New member- question about beads of rice clasp

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View attachment 1405678 Hi everyone- I’m a new member - name is Peter and I’ve got this vintage 1961 pie pan Omega Constellation that was my Dads old watch (see pic). It’s a keep sake I treasure and it reminds me of my dear old departed dad every day I wear it. It’s a little worn, but it still looks and works really good, at least I think so 😀 One issue is, that as you can see the clasp on it is not the original but it’s I think a spiegel and its getting pretty beat up. Can anyone point me towards where I can find an original omega clasp that fits this beads of rice bracelet? Thanks in advance and I will look forward to interacting and contributing in the future. Cheers, Peter
Edited:
 
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Hi Peter, welcome to the forum.

You'll want to measure the width inside the clasp cover, likely ~16mm. If you want to swap the entire clasp and not just the cover, measure also the width of the bracelet where it connects at the opposite side of the clasp. The cover length is good to reference but not as critical.

An Omega branded clasp can be had on eBay for USD ~$100, but this is overpriced IMHO. Here's one example that looks period correct at first glance. Make sure the color/shade matches your bracelet: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114835773840?hash=item1abcbed990:g:OPkAAOSwMdRguAcM



You might also consider another unbranded clasp/cover. Is the underside of the clasp stamped Omega? Are the end links stamped with numbers? Might want to check before you buy a genuine clasp for an aftermarket bracelet. Here's one I found quickly, these are common items at watch parts houses:. https://www.esslinger.com/watch-band-clasps-gold-plated-tri-fold-buckles/



Hope this helps!
 
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Hi Peter,

Welcome to the forum, that is certainly a nice watch. I believe the bracelet is not Omega, judging from the second pic you provided it seems the outermost links are made of rolled steel instead of a solid piece of metal as Omega would do. Like so:





If that is the case I don’t think it would be worth it to add the buckle. Maybe you would want to exchange the bracelet for a nice strap, or find a proper replacement in the future, in any case you can save your dad’s bracelet as a memento.
 
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Hi Peter,

Welcome to the forum, that is certainly a nice watch. I believe the bracelet is not Omega, judging from the second pic you provided it seems the outermost links are made of rolled steel instead of a solid piece of metal as Omega would do. Like so:





If that is the case I don’t think it would be worth it to add the buckle. Maybe you would want to exchange the bracelet for a nice strap, or find a proper replacement in the future, in any case you can save your dad’s bracelet as a memento.

hi, thanks to both of you. I did not know the entire band was aftermarket too. for now will continue to use the bracelet. But appreciate suggestion on getting a nice strap. Any recommendations?
 
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appreciate suggestion on getting a nice strap. Any recommendations?

Depends on the look you're going for, the length you need, and your budget.

I have the one I posted here, but don't wear it:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ostrich-strap.144442/

This is possibly the most concise thread here on straps: https://omegaforums.net/threads/«wa...-buy-good-quality-leather-watch-straps.82232/

Additionally, I understand you may still be able to buy this same style, 5 Row, Beads of Rice from Omega directly, part number 3010/511.
 
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When was the watch movement last serviced, Peter? If you don't know the answer to that question, then it's probably overdue and should be attended to promptly.
 
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Hi, Peter. FWIW, I was in a similar situation last year, with a Speidel BOR bracelet attached to a vintage Seamaster chronograph. The bracelet looks identical to yours. I was able to find a very close Omega match from a collector here, but it needed to be modified somewhat to be installed, and I’ve been reluctant.

Meanwhile, again thanks to folks here, I found that Omega can supply a modern replacement to fit. Coincidentally, it is also the 3010.511.

Omega Canada quoted $600 CDN for the new bracelet. I will eventually get around to buying it. In your shoes, I would do that if you want the right bracelet.

On the other hand, and I’m not sure exactly why I think this, but I don’t think I would do that for your watch. Maybe it’s because Constellations look really great on leather straps.

In any event, you have options.

Plus one on getting it serviced. Peace of mind…..
 
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When was the watch movement last serviced, Peter? If you don't know the answer to that question, then it's probably overdue and should be attended to promptly.
Oh, and don’t send it to Omega for service. They’ll update it and ruin its vintage character. If you tell us where you are located, we may be able to recommend a watchmaker who has experience servicing vintage watches.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions everyone- what a great community you have here! I got the watch serviced 7 years ago and it’s still keeping good time, within 5-8 seconds a day. Should I service it again or how often should it be serviced? Just for fun, I had a gold expansion bracelet from a Seiko and put it onto the Omega and it looks good in a Frankenstein kind of way. Maybe from a collectors viewpoint it’s cringe worthy. But for a long term solution I’m looking into getting an authentic omega beads of rice bracelet. It’s a bit of an outlay, but it’s a special watch to me for reasons I stated above, so I don’t mind spending the money.
 
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If the last service was 7 years ago, it’s due for a service now.
 
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If the last service was 7 years ago, it’s due for a service now.
I had it last serviced at Topper Jewelers in Burlingame CA, who are an authorized Omega dealer. I thought they did a very good job but do you know anyone else on the san francisco peninsula who you would want to recommend?
 
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I don’t know anyone in that particular area that I can recommend, but perhaps some other OF members can weigh in.
 
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I found that Omega can supply a modern replacement to fit. Coincidentally, it is also the 3010.511..
This sounds like a good long term plan for me, thanks !
 
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I'll pm you a way to acquire a vintage bracelet fast 😀