Hi,
Please let me have your opinion. Is this a Franken or maybe a legit service replacement? I bought it today at a local Jewelry.
It’s an Omega Constellation Automatic Chronometer. The case number is (168.005) and the mechanism is a 561cal, serial number is 20690785…(1962-1963).
The back case and the mechanism looks real and the watch keeps perfect time.
The shop owner told me that the dial is original and not refinished. The dial does have a patina (hard to see on pics).
Please look closely at the bezel; it has the hands with luminous center and the lumen dots on the inside edge of the hour markers. Also please look at the letter T next to Swiss Made.
I have two concerns:
1-I cannot find a Constellation with those lumen dots (in that location) in any pictures on the internet.
2- Please take a look at The Swiss Made T
I was reading in a forum here that Omega started to put the T next to the Swiss Made after 1963
http://omegaforums.net/threads/constellation-lume-debate-opinions-needed.7455/
The shop owner did tell me that he replaced the crown with a legit Omega replacement part for that model.
Please let me have your opinion regarding the dial with the lumen dots in an unusual location.
Could this be a movement serial number form an earlier year?
Or
Maybe the dial was replaced?
Thanks,
Lui

 

so, In your opinion, Omega added those inner lume dots to later models?
or, was the dial altered by a Jeweler?

 

I'm relatively new and defer to experienced members. After viewing many examples of ref. 168.005 available on the Forum, I don't think you'll find others with lume dots on the dial. Though like you, I find the classic pie-pan attractive and hope you'll enjoy wearing it!

 

Ok...Thanks!

 

Well, I found a couple of watches with the lumen dots on the outside (see this link to a forum here). But I cannot find pics of lumen dots on the inside.
http://omegaforums.net/threads/constellation-lume-debate-opinions-needed.7455/
But, you are right, the pie pan is very attractive.
THANKS!

 

Rather than 'a watchmaker' in this instance, I think I prefer the technical term 'some idiot'...

 

You are right. I wish I could have them removed.

 

Maybe an experienced watchmaker may do just that.
The problem may be marks on the dial surface varnish after having the dots removed.
Maybe some advice from some of the watchmakers here on OF could be helpful?
Al @Archer perhaps?
Can these deeds be undone?

 

The original places for the lume dots are at the other end of the hour markers on this dial. The T marking is appropriate here.

 

Quick update. I took it back to the watchmaker who sold me the watch and he said that he does not recommend messing with the dial.
I am not too upset about it. It is still a nice timepiece. I paid a little over $800 (I'm in Columbia, SC).
THANKS!

 

Ok. Thanks!

 

I would have said the same - in so many cases you end up with something looking worse than when you started - any dial work is risky, and results can't be guaranteed.

Cheers, Al