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Is this worth restoring? Constellation, ref. 2852, waffle dial

  1. palkastu Dec 22, 2017

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    Hi all!
    This may be a stupid question, but ill ask anyway so be gentle :)
    I got this a couple of weeks ago, and the thought was to "catch and release".
    Now Im not so sure. I dont have much into it, but to get it working I have to spend about 400 dollars.
    Ill also think I have to change the crystal, but with a bit of luck i can save it.
    As you see the crown has been changed over the years but I have an original laying around so thats an easy swap.
    Both the case and dial seems to be untouched but arent the prettiest either.

    Some boring facts:
    Movement: Cal. 501
    Ref. number: 2852
    Prod. year: ca. 1956
    Serial number: 15 0** ***

    Omega Constellation Waffle - 1.jpg Omega Constellation Waffle - 2.jpg Omega Constellation Waffle - 3.jpg
     
    Railmaster1957, GregH, balaja and 4 others like this.
  2. McKinley Dec 22, 2017

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    Jeez, that is beautiful......wouldn't be released around these parts.
     
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  3. GuiltyBoomerang Dec 22, 2017

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    Well loved watch, that has been kept to a reasonably good standard by the previous owner(s) - replacement crown suggests it has been services before, and dial is original and shows patina but not moisture ingress, which means the seals have done their job over the years.

    Investing $400 into it will break even or see you come on top with prices of Connies being as they are - but as this is an honest specimen, I'd just wear it for the enjoyment on a regular basis.
     
    DaveK, NT931, Edward53 and 1 other person like this.
  4. Seacow Dec 22, 2017

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    IMHO I think a crystal change will make a different. Run the watch for 48 hrs see if it loose time. If it doesn't no need to service the movement...nice watch btw;)
     
  5. SeanO Dec 22, 2017

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    If you have no idea as to its service history then you're going to have to fork out to get it serviced.

    the crystal may only need cleaning and polishing to restore it.

    but if you intend to own/use it sympathetically then it will need to be serviced.
     
    noelekal and McKinley like this.
  6. noelekal Home For Wayward Watches Dec 22, 2017

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    Appealing watch for sure!

    It deserves a sympathetic service.
     
    DaveK and McKinley like this.
  7. palkastu Dec 22, 2017

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    Thanks for the quick response, guys!
    To clearify;
    The watch needs a service. It doesnt run, but luckily I know whats at fault. The movement looks clean and as @GuiltyBoomerang said it seems to been kept to a reasonably good standard by the previous owner(s).
    I will polish the crystal and hope for the best :) If not, its a small cost to replace it.

    If Ill break even after the watch is serviced, I think thats the way to go. This watch deserves to be well kept :)
     
  8. Damo Dec 23, 2017

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    You'll not be far out of pocket if any after a service and possible crystal change.

    Nice looking dial too :)
     
  9. ConElPueblo Dec 23, 2017

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    The case has been polished, but not very much. How does the caseback look?
     
  10. Vicke Dec 23, 2017

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    Service and wear it, it'll clean up very nice.

    Otherwise.... Dibs! If you hesitate, I'll be glad to take it on as is.
     
    Edited Dec 23, 2017
    DaveK and 1jansen like this.
  11. 1jansen Dec 23, 2017

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    Hi palkastu,
    Nice watch! A classic!
    Constellation in stainless steel, with gold board arrow markers, two-tone texture / waffle dial, full "chrometer officially certified" scrip.
    Most important of all, watch in untouched original condition.
    Wow! Fabulous! Congratulations!

    Simply, a MUST for full restoration!

    [Edit ] p.s. the crown is not original / matching, it has to be replaced.
     
  12. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Dec 23, 2017

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    Incredibly bad advice.

    Much better advice.

    Cheers, Al
     
    DaveK, nicks, Als 27 and 11 others like this.
  13. Kja Dec 23, 2017

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    After fixing up this watch will pull about $1500 on ebay. How much you have into it?
     
  14. agee Dec 23, 2017

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    Does the watch only need a service and crown replacement?
    Maybe if you check around or ask here you can have the necessary work done
    for less than $400?
    $400 seem expensive to me if it only needs the above
    Definitely worth restoring this watch
     
  15. palkastu Dec 25, 2017

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    Aahh.. I thought that was years of use/abuse :)
    The caseback is in the same shape as rest of the case. The "Constellation" marking on top and "Waterproof" on the bottom are still present.
    I left the watch at my watchmaker a couple a days ago so I can take anye more photos of it unfortunately.

    I have about 300 in it :)

    Everything is expensive in Norway :)
    Its abit more that has to be done, and I trust this watchmaker with all of my vintage watches.
    He knows what to do, what not to do and are incredibly skillful.
     
    Nathan1967 likes this.
  16. felsby I don't see any option in settings or profile Apr 25, 2020

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    How did it go? Would like to see photos of the beautiful watch with a new crystal!
     
  17. TraderSantiago Apr 25, 2020

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    If anyone has high service quotes in the EU, it's possible to ship to the UK - there are a couple of very reasonable servicers that come highly recommended.