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Looking at a Constellation 168.017, Questions

B
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Hello all.

I am currently looking for my first proper mechanical, and am totally enamored by the C-case constellation. I’m specifically looking for a ref. 168.017 with a cal. 574 movement, stainless, with a white dial. I came across a listing on Chrono24, which I hope is okay to post here:

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/constellation--id22371389.htm

My criteria, aside from what I’ve mentioned above, is an unpolished case and a reasonably clean dial. I must admit that I cannot tell from the photos whether the case has been polished. It looks okay to me, but I know virtually nothing. My ideal budget is between 700-1,200 USD, so this listing is a bit outside, but I can stretch if need be. Coming from an interest in mechanical cameras, I fully realize that “recently serviced” means absolutely nothing if the service was done by an incompetent service person. Is the $1,450 price tag close enough? Should I make an offer? Any other suggestions? Any help is greatly appreciated.

*edited with original photos from the listing.
Edited:
 
3F77B80C-3C25-430C-9E06-CAFFD17ACD56.jpeg 1D702374-47DA-431D-BB88-4A84DD23ABBD.jpeg 7807391A-633A-47C6-BAB6-E8FA3B8E25F8.jpeg 7486C3F5-A1F1-491C-B4FB-F458505AD155.jpeg
BAJJ
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Hi, and welcome.
From what I can tell from the pictures, which I had to screenshot and zoom in (but lost resolution) it checks out ok. If it has been polished it was a very good job. have a similar c case with a linen dial and a 564 movement. This is what I am basing my assessment on. Talk to the seller, ask for higher resolution pictures then check out this thread for comparisons
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/
Price wise, a touch high, but these are starting to creep up in value so it's up to you.
They are a great watch, there's a lot to enjoy.
 
B
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BAJJ BAJJ
Hi, and welcome.
From what I can tell from the pictures, which I had to screenshot and zoom in (but lost resolution) it checks out ok. If it has been polished it was a very good job. have a similar c case with a linen dial and a 564 movement. This is what I am basing my assessment on. Talk to the seller, ask for higher resolution pictures then check out this thread for comparisons
https://omegaforums.net/threads/the-c-cased-constellation-thread.72308/
Price wise, a touch high, but these are starting to creep up in value so it's up to you.
They are a great watch, there's a lot to enjoy.

Thanks for the reply. I will reach out to the seller and see if I can’t get some better photos. I’m definitely still developing a frame of reference for condition, etc. so I was just looking to get some validation on whether this listing was a good place to start. It definitely looks good to me, but as I mentioned— I really have no clue. I certainly didn’t want to haggle with the seller if the price was good to begin with.
 
B
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Well, for what it’s worth, I made the purchase. Had a conversation with the seller, who was very communicative, and was provided with a service report from 2021. I made an offer a couple hundred dollars below the initial asking price, which put me within the high-end of my budget. The seller accepted, so the watch is on its way to me. I’m very excited, and will update with photos when it arrives, for anyone interested.
 
TexOmega
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Please post pictures not links. It helps all now, and also any future watch enthusiasts when the links disappear.

Please post pix of your new watch when you get it.


Welcome.

We need a photo

Cal 751.JPG
 
B
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TexOmega TexOmega
Please post pictures not links. It helps all now, and also any future watch enthusiasts when the links disappear.

Please post pix of your new watch when you get it.


Welcome.

Thank you, and apologies. That point didn’t even occur to me, so I have updated the post with the original photos of f the case from the listing, and will update photos of the watch as I receive it.

Thanks again.

edit* beautiful watch, by the way!
Edited:
 
TexOmega
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Nice watch, service it unless seller gave you an invoice from the recent full service with transferable warranty. Then enjoy wearing till you find your next watch.
 
B
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TexOmega TexOmega
Nice watch, service it unless seller gave you an invoice from the recent full service with transferable warranty. Then enjoy wearing till you find your next watch.
Thank you. The seller did provide a service report— very recent, 2021. I am unsure whether or not there is a transferable warranty, so I will inquire. Also, the service report does not seem to indicate the facility name, so I will inquire about that as well.
 
