Omega Constellation 168.005

Hi guys! I'm back with a new connie that looks interesting to me. Maybe third time's a charm?

168.005, cal561, 20970321 (1962?)


So I have tried to apply the tips from "Learn how to fish" to the best of my weak knowledge.

1. Case: I think the case seems to be in ok shape overall. The doglegs though are not razer sharp, not even close. I guess it's harder to find when it's softer gold and not steel. This is something I think I can live with. The caseback looks fine, no major scratches from trying to open it up which is very common to see. Some rust?/gold on the back of some lugs? The medallion has all the stars present but unfortunately an ugly looking scratch on the observatory. To me it seems that there is no overpolishing going on, maybe never polished? I guess overall I would give the case a 3/5.

2+3. Dial/lume/hands: The first impression to me is that the dial looks pretty good. I can't see anything that hints of a redial. Though there is some small bubbles present, what can cause this? Is it a red flag? The pics makes it hard to see if the star is positioned correctly but from what I can see it looks straight. The hands seems to be correct from the research I've done and the crystal has the omega logo so it might be original. Overall I love the dial, I would rate it 4/5.

The movement have some scratches but I guess it looks ok? The crown seems to be original; first I thought the color was a little different compared to the case but I'm not certain that is the case. The buckle is non-omega (new). Will try to find a good replacement if I buy it.

Hope I'm not completely wrong on this one!

Thank you all for a great forum!
Kind regards,
Connie62?

Compliments on assessing the watch in detail.

Now that you are into 'deep-dive' territory - have you looked at the movements of other cal 561s? (or indeed other chronometer graded movts)

Hint - look at the bridge on this one and compare it to 'normal' 561s (the bit with the jewel count on it)

dial: top 👍 with onyx-inlays (?) 👍 I like this example!

As mentioned, the bridge under the rotor looks to be from a non chronometer rated movement, say a 552, a 561 will have more text stating adjustments etc.
It may just have been replaced at a service and I don't know if it affects the movement or the value of the piece, the rest looks ok. Pics to illustrate what I mean.

I did not notice that, thank you! I think it's a little fishy of the seller to not mention that there's at least one part of the movement that's been replaced. The seller has good knowledge of Omegas (sells a lot of them) so it's not probable that he didn't know. I will ask him why he did not put it in the add (90% to get a higher price).

It is online bidding, I guess it goes for at least 1500 dollars. For now the leading bid is 600 dollars but 5 days left. What a bummer, so hard to find a connie that's close to original. And a lot of them (in Sweden at least) have ugly inscriptions on the caseback.

I imagine it is not that easy to find the "correct" bridge to replace it with. One would have to buy a 561 that's in a bad state but with intact movement. The main problem is that a lot of bidders probably won't notice and hence price it as an original without the buckle.

Have a nice friday! Next time I will look harder at the movement.

The caseback is often with inscription or overpolished on the swedish market. They usually go for around 1500 dollars in that condition. This connie is by far in the best overall condition I've seen during a couple of months search. But I have noticed that the prices are coming down so who knows. I will for sure keep an eye on the bidding and report the final price here. 😀

http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&Omega_550 is one good resource for information movements

Plot twist: The seller answered "good catch" and updated the add with a new (correct it seems) bridge. But the rotor seems to also be replaced since the scratches don't add up. The "H" in WATCH now has a mark as well. Why would he replace the rotor?! Maybe the other rotor was from an 552 movement as well but I guess they are kind of similar/the same anyway?

Parts bin... IMHO I think there's enough doubt to pass on this one now, just my thoughts.

e.g.:

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anze...-1963-automatic-goldhaube/2594024567-157-2685



https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anze...168-005-stahlgold-vintage/2566755128-157-2111

I did not search all the offers...

the rotor is attached to the bridge