Newbie looking at vintage Constellation

EthanSpectre

I did notice a few black spots on the dial that could be from moisture or some early signs of corrosion. It’s nothing major right now, but it might cause issues further down the line if it gets worse.

T tracyjbmitchell

Thanks so much- if I do purchase, is there a way to repair the damage from water/corrosion?

T tracyjbmitchell

Thanks so much- if I do purchase, is there a way to repair the damage from water/corrosion?

Dan S

the condition of dial and case is not good. The dial has stains and the sharp edges of the case have been rounded over by aggressive polishing. You didn't show the back but the condition of the medallion is also important. Most people want to buy the cleanest dial and least polished case they can afford. If this example is much less expensive than others, I can understand why it might be tempting, but personally I'd prefer to buy a good Seamaster or Geneve than a poor Constellation.

EthanSpectre

I would recommend you have a look at a couple other pieces.

Fallout Boy

The moisture arrived between 11 and 2 o ´clock ...😁
Do not buy!

Peemacgee

welcome @tracyjbmitchell

Your idea for finding a watch for your husband is certainly appreciated here on OF - and a Constellation pie pan is a great choice.

However,
finding a birth year watch is a task in itself.
finding a birth year watch in good condition can take OF members years.
finding a birth year watch in good condition in a couple of weeks is a pretty much impossible quest - unless you happen upon one by chance from a dealer and then you're going to pay a hefty premium.

I'm sure that your husband will be happy with whatever you buy him (unless he is an avid watch collector already) but the advice I'm sure that you'll get here is to take your time and find a really good specimen to give as your gift.

BTW, I wouldn't get too hung up about birth year watches by using movement serial numbers for dating them - it's a nice idea but a movement that was produced in 1962 or 1963 could have been assembled into a watch and sold in 1964 or 1965.
The only way to tell is to have the original receipt or an extract from Omega (which isn't available at the minute)

You didn't say what the price of the watch you posted was or what what you have in mind for a budget but check out the private sales forum here on OF regularly and watch the eBay recommended thread too.