My Grandfather gave me this watch about 14 years ago. He's since passed away.

He was a farmer and never wore it. If I remember correctly he was given it by a relative years earlier.

It's been in my wife's jewelry box the last 14 years and I have no idea how long it was in his dresser drawer before that.

I've decided I want "one nice watch" to wear when I dress up. I wore it a few times when he gave it to me but it obviously needed service so I quit wearing it and never followed up on getting it cleaned/lubricated/serviced. I can't remember exactly but it was either running slow and slower or would stop running before it should have been wound down. Either way I knew it needed to be cleaned, at a minimum, but didn't know where to go and never followed up until now.

I know it's an Omega Constellation with a pie plate face. I can't find any other info on when it would have been made, what mechanism it used, if there's a special name for this variant, etc. Any info is appreciated.

 

I'm in the Detroit suburbs and a search shows this place is relatively close to me. I'd love to not have to mail it off so finding someone local would be great.

I just want it cleaned and lubricated with nothing replaced unless it's damaged beyond use. I don't want it restored.

So would Universal Watch Repair in Birmingham, Mich be a good place? Or would they replace things to bring it to "factory spec" or wind up charging more than I can afford?

http://www.universalwatch.net/restor06.htm

 

Is it a 168.005 with a cal 564? Probably around 1966.

Soon the connie guys will come along. They probably know.

When the watchmaker opens is he can take pictures of the caliber, serialnumber and modelnumber.

It's a very nice watch. Give it just a plain service and enjoy!

 

I don't know the model number but now that you gave me that one I Googled it. Yeah, I'm now seeing other examples of that model that look just like mine. (At least to my non expert eye). Thanks.

 

Back of the watch. ant to add this earlier but not seeing it

 

Welcome @Trebor1415
That’s a very nice Constellation you have there.
Gold cap, pie-pan, dogleg lugs, all in what looks to be good condition.

I agree with @Shabbaz about a 168.005 with the 564 movt calibre but I’m going to hazard a guess that it’s a little later, say 68-ish as the indices have black paint inserts (as opposed to onyx) which appeared around 67/68.

You can test if it is a 564 as it has the quickset date function by pulling the crown out ‘twice’ ie a little further after setting the hands.
(It’s good practice to set the hands to 6.30 when doing this)

I’m afraid I can’t recommend a watchmaker for you as I’m on the other side of the pond but I’m sure one of your stateside compatriots will come along to help you out.

 

To add to what the others have said, this looks like a particularly nice example of a top-quality watch. It is well worth the extra time, effort and money to find a vintage Omega specialist to service it, but DO NOT under any circumstances send it to Omega for servicing for reasons that have been gone into time and again on this forum. Also, do not let them change the crown on the pretext that the old one isn't watertight. Maintaining originality is paramount here.

 

and absolutely NO polishing.....

 

Nice find. Service it, new strap and wear the hell out of it!

 

I can pull the crown out twice. I still can't figure out if it has quick set or not as I find the instructions I found very confusing. I think it does, but I'm not sure, and I can't get the date to change.

EDIT: Just figured it out. You change the date by moving the crown in and out. I was expecting it to change by rotating it. So, yeah, it has quick set

I did research a little so I know not to send it to Omega. Thanks for mentioning it again though.

The plan is JUST a clean and lubricate, with replacement of only the gasket. Maybe (probably) a new strap as well. No polishing.

I'm a gun collector so I understand about keeping things original and prefer that myself

 

I am not planning to sell it but I would like to know the value. If nothing else I'd want to add a rider to my home insurance policy and decide if I need to get it appraised for insurance purposes.

A ballpark is fine. Just need an idea if this is a $400 watch or a $4000 watch or somewhere inbetween.

 

Between $ 1000 and $ 1500

 

Thanks, that helps. I'll definitely see if I can add it to my home owner's insurance especially if I can do so without too much hassle

 

Last question: What should I expect to pay (in the U.S.) for cleaning and lubrication? Assume nothing needs to be repaired.

And any recommendations as to where to take it or send it would be great.

 

Again I agree with @Shabbaz for a sales value but it would cost you significantly more if you tried to replace it at retail prices - so you should insure it for at least $2,000

I believe a service in your neck of the woods should cost around $2-300.

 

Thanks guys. This is a great group and I appreciate the help.

I'm not a "watch guy" so I won't be contributing a lot here. I'm working on studio photography for my firearms writing gig so when I get a chance I'll do some beauty shots of the watch and put 'em up.

 

Would you take the photo of the inside of the buckle, was Omega stamped there?

 

Yes, Omega is stamped on the inside of the buckle and on the strap. (Strap is faded)

I'll shoot a photo later.

 

One of the places I called for the work is telling me, "I can guarantee you will need to replace the mainspring as the metal they used then isn't as good as what we do now and I don't want it to be service and have the mainspring break a year down the road."

I think he mentioned how the metal was tempered or something, if I understood him correctly.

That sound right to you guys? Would replacing the main spring be routine at this point or unneccesary?

 

If you are planning on keeping it for the long term I'd say it is good advice for a watch of this age. It shouldn't add more than maybe €50 to the service cost.