Greetings,

I'm new here. Done some reading over the last couple of months, on this site and others, trying to get some background on Omega Seamasters from the 60's. I've read the stickies on this site, but please accept my apologies if I transgress !

I'm based in Australia and turning 50 next year and would like to get a Seamaster from my birth year of 1968.

I believe I should be looking for a serial number starting 26xxx or 27xxx (depending on which lists I refer to).

I'm trying to avoid watches that have a face that's been re-touched, but I am not a fan of heavy patina.

I love the look of this one
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Excellent-Mens-OMEGA-Constellation-Chronometer-Automatic-Black-Dial-Cal-712/272931567650?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
but it looks WAY too nice a face to be original and the lack of a star under the word Constellation concerns me. I don't think it's an original crystal. I would guess it's been polished, but has it been done well or not well?







I also love this one
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vintage-1968-Omega-Seamaster-Chronograph-145-016-68-Hand-Wound-Calibre-861/232567080843?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Nothing jumps out to me as being out of place....






These also appeal to me
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VINTAGE-OMEGA-AUTOMATIC-CONSTELLATION-DATE-504-SWISS-MENS-WATCH-OLD-H245-USED/351401623995?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network





https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Omega-Seamaster-Genève-Automatik-Luxus-Herrenuhr-1968-Ref-165-002-Kal-565/401444160370?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network


https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/OMEGA-SS-TURLER-SEAMASTER-DE-VILLE-AUTOMATIC-WATCH-EUROPEAN-MODEL-WATCH-SERVICED/292340294690?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network



If anyone has any time on their hands (pun very much intended), I would love your thoughts on these watches. I am trying to increase knowledge before buying and don't want my first vintage purchase to be a frankenwatch.

Thanks for reading a long first post.



Andy

 

For more help, it would be nice if you posted the photos here that way we don't have to click on each link. The first constellation you posted is a sure redial. I couldn't keep clicking after that.

 

I'd suggest you read the listings more carefully. One clearly states it's a redial.

 

Thanks

I thought it would be easier just to post the links. Sorry.

I guess what I was hoping to glean from you guys, was along the lines of what BenBagbag said, that wasn't mentioned in the listing. eg. "That's a redial" or "movement doesn't belong in that case".

I wasn't asking which one fits my requirements.

Just trying to increase my knowledge, so I can stop asking stupid noob questions ! But it's a catch 22, how do I gain knowledge without asking noob questions.

Cheers

 

Hello Andy,
As you said, it appears that your mean concern is year 1968. A birthday watch!
Amongst the links of Omega watches you shared, if I were you, I will pick the Turler Seamaster. Reasons :
1. A dual brands, Turler and Omega. (uncommon)
2. Watch looks original with matching bracelet.
3. Recently serviced as said by seller i.e. ready to wear.

But, price on the high side. I will not pay more than US$900.

Hope it helps.

Cheers,

 

For your easy identification, below is pic of the watch

 

Photos added

 

The 3rd watch has a franken dial. It's a Constellation Calendar ref. 2943 and should have a Constellation dial instead.

Edit: Better if picture of the inside caseback was posted. It shows ref. is 2852 which should have calibre 501/505 non-calendar movement. This is a total franken watch with parts from at least 3 different watch models.

 

Thank you TNTwatch.

So to assist my learning......

It has a case ref 2852. That case should have a calibre 501/505.
Where would I learn about what case should have what calibre ?

How do you know / I find out that a Connie Calendar has a ref 2943?

Bear with me

 

Working backwards for this one the movement is a calibre 504, which was only used in two references, both Constellations, the 2954 ( Deluxe ) and the 2943.

http://omega-constellation-collecto.../easyfind-calibre-case-number-date-index.html

 

HA !

Thanks very much for that pdf link

I just read that the "DIAL wrongly repainted as SEAMASTER. It is actually a CONSTELLATION model watch"

How bad a service was that !

I have tried to read some of Desmonds information.......but there is so much info. I guess I have to take bite sized pieces.......

Cheers

 

Well said by cristos71 re cal.504
One additional remark is an extra reference of 14747 for cal.504. You will be a luck man if you pick up this Calendar Constellation with cal.504. Please see Desmond's link below.
Cheers,

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.hk/2014/03/the-elusive-omega-constellation-14747.html

 

OP, as others have said the only above watch worth even thinking about is the Turler and personally I wouldn't go for it, as if you only have one vintage Omega you want it to be a classic and not a slightly oddball variant. As mentioned above it is too expensive, also that style is likely to be pre-1968. You wouldn't want that 504 even if it were correct as they were not making these in 1968. Best strategy is to take a deep breath, try to stay calm and pace yourself. The good watches won't all disappear and you will get the right one if you hang in there. In your place I would be looking for a nice, classic Seamaster with 552 (no date) or 565 (date) movement. You'll need a movement photo to get the serial number so you can date the watch. 1968 is a time of transition from rounded 50s-60s to more angular 60s-70s designs with the Cosmic series beginning about then so you need to determine which models were in production in 1968. ADD: you won't get any bargains from watch dealers nor is buying from them any guarantee of authenticity.

 

Thank you all for your comments.
I have to say that it's been hard to restrain myself from buying the first shiny thing I saw.
I am in no hurry, hence trying to learn and educate myself.
I saw this one, and read about the transition of the cal 551 from being originally a Geneve then morphing to a Seamaster
Your thoughts on this one?
To my untrained eye, it looks very original.
I think I can see the signed crystal. The movement looks unmolested. The case fits. The buckle...? maybe legit.

 

Good point, I always forget that one!

 

Looks original to me.
Two issues: There seems to be an engraving on the caseback (in the center, not "Waterproof")
The sealing gasket seems to have dried out and pieces of it all over the movement

 

Hi another quite rare 504 is the 14397 according to Desmond, one is on sale right now on ebay

https://www.ebay.de/itm/VINTAGE-1958-OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-AUTOMATIC-CAL-504-STAHL-GOLDHAUBE-SERVICIERT/112643588518?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

(No connection to the seller)

 

...thanks....I'll get my coat...

 

Thanks, Passover!
The eBay item you mentioned, unfortunately is a redone dial. Cuz the "CALENDAR" script is missing ☹
Anyway, 14397 is also rare!
Cheers,

 

Hi,
I don't think so, dial is OK IMO (despite that I don't know about the "Calendar" question)

Desmond wrote:

"Looks reasonable. Some work done to the movement by the looks of it."