Ladies 1968 C case Constellation opinions..

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

Good evening OF,

I have been searching for a nice Ladies C case Constellation for my ‘better half’, on and off for a while. (Don’t worry, I’m also searching for a nice one for me!😁)

My observations from searching are that there really aren’t many around, those that are for sale are expensive (£600-£1200 for gold capped ones), and most are either over polished, or very scruffy. I have seen a few advertised in Japan, that look good, but have clearly had some case ‘refinishing’ and I suspect the ‘service’ is nothing more than a quick lube, with no proof. Kindly a couple of long standing OF members have provided their thoughts on a couple of these via PM.

I am aware that there are a few models -the 567.001, 568.001 and the 568.011- I haven’t quite got to the bottom of their differences, but from what I have established, the latter has the fluted bezel, and they have all have a 682 movement, as far as I can tell.

Having viewed a few ‘tarted up’ examples, I came across a not so tarted up example, from a private seller on Chrono24. Now I know I have to be a little careful on there, but as I have said, these watches aren’t that common! Ideally I’d purchase one from here.

The watch in question is a 568.001 and is circa £300. The seller will accept offers. To my eye, It looks all original, and on closer inspection really doesn’t look too bad. It had a stretched bracelet, but I would swap that out for a nice leather number and re use the clasp if possible?

The movement runs, but will need a service, which I will have to factor in. The serial dates it to 1968. The case has sharp edges and chamfers, and the original brushing can be seen on the bezel. The crystal is signed and doesn’t look like it’s in bad shape.

The dial looks clean and original, the fonts look factory correct, and it doesn’t have T Swiss made T, which appears to match up with the non lume hands, which again I think are correct? The crown is signed, but I’m not sure about whether it is original.

photos are below, but I would appreciate any info or advice/opinions from the forum! Is it worth a punt? Or do I keep on searching?

Thanks for reading!

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

For comparison, below is a similar watch for sale in Japan, for approx £800. It looks nice, has a linen dial, nice bracelet, but I suspect it has a refinished case and will need a service.. would be expensive by the time it lands in the U.K.

connieseamaster · Aug 24, 2021

I (personally) don't think that the case on the Japanese one has been touched, but I only have my own Connie to go by in that regard. I've bought a couple of Dynamics from Japanese sellers that looked brand new but case measurements showed that they had not been refinished.

Given that both watches will need a service before regular use, I'm not certain the linen dial is worth *that* much extra money. If the bracelet clasp is like any other Omega clasp from that era, it would take some doing to adapt for reuse on a leather strap. I'd probably see the bracelet could be tightened up a bit if the intended recipient wants a tighter fit.

As an FYI, the 568.xxxx models are ones with dates, 567.xxxx are time only.

http://old-omegas.com/omrefcod.html

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

connieseamaster
I (personally) don't think that the case on the Japanese one has been touched, but I only have my own Connie to go by in that regard. I've bought a couple of Dynamics from Japanese sellers that looked brand new but case measurements showed that they had not been refinished.

Given that both watches will need a service before regular use, I'm not certain the linen dial is worth *that* much extra money. If the bracelet clasp is like any other Omega clasp from that era, it would take some doing to adapt for reuse on a leather strap. I'd probably see the bracelet could be tightened up a bit if the intended recipient wants a tighter fit.

As an FYI, the 568.xxxx models are ones with dates, 567.xxxx are time only.

http://old-omegas.com/omrefcod.html

Many thanks for the useful reference. I learn something every day from this forum!

I don’t think the Japanese one will be worth the £, once I factor in shipping, taxes and a service. In fact, I’m pretty sure it won’t, hence me considering the first option. I can’t see any obvious alarm bells, but I’d interested to hear what others think. I’m also open to other options, I may not have considered.

connieseamaster · Aug 24, 2021

No obvious alarm bells on the first one to my eye. Looks like an honest example of a daily wearer. You'd be shocked at what a round through an ultrasonic cleaner can do for a case and bracelet, and hopefully the crystal can be saved (as I'm not certain if the cyclops version is available anymore).

Nupero · Aug 24, 2021

First watch looks good to me and is not outrageously expensive. My wife owns this ref, although hers has tritium dial + hands. I guess this is somewhat obvious but these watches are very petite and look more like jewelry when on a bracelet.

loveslemon71 · Aug 24, 2021

I think the first one looks very good. If my one (mis)adventure on Chrono24 is anything to go by, they do make returns and refunds quite easy. Personally, I would prefer this one on a black leather strap. Let us know what you decide!

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

Nupero
First watch looks good to me and is not outrageously expensive. My wife owns this ref, although hers has tritium dial + hands. I guess this is somewhat obvious but these watches are very petite and look more like jewelry when on a bracelet.

I thought that might be the case. Would be interested to see a photo of your wife’s watch, if you would post one?

if I can get the first one cheap enough, I think it could be a tidy ‘daily wearer’. It won’t ever be In mint condition, but at least she won’t have to be overly precious about it. She has petite hands and wrists, so hopefully The size will be fine.

Here is a photo I borrowed from the C case Connie thread to show how the size compares to a gents C case..

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

loveslemon71
I think the first one looks very good. If my one (mis)adventure on Chrono24 is anything to go by, they do make returns and refunds quite easy. Personally, I would prefer this one on a black leather strap. Let us know what you decide!

I’m considering swapping the bracelet for a nice leather strap. I have a spare no. 27 clasp I could have a strap made for by Steveostraps, like he did for my Chronostop. It would still look ‘factory to the untrained eye then😉

Here is one on a black strap..unfortunately it’s sold..

https://www.blackbough.co.uk/produc...-ladys-vintage-wristwatch-circa-1969-wwolcs8/

connieseamaster · Aug 24, 2021

SeaMSTR
I thought that might be the case. Would be interested to see a photo of your wife’s watch, if you would post one?

if I can get the first one cheap enough, I think it could be a tidy ‘daily wearer’. It won’t ever be In mint condition, but at least she won’t have to be overly precious about it. She has petite hands and wrists, so hopefully The size will be fine.

Here is a photo I borrowed from the C case Connie thread to show how the size compares to a gents C case..

Mine on my 6.5" wrist. Looks classically styled 😀 and serves as a good "business formal" watch when I have occasion for such meetings.

My mom has hers on a bracelet and it definitely does take on more of a jewelry look, similar to a Cartier Panthiere or 26mm DJ

SeaMSTR · Aug 24, 2021

connieseamaster

Mine on my 6.5" wrist. Looks classically styled 😀 and serves as a good "business formal" watch when I have occasion for such meetings.

My mom has hers on a bracelet and it definitely does take on more of a jewelry look, similar to a Cartier Panthiere or 26mm DJ

Thanks for the photo, nice watch! Yes they do have an air of Datejust about them, especially on a bracelet with the white gold bezel. As you say, a classic, timeless style.

Nupero · Aug 25, 2021

SeaMSTR
I thought that might be the case. Would be interested to see a photo of your wife’s watch, if you would post one?

My wife's 568.001. Wrist size 16cm (6.3 inch). Watch is pretty scratched up, but in honest condition. She paid 120€ for it 😀

SeaMSTR · Aug 25, 2021

Thanks for the photos Nupero. Looks like a nice honest watch, and good for comparison to the first one I posted. You got it for a good price too!

SeaMSTR · Aug 26, 2021

I don’t suppose anyone knows the lug width for these? I’m just considering strap options.

Regarding the stretched bracelet links on the first watch posted, what are my options regarding repair? It looks like it’s only the links nearest the case, in which case, could I remove said links and shorten the bracelet? The links look riveted in, rather than held with pins that could push out?

Thanks for any help.

connieseamaster · Aug 26, 2021

12mm strap width.

SeaMSTR · Aug 26, 2021

connieseamaster
12mm strap width.

Thanks a lot 😀

SeaMSTR · Aug 26, 2021

Well, I submitted a cheeky offer to the seller, and accepted his counter offer. I shall keep you all posted once it has arrived and I’ve assessed it.

perks713 · Aug 26, 2021

I love these, I have a hope in the back of my mind that I’ll find one cheap and my wife will actually wear it. Really nice looking watches. The linen dial, while maybe expensive is quite nice looking too.

connieseamaster · Aug 26, 2021

SeaMSTR
Well, I submitted a cheeky offer to the seller, and accepted his counter offer. I shall keep you all posted once it has arrived and I’ve assessed it.

Cheeky offers are best offers 😁 Can't wait to see the pictures.

SeaMSTR · Sep 3, 2021

Well...it arrived today! And no customs fees, which a result!

I took a gamble, and I think it paid off. The watch is far nicer than I thought it would be. Case and dial are excellent for their age, movement looks clean, and seems to run well. I shall get it in for a service soon. The only issue is the stretched links near the end links, but it looks like it could be an easy fix. I’ll let the photos do the talking...