Omega Constellation 1953

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MtV MtV
Are you asking because of the corrosion on those hands? Honestly, I wouldn't want to be searching for a set of clean, steel, non-luminous replacement hands for one of those. Not easy at all...
Yep the corrosion. Guess you’re going to tell me to unclench my butt 😟
 
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Haha, no, not at all - you're the one who's looking for a nice 50s arrowhead Connie, so in the end, you'll have to decide what condition is acceptable for you.

Allow me one more comment though, since you considered the price of ~1.2k GBP as rather high: You're putting in the effort to do your research and take your time, which is great. It's certainly far, far from unheard of to spend a year or even a couple of years finding the right example. But you're also looking for a very good condition and seem to be unwilling to pay a premium for it. That'll make the search a lot tougher, as basically, it'll rule out every watch available on auction where it gets exposure for a while and other collectors notice it.

It's perfectly fine to rule out a watch for a condition issue that bothers you, even though it might not bother someone else. But if you're aiming high, it's more than likely you'll have to open your wallet significantly more to get there.
 
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As someone who spent around a year chasing a watch, I say: good luck!

The search is nice though, it's a great way to learn a lot of stuff!
 
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As someone who spent around a year chasing a watch, I say: good luck!

The search is nice though, it's a great way to learn a lot of stuff!

And also, when you've finally found what you were looking for - as you have demonstrated - it's a beautiful feeling. 😀
 
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MtV MtV
And also, when you've finally found what you were looking for - as you have demonstrated - it's a beautiful feeling. 😀

It is!
 
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Yep fair point. I’m not against spending more on the right watch. It’ll need to be an upgrade of one of the ones bought already though. But that seems to be part of the fun of the hobby!
I thought £1.2k was a punchy starting point given the auction hasn’t happened. If the dial is legit it’s certainly got my interest. Is the rub on the movement a concern?

I’ve got a 1962 crosshair, no date, steel dog-leg lug Constellation that this could keep company!
 
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I thought £1.2k was a punchy starting point given the auction hasn’t happened. If the dial is legit it’s certainly got my interest. Is the rub on the movement a concern?

The original paperwork makes it a nice set for a collector and adds significant value for the right buyer. Assuming the numbers match on watch and papers.
 
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One of my dad’s homilies is “it is better to travel in hope than arrive in disappointment”
But also definitely a lot of the fun is the hunt!
 
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The original paperwork makes it a nice set for a collector and adds significant value for the right buyer.
Yep it’s cool to get that. My dog-leg has the box and cert.
 
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Is the rub on the movement a concern?

Yes and no. Yes, as it’s definitely something that needs to be addressed, unless, which usually isn’t the case, it has been serviced very recently. I say no just because I’d plan to have it serviced anyway, since there’s no documented service history and that’ll get rid of the issue.
Do factor in a service unless good proof is provided you don’t need to.
 
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I enjoy this thread. Tons of great expert insight about some of my favorite models. Thanks for kicking it off.

I wonder if you've seen the one posted for sale here last month? It's a 1952 with an amazing case. Dial is a bit spotted up close but it seems very nice from more than a few inches away:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ome...low-gold-accents-some-patina-chf-1450.150582/

I'd be all over it if I hadn't bought a 1956 2852 here a few months ago.
 
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Thank you!

Yes I did see that one, nice watch. I think Private Sales is my favourite thread 😁

This 1952/53 purchase has some special resonance, I'll add some backstory another time maybe. Condition is crucial for me on this one - I have a daydream it's going to be a family heirloom passed to my kids etc. That's why the one I posted having the box and papers feels good. I have no connection to HK though, so swings and roundabouts.

There was a gorgeous rose gold furniture on waffle dial, steel case on Private Sales that was about as close as I've come to pulling the trigger. It would have been a great watch for me to wear. Right up my alley. However the case been polished and the dial had some minor discolouration and it didn't quite fit the mental picture.

I want a sharp case and unpatinated dial, not much to ask for in a 70 year old watch in a reference that everyone wants!
 
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I have really enjoyed reading through this thread and seeing examples and having some expert input into not only the watches themselves, but insights into collecting. I have been on a similar journey over the last months just getting into this hobby and just continue to enjoy OF and the wealth of knowledge here.
There was a gorgeous rose gold furniture on waffle dial, steel case on Private Sales that was about as close as I've come to pulling the trigger. It would have been a great watch for me to wear. Right up my alley. However the case been polished and the dial had some minor discolouration and it didn't quite fit the mental picture.
I bought that one! And I had the same exact assessment as you. It was funny reading your comment because it resonated with me, and I came to the conclusion after looking at so many - 1) there will most likely never be the perfect watch, especially with something 60+ years old; 2) this one met most of my criteria and it was from a great seller here on OF, and I wanted to enjoy wearing one in hand after looking at so many photos! It turns out that minor imperfections that are easily observed in magnified photos are not really noticeable on wrist.

Been very happy with it, although first couple times wearing a bumper movement was interesting (I kept forgetting and thinking something was loose and clanking around...lol)

Good luck with finding the right one for you!
Edited:
 
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This one sold for $1800 on the forum six months ago:

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It went in a heartbeat.
 
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Egads those are both gorgeous. Thanks for sharing @watch_er got a feeling I’m going to be holding that watch as a benchmark in my search! Wear it in good health and thanks for the kind words 👍
 
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Hammer £1,650 -> just over £2k with fees. I was outbid 🙁
 
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Oooh, that one is sharp. Too bad on the bidding outcome.
 
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As someone who spent around a year chasing a watch, I say: good luck!

The search is nice though, it's a great way to learn a lot of stuff!
One year chasing a watch? I can do that standing on my head. 😁 I spent four years looking for the perfect