just being cautious, or could it be a red flag? I tend to think it’s the first option, but since most sellers simply say everything is original, I’m wondering what you think about the dials and his overall approach.

I actually read the same thing as you, that the case should be thinner. But found it thicker on the pictures.