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Omega Constellation 14381 Gold-Capped, Cal. 551

1962 beads of rice cal. 551 constellation gold-capped omega vintage
cristos71
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Beautiful watch. I had it saved but didn't give it any priority due to its US location.

I think it was a steal at that price, in that condition, with all the extras.
 
gbesq
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Sorry I missed it. I'm in the US and I agree with cristos71 - that was a very good deal.
 
qazwsx1
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So this type of bracelet can indeed be original and correct for reference 14381.

Previously, I believed that only the BOR bracelet was appropriate.
 
skand
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I'd like to ask if the 27.9RA on the tag is the movement's diameter? In Europe, the movement's caliber has always been specified.

400.webp
 
Dan S
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skand skand
I'd like to ask if the 27.9RA on the tag is the movement's diameter? In Europe, the movement's caliber has always been specified.

400.webp
Yeah, that's funny, it also says 551 or 561 (hard to read), which is probably the actual caliber.
 
Peemacgee
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what a lovely watch - someone got them selves a real keeper there.
 
Peemacgee
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qazwsx1 qazwsx1
So this type of bracelet can indeed be original and correct for reference 14381.

Previously, I believed that only the BOR bracelet was appropriate.
this watch is on the cusp of watches suited to the 5-row BOR and the 7-row BOR.

We would normally see the 'rounder' 5-row being paired with a lyre-lug constellation.
 
skand
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Dan S Dan S
Yeah, that's funny, it also says 551 or 561 (hard to read), which is probably the actual caliber.

Yes, that's right, reference number 14381 should have caliber 551... and I think it does. My reference number 2943 only has 28RA. Furthermore, someone copied that from the label onto the inside of the warranty card, without specifying the caliber of the movement.

20251130_172231.webp
 
cristos71
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Dan S Dan S
Yeah, that's funny, it also says 551 or 561 (hard to read), which is probably the actual caliber.
Should be 551 for a 14381
 
padders
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qazwsx1 qazwsx1
So this type of bracelet can indeed be original and correct for reference 14381.

Previously, I believed that only the BOR bracelet was appropriate.
That is a BOR but the 7 row kind. Edit, Philip sorry, didn't see you had posted similar.

I have a vested interest in dating a 18.2m watch accurately. Do we accept 1962 for this or is the more canonical 1961 still considered a viable manufacture date? I'd love to konw if the Oct 1962 tag seen above was from the selling jeweller or the manufacturer.
Edited:
 
Peemacgee
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I think the difficulty you have is that the dating material available varies.
It’s also thought that omega didn’t necessarily use numbers consecutively but in batches.

I’ve always used this reference which puts the lowest production date as 1961, through 1962 And 1963 - and in low production up until 1964.

IMG_3264.webp


Whereas Bob’s dating is more restricted to a single year.
IMG_3265.webp


Which all means that an 18.2 serial ‘62 watch is entirely possible.
 
padders
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Fairenoughski! and thanks. I'll explain why in a couple of days when I receive my latest acquisition back from the watchmaker. It ain't a Connie so I won't derail this threat further.
 
MtV
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Thanks @Dan S

Over the last year or so I’ve heard people speak of a “soft market” often - and I agree, but only for anything below “very good”. Really spectacular pieces still fetch significant amounts, as a >3k gold-capped (!) Connie shows. Or a gold-capped 2577 Seamaster that went for significantly more a couple weeks ago. More on the latter in a few days.
 
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