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Looking for first Omega Constellation. Advice appreciated

texascollectors
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Hello - I am relatively new to the vintage watch game but have always loved the Omega Constellation 168.005. I found this one at a local pawn shop. The bracelet is horrid and would be the first to go, but what are your thoughts on the condition? Dial seems authentic as it passes the MOY test but is obviously a bit rough. Do you think it could improve with a new crystal? Currently priced at $699 but may be able to negotiate it down depending on your advice. Have searched on Ebay but most are way too high or have horrid redials...

Also posting one example from ebay for your thoughts. This one is an auction and unfortunately I am unable to see either movement.

20260220_132243.webp 20260220_132247.webp 20260220_132253.webp Screenshot_20260221_065849_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260221_065903_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260221_065913_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260221_065917_eBay.webp Screenshot_20260221_065920_eBay.webp
 
MtV
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The pawn shop watch is a 2782 or 2852, not a 168.005. Very different case, dial shape, from a different decade (50s vs 60s), different movement…

699$ isn’t a lot for such a watch, but you’ll get what you paid for: A rather rough piece. Might be worth it to safe up for a while and buy one that’s in nice shape?
 
texascollectors
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MtV MtV
The pawn shop watch is a 2782 or 2852, not a 168.005. Very different case, dial shape, from a different decade (50s vs 60s), different movement…

699$ isn’t a lot for such a watch, but you’ll get what you paid for: A rather rough piece. Might be worth it to safe up for a while and buy one that’s in nice shape?
Appreciate the comment! Any thoughts on the Ebay watch?
 
gatorcpa
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We discussed the first one, which I guess is from a pawn shop.

The other one seems to be in rather rough condition also. It's going to take a lot of money and time to get it right. For $200, I love it. For $2,000, it is way overpriced.
gatorcpa
 
SOG53
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Good place to window shop

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-constellations-show-and-tell.19186/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Constellations. Show and tell' ·
Please show your vintage Constellations.

Would be great to see the variations in a new thread. I'll go first.

1961 Pie pan, Cal 561, Case Ref 14393, on a period 7912 Bracelet (stainless steel)...
JohnSteed ·

For eBay watch need high quality straight on photo of dial to evaluate text.
Movement photo?
Asking price?
 
texascollectors
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SOG53 SOG53
Good place to window shop

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-constellations-show-and-tell.19186/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Constellations. Show and tell' ·
Please show your vintage Constellations.

Would be great to see the variations in a new thread. I'll go first.

1961 Pie pan, Cal 561, Case Ref 14393, on a period 7912 Bracelet (stainless steel)...
JohnSteed ·

For eBay watch need high quality straight on photo of dial to evaluate text.
Movement photo?
Asking price?
$800, I asked for the straight shot and he doesn't have the equipment to open the back, unfortunately.

Any trusted sellers you guys recommend? I see the Omega Enthusiast but feel like the watches are quite a bit overpriced...
 
hugh162
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texascollectors texascollectors
$800, I asked for the straight shot and he doesn't have the equipment to open the back, unfortunately.
IMO $800 is a pretty good price assuming the movement isn’t completely shot. Don’t see anything suspicious based on these photos, case is OK though crown will need to be replaced.
 
amuscare87
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texascollectors texascollectors
$800, I asked for the straight shot and he doesn't have the equipment to open the back, unfortunately.
overpriced? maybe. But he usually has some of the best examples available. You are definitely paying up for any of his pieces, but they are in good shape. You get what you pay for......
 
Peemacgee
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amuscare87 amuscare87
overpriced? maybe. But he usually has some of the best examples available. You are definitely paying up for any of his pieces, but they are in good shape. You get what you pay for......
Presumably you are talking about OmegaAddict?
There are some respected members say he’s a good guy to deal with but you still need to know exactly what you are buying as not all of his stock is top notch - and his prices are extremely high. (Beyond a reasonable dealer’s premium IMHO)
 
amuscare87
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Presumably you are talking about OmegaAddict?
There are some respected members say he’s a good guy to deal with but you still need to know exactly what you are buying as not all of his stock is top notch - and his prices are extremely high. (Beyond a reasonable dealer’s premium IMHO)

No, Tim is great, but talking specifically about omega enthusiast based in Canada
 
AG77
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I can attest Omega Enthusiast generally has very nice examples. Some prices are eyebrow raising, others are more reasonable. And by reasonable -- to an inexperienced buyer who wants a nice vintage Omega, serviced, ready-to-wear. Mostly worry free. He's an honest and very knowledgeable dealer IMO.

Not everyone wants to, or can, dedicate hundred of hours on forums pouring over details to then hunt a vintage watch for another hundred hours. Only then to have to find a trusted person to service the watch to be ready to wear.

In most cases, convenience is pricey. It's a fair trade off for many. Capitalism.
 
texascollectors
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AG77 AG77
I can attest Omega Enthusiast generally has very nice examples. Some prices are eyebrow raising, others are more reasonable. And by reasonable -- to an inexperienced buyer who wants a nice vintage Omega, serviced, ready-to-wear. Mostly worry free. He's an honest and very knowledgeable dealer IMO.

Not everyone wants to, or can, dedicate hundred of hours on forums pouring over details to then hunt a vintage watch for another hundred hours. Only then to have to find a trusted person to service the watch to be ready to wear.

In most cases, convenience is pricey. It's a fair trade off for many. Capitalism.
I appreciate the tips from other asking me to learn and get deep in the pool. I do want to learn more about these beautiful mechanical beasts. However, as you have pointed to I do not have the hundred of hours to learn every minor detail and become a vintage omega expert. I am trying to learn as much as I can but I feel I will likely end up going with Omega Enthusiast. I am worried to finally find a nice example and then not know where to service it etc. Or even worse spend hundreds of hours and make a mistake...
 
AG77
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If you narrow your search to a single reference the learning curve becomes much smaller. And as suggested above you can check the sales forum here as there are a lot of nice options. And before you purchase post for feedback.

What are your collecting goals? Sometimes that one gateway vintage watch leads to looking and learning about others. 10 or 20+ years go by and now you've got a lot of experience. And watches.
 
texascollectors
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AG77 AG77
If you narrow your search to a single reference the learning curve becomes much smaller. And as suggested above you can check the sales forum here as there are a lot of nice options. And before you purchase post for feedback.

What are your collecting goals? Sometimes that one gateway vintage watch leads to looking and learning about others. 10 or 20+ years go by and now you've got a lot of experience. And watches.
That makes sense. I will try to focus on 168.005s as I think thats my favorite model. Great movement from what I've read and very desirable. The thought is to only get the 1, but as you mention, it could be a gateway...
 
MtV
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texascollectors texascollectors
That makes sense. I will try to focus on 168.005s as I think thats my favorite model. Great movement from what I've read and very desirable. The thought is to only get the 1, but as you mention, it could be a gateway...
May I suggest to also include 14902s. Same thing, basically.
 
SOG53
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I would rather take some time and find a nice example here (they do come up) rather than paying 3x more than necessary
 
lenndon
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As always it boils down to the price and how much you are in love with the watch. for 500$ it's always a taker, but for more you also need to like it. only because the price is right, does not mean it is the right watch for you..
As others suggested, I'd also go for a "not so rough" model and invest a bit more. Might bring you more fun down the line.
 
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