Omega Constellation 14381 - Opinion?

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Hi all,

I am still looking for an Omega Constellation (ideally a Pie Pan) but my pockets are not deep so I've been looking at auctions (not eBay but the ones that lasts about 2 minutes and ends with a hammer).

Prices seems to be more affordable sometimes (despite huge additional fees).

There is an auction in a few days and I am tempted to bid, but I'd like to get your opinion on what could be a reasonable price, or to know if it's worth buying at all.

The watch is running but that's as much information I could get. No service record of course.

I couldn't get any pics if the movement, only the case/dial. But I think there is only so much you can see on a movement photo anyway?

Here are the pics I have:


Crystal is in bad shape and needs replacing, and I would probably try an get the original crown.
A good service is required anyway.

The dial seems to be okay (although it's hard to tell with this crystal) and I really like this champagne colour.

Case edges seems relatively sharp, so a light polish could be acceptable I think in order to get rid of all the dirt and scratches. What do you think?
The case is really dirty and looks rusted (but I think these are stainless steel?) so I am not sure what to think here.

What do you think would be a correct price to bid for this watch please?
Taking into account a full service and crystal / crown replacement.
For information, I am based in London UK.

Thanks a lot in advance.

Jerome
 
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I would run away from this watch as fast as you can.

The caseback would seem to be from a totally different case reference. The steel versions of Ref 14381 had smaller medallions without the brickwork on the observatory.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...pie-pan-dial-ss-case-cal-551-serviced.105286/

When Omega introduced the “C” cases, around 1965 or so, the gold capped versions had similar medallions to this one. I don’t know if the these parts are supposed to be compatible, but anything is possible with vintage Omegas.
gatorcpa
 
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That's a real shame with the caseback as the dial and case looks like it could have cleaned up very nicely.
 
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I'd recommend waiting a little longer, saving a bit more money, and buying a good example from a known seller.
 
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I would run away from this watch as fast as you can.

The caseback would seem to be from a totally different case reference. The steel versions of Ref 14381 had smaller medallions without the brickwork on the observatory.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/196...pie-pan-dial-ss-case-cal-551-serviced.105286/

When Omega introduced the “C” cases, around 1965 or so, the gold capped versions had similar medallions to this one. I don’t know if the these parts are supposed to be compatible, but anything is possible with vintage Omegas.
gatorcpa

Good job spotting this! Not sure how this case back ended up there. Is it best to assume it's a Franken Watch and that possibly other parts are not genuine?
 
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Good job spotting this! Not sure how this case back ended up there. Is it best to assume it's a Franken Watch and that possibly other parts are not genuine?
Yes. But without pictures of the inside, we cannot say more.
gatorcpa
 
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That's a real shame with the caseback as the dial and case looks like it could have cleaned up very nicely.

I agree. I wouldn't touch a watch given the switched case-back. However, if the OP is risk-tolerant, this type of auction listing can sometimes be worth a gamble. It is a gamble, however. Auctions are full of watches with issues, and poor/incomplete photos can mask serious flaws. I make this type of purchase myself sometimes, but they don't all end well.
 
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I agree. I wouldn't touch a watch given the switched case-back. However, if the OP is risk-tolerant, this type of auction listing can sometimes be worth a gamble. It is a gamble, however. Auctions are full of watches with issues, and poor/incomplete photos can mask serious flaws. I make this type of purchase myself sometimes, but they don't all end well.

I think this is a good summary of the situation here. Buying would be a gamble (or a mistake depending on the price I guess).
I've asked for photos of the movement based on the case back not being original, but I doubt I'll get anything.
I don't mind the case back being from another watch (it's still from an Omega Constellation watch so sort of makes sense to me), but only if the price reflects that, which I doubt will.
I had a quick look on eBay and did not see any case back for sale.