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Meister constellation, redial? (Took a gamble and bought the watch)

Hipp
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Hi OF

I’m on the lookout for a constellation to pair with my recently acquired Seamaster, I’ve come across this Meister constellation that I like the look of, but would like a once over from the connie gurus before I commit.

Unfortunately there are no movement shots, however the seller lists this as a cal 561, judging by the case style I believe this to be a 14393 which would mean the movement is correct.

The case looks to be in decent condition and the case back medallion shows all 8 stars. The dial has some light spotting but overall looks nice to me with what looks to be onyx inserts.

I believe the crown and hands are correct (although I'm not 100% on the crown) and I'm pretty sure I see an omega logo on the crystal

I’ve compared this watch to other 14393’s and other constellations with Meister logos (I’ve provided pictures below for reference although not a complete like for like) and I'm just not sure about the text on the dial, the font seems thicker than other connies I've seen which makes me think this might be a redial.

My question is, what do the OF’s think? Have I missed anything else that should make me stay away?

Kind regards

Sam
Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 8.31.25 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.36.23 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.37.20 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.36.36 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.37.44 pm.png


Meister photos to cross reference.

Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.42.14 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 7.41.43 pm.png Screenshot 2022-12-23 at 8.09.26 pm.png
 
Kraal90
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I don’t dare to asses the dial but should the observatory on the backside be gold on a SS watch?
 
Hipp
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dude88
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looks legit to me.
font thickness could be due to quality of the photo/ the lighting condition it was taken in.
 
dude88
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Kraal90 Kraal90
I don’t dare to asses the dial but should the observatory on the backside be gold on a SS watch?
14393 has gold medallion
 
MtV
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Kraal90 Kraal90
I don’t dare to asses the dial but should the observatory on the backside be gold on a SS watch?

The answer is: depends.

On a 14393? Definitely.
 
Hipp
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@MtV, any thoughts on the dial or watch? Would definitely appreciate your input as I have a few threads saved with your redials comparisons.
 
MtV
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Hipp Hipp
@MtV, any thoughts on the dial or watch? Would definitely appreciate your input as I have a few threads saved with your redials comparisons.

I think it's legit. The font is slightly thicker, but that's a common way of aging on those early 60s pieces. Personally, I don't find it attractive. The pictures might emphasize this, but it looks rough and dirty. It might clean up well, but my gut kinda says no. Anyway, it's a bit of a guessing-game with the quality of those pics. Clear shots in natural light (!) would certainly help.
 
Hipp
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MtV MtV
I think it's legit. The font is slightly thicker, but that's a common way of aging on those early 60s pieces. Personally, I don't find it attractive. The pictures might emphasize this, but it looks rough and dirty. It might clean up well, but my gut kinda says no. Anyway, it's a bit of a guessing-game with the quality of those pics. Clear shots in natural light (!) would certainly help.

Cheers M, your definitely right about it looking rough and dirty. For some reason I just can't stop looking at fixer upper types. 😜
 
X350 XJR
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If you're OK with the dial as it appears in the photos, have a wack at it, is it a gamble you're willing to take? Buying such a thing with the expectation of being able to improve a dial is a crap shoot at best. Been there, done that.
 
Hipp
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X350 XJR X350 XJR
If you're OK with the dial as it appears in the photos, have a wack at it, is it a gamble you're willing to take? Buying such a thing with the expectation of being able to improve a dial is a crap shoot at best. Been there, done that.

I meant fixer upper more in terms of cleaning and servicing the watch, I wouldn't do anything to the dial. For me, I'm mainly concerned with the watch being original than it being in pristine condition.
 
TexOmega
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When I look at those pictures, I see a seller with crummy camera/photoshop skills......for a reason.


I choose redial for the heavy handed graphics and no beauty.
 
Adam2941
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I think it’s totally legit and I think it has a high probability of looking A LOT better in the flesh than in those crumby pics. Hopefully the price is nice.
 
bananapeanut
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Adam2941 Adam2941
I think it has a high probability of looking A LOT better in the flesh than in those crumby pics.

it has an equally high probability of looking a lot worse. By using the camera of 15-year-old flip phone, the seller has made no effort to show what the dial really looks like. It's ridiculous
 
Hipp
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bananapeanut bananapeanut
it has an equally high probability of looking a lot worse. By using the camera of 15-year-old flip phone, the seller has made no effort to show what the dial really looks like. It's ridiculous

Its a Japanese auction @bananapeanut, so unfortunately I couldn't ask for better pics as you need a Japanese number to register for the site.
 
bananapeanut
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Hipp Hipp
Its a Japanese auction @bananapeanut, so unfortunately I couldn't ask for better pics as you need a Japanese number to register for the site.

You're taking a risk with both the dial and the movement.
 
Hipp
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bananapeanut bananapeanut
You're taking a risk with both the dial and the movement.

Thanks for the input @bananapeanut, consensus from this thread seems to be stay away so i'll do just that. Looks like more research for the time being.
 
Adam2941
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Looks to me like excess contrast of a low resolution photo. That band of lighter tone from the 8 to 2 markers is probably not really there. The biggest risk would be some kind of beige patina that might not suit your taste. Bad sign that you can’t request better photos. Depending on the price I would go for it, but it would have to be way below the normal price for such a watch. I’ve gotten some of my best watches at good prices from photos like this, but the price needs to be low enough to throw it back in the pond if it does not work out.
 
bananapeanut
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STANDY STANDY
Overpaying for the best possible example was the best bit advice I ever got starting off.

So true for many things even beyond watches. Buy the best, buy once.
 
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