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New member - 1959 Constellation 14381/2 SC - seeking advice

bjtomega
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Hello everyone, I'm a new member and have been enjoying reading through the forum. I recently came across a 1959 Omega Constellation reference 14381/2 SC that I'm looking to learn more about before eventually selling it.

The watch has the 18k yellow gold case and what appears to be the original pie-pan De Luxe dial with arrowhead indices and Dauphine hands. The Cal. 551 movement is running. I can see what looks like a dried/shrunken gasket inside the case. It is running. I have not had it serviced yet.

I'd love the community's help with:

  • Confirming originality of the dial and hands
  • Assessing whether the case appears unpolished
  • General condition feedback
  • Any advice before I consider listing it for sale
I'll attach photos below. Thank you in advance for any guidance.

Image 1.webp Image.webp Image 2.webp Image 3.webp Image 4.webp
 
bjtomega
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Also what are the most common issues that develop in the 551 after 60+ years?
  • What should a watchmaker specifically inspect or replace during a service?
  • Are there known weaknesses in this caliber I should be aware of?
  • How do I find a watchmaker experienced with vintage Omega movements?
 
Dan S
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Unfortunate about the condition, especially the dial. Definitely no service before selling this watch; put that idea totally out of your mind. The good news is that gold is extremely high right now.
 
Peemacgee
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Welcome @btgomega
Are we to assume you used AI to assess your watch?
The case is reasonable but not unpolished.
The dial is not a deluxe dial, so is a 14381 (not 14382)
The dial has standard gold indices with onyx inserts, not arrowhead indices.
As @Dan S says, the dial is a bit rough so don’t service if you are going to sell.

Hope that helps.
 
bjtomega
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Dan S Dan S
Unfortunate about the condition, especially the dial. Definitely no service before selling this watch; put that idea totally out of your mind. The good news is that gold is extremely high right now.
what do you mean about no service. Should I have it serviced?
 
bjtomega
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Welcome @btgomega
Are we to assume you used AI to assess your watch?
The case is reasonable but not unpolished.
The dial is not a deluxe dial, so is a 14381 (not 14382)
The dial has standard gold indices with onyx inserts, not arrowhead indices.
As @Dan S says, the dial is a bit rough so don’t service if you are going to sell.

Hope that helps.
Do you think the diet was changed out?
 
bjtomega
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Welcome @btgomega
Are we to assume you used AI to assess your watch?
The case is reasonable but not unpolished.
The dial is not a deluxe dial, so is a 14381 (not 14382)
The dial has standard gold indices with onyx inserts, not arrowhead indices.
As @Dan S says, the dial is a bit rough so don’t service if you are going to sell.

Hope that helps.
Yes AI "helped". So is the value only in the gold and the movement?
 
Dan S
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bjtomega bjtomega
what do you mean about no service. Should I have it serviced?
I thought I was very clear. Do not have it serviced before selling.
 
TexOmega
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bjtomega bjtomega
Yes AI "helped". So is the value only in the gold and the movement?
Yes, the vast majority of your value will be in gold content
 
SOG53
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The dial has a lot of spotting, or "patina", probably more than most like. But it looks original to me based on the one rather blurry photo.

If you are selling it the recommendation is that you not spend the money to service, as you will not recoup the money spent when you sell.

Maybe seems counterintuitive, but it is true.
 
Peemacgee
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bjtomega bjtomega
Do you think the diet was changed out?
No, the dial is likely original, just not as you described.
Deluxe constellations have solid gold dials, yours is a standard dial but unfortunately in poor condition.
The same 18k case was used for standard and deluxe models, hence the dual reference in the case back. (14381/2)
The standard watch (yours) is a 14381
The deluxe is a 14382.
 
reggie_v
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As others have mentioned the dial is the limiting factor with this watch. I honestly don’t think the case is in too poor a condition. It’s somewhat sharp at least but has a lot of scuffs. But as a whole I feel most collectors are moving away from the idea of “patina” on a dial. I’ve never been a fan anyway and think patina is marketing spiel to sell a sub par watch. Either way, that is compounded when selling a gold watch as the higher prices tend to attract more niche or dedicated collectors who (myself included) would like a near enough pristine example.

Patina dials tend to sell with lower end steel models but as mentioned already I think buyers are becoming more discerning and this forum along with all the information the internet can provide I believe this trend will only continue.

I’d say sell now while you can - and yes, definitely don’t service it
 
bjtomega
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bjtomega bjtomega
what do you mean about no service. Should I have it serviced?

reggie_v reggie_v
As others have mentioned the dial is the limiting factor with this watch. I honestly don’t think the case is in too poor a condition. It’s somewhat sharp at least but has a lot of scuffs. But as a whole I feel most collectors are moving away from the idea of “patina” on a dial. I’ve never been a fan anyway and think patina is marketing spiel to sell a sub par watch. Either way, that is compounded when selling a gold watch as the higher prices tend to attract more niche or dedicated collectors who (myself included) would like a near enough pristine example.

Patina dials tend to sell with lower end steel models but as mentioned already I think buyers are becoming more discerning and this forum along with all the information the internet can provide I believe this trend will only continue.

I’d say sell now while you can - and yes, definitely don’t service it
I appreciate your input. Given the feedback, I wonder if it is worth having the case and crystal polished and the O ring changed to clean up the appearance. Ultimately where would this sell best?
 
Peemacgee
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By all means polish the crystal - you can do this yourself. (Make sure you tape off the bezel)
Under no circumstances polish the case unless you are keeping it for yourself and that is how you want it, as you will only devalue the watch.
Someone might have a nice dial and would primarily be interested in the case.
 
Jan Dietrich
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Welcome to the Forum! I also would keep the watch. The dial is definitly the limiting factor. You asked about the movement. I think the most common issue of this Movement after 60 years is the automatic rotor play. Sometimes these rotors get to much play and hit against the mainplate and/or case. Archer made a good video about the repair of this issue.
 
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