Need Advice on Legitimacy - Bought an Omega Constellation

Zman4eva

I agree with what everyone here said. Also, sellers that do this type of "restoration" are targeting a specific customer (people that want shiny thing hence the over polishing) and tend to charge multiples of what the watch is worth. To me, a good condition 2852 is probably $2k. I can see a seller charging $5k for this watch because "it's in such nice condition".

Please tell me you didn't pay $5k for this watch.

Dan S

That was not me, but I agree. 😁

Mark020

I assume the OP paid a little bit more...

B blopkinz

WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?!?!?!?

Bruce235

OP, note that clean shiny black dialled connies from the 1950s are extremely rare to find in original condition. It takes long to find one and it will be expensive.
There will be 10-50 redials and Franken watches for each original that you see.

wagudc

I searched the image source, and it seems the watch came from Second Time Around Watch Co. They do accept returns. Even if you have to pay the 7.5% restocking fee, it is worth it given the asking price I saw on the cached page. See:

https://secondtimearoundwatchco.com/pages/faqs#8

Also please keep in mind, the folks here are giving you free advice based on many years of experience. We are a community of enthusiasts, not a appraisal service. Your tone has been less then cordial. You've waltzed in without introduction, asked questions, and complained when you don't like the answer. Yes, some of the answers were short and not as well explained as you would have liked, but you are one of many people asking such questions each week which is why you are getting short-hand answers. Regardless, you have gotten very clear sound advice from several members, and I have not heard a single thank you.

ecarpino

I can tell from experience that redials are very common on the black ones, so you must have a trained eye and trust the people in here before buying. After what happened to me, I would always ask for an opinion on black dials.

Bruce235

OP, note that clean shiny black dialled connies from the 1950s are extremely rare to find in original condition. It takes long to find one and it will be expensive.
There will be 10-50 redials and Franken watches for each original that you see.

Dan S

Yes, a redial kills the collectible value and generally reduces market value by at least 50% for a watch in this category. The watch still has value as parts, and as something to wear to tell the time.

Bruce235

OP, note that clean shiny black dialled connies from the 1950s are extremely rare to find in original condition. It takes long to find one and it will be expensive.
There will be 10-50 redials and Franken watches for each original that you see.

gbesq

blopkinz,

Here's the bottom line. You overpaid signifcantly for a poor example. The watch is redialed with an overpolished case and has no collectible value. It does not appear that you were misled by the seller since he/she advised you that the watch had been restored, but if there was anything in the listing that is contrary to what you now know, you may have cause to return the watch for a refund. Even if there is no cause, you have nothing to lose by contacting the seller and requesting a return of the watch and a refund. If you can't return it, then this is a hard lesson in purchasing vintage watches and you'll either have to keep the watch and live with your mistake or sell it -- with full disclosure as to what it is -- and recoup what you can. The time to come to OF and seek our opinions as to originality and condition was before you bought the watch, not after. Another hard lesson, I'm afraid. Better luck going forward.

Fallout Boy

You don t need to shout here...

gatorcpa

Incorrectly professionally restored dial. Very heavy polished case, to the point where much of the detail on the case is gone.

Pictures look very overexposed, which tends to hide some of these flaws.
gatorcpa