BAJJ
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That's great, a full service with proof is worth one to two hundred Euro so that's good. A communicative seller is good too. I think you have made a good choice.
I would add a piece of advice, I am not sure what watch you are normally used to wearing, but these are quiet small in comparison to modern watches. It may come as a shock when you see it for the first time but don't let that put you off, give it time on the wrist to appreciate the design, which is very clever. The way it hugs the wrist and the different case facets and angles are all very appealing. Enjoy it when it comes and post pics, we all love pics😀
I attach a couple of photos of my one, which I don't think is as crisp as yours is, for reference
IMG_20220209_203428.jpg IMG_20220211_105138.jpg IMG_20220210_094647.jpg IMG_20220210_094730.jpg
 
B
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BAJJ BAJJ
That's great, a full service with proof is worth one to two hundred Euro so that's good. A communicative seller is good too. I think you have made a good choice.
I would add a piece of advice, I am not sure what watch you are normally used to wearing, but these are quiet small in comparison to modern watches. It may come as a shock when you see it for the first time but don't let that put you off, give it time on the wrist to appreciate the design, which is very clever. The way it hugs the wrist and the different case facets and angles are all very appealing. Enjoy it when it comes and post pics, we all love pics😀
I attach a couple of photos of my one, which I don't think is as crisp as yours is, for reference
IMG_20220209_203428.jpg IMG_20220211_105138.jpg IMG_20220210_094647.jpg IMG_20220210_094730.jpg

That’s a great-looking watch! The small size is actually one of the features that drew me to c-case constellation. I was reading Ernest Hemingway wax poetic about the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, which is about 34mm. I wanted something a bit more unique but similar in size. I stumbled upon the Genta-designed Constellation and absolutely fell in love. I’m very happy to now have one.
 
JGreenman
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Congrats on the beautiful watch, another c-case Connie admirer here. And welcome to the forum!
 
wilderbeast
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A great choice of smart timepiece! Welcome to the club and look forward to seeing the photos once it’s in hand. My 168.017 says hi:
F9C88B57-D4D6-4845-B361-50A9282706A2.jpeg
 
B
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Update: I now have the watch in my possession, and I’m very happy with it. The dial is a bit different than I expected, but it is beautiful. Thank you all for your input.
Edited:
 
A2BED1B5-7476-4F7E-83DA-F8AAA1EFC2D8.jpeg 1E34F538-2EFC-43C4-9975-539D753069DC.jpeg
B
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kaplan kaplan
It's a perfect example you did very very well!
Thank you. I was hoping that one great watch would be enough, but I seem to have opened up a can of worms. Now I’m thinking “okay, three great watches. That’s sufficient.” I do love this watch, even after only having it for a few hours, but I didn’t take me long to start perusing for my next purchase. Oof.
 
Sherbie
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Your first photo shows either scratches on the crystal or hairs under the crystal - both suggest that a service was not carries out competently, if at all

Did you clarify what has been done, and by whom wrt 2021 service?
 
BAJJ
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B Brancbūth
Update: I now have the watch in my possession, and I’m very happy with it. The dial is a bit different than I expected, but it is beautiful. Thank you all for your input.
That's a lovely example, wear in health👍
 
wilderbeast
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B Brancbūth
Thank you. I was hoping that one great watch would be enough, but I seem to have opened up a can of worms. Now I’m thinking “okay, three great watches. That’s sufficient.” I do love this watch, even after only having it for a few hours, but I didn’t take me long to start perusing for my next purchase. Oof.
Yup, welcome to that club too… 😁
Enjoy your Connie, and wear in good health.
 
Spruce
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Photos are unforgiving and show up crystal scratches invisible to the naked eye. I wouldn’t expect any of my repairers to suggest doing any sort of change or polish to your crystal.
 
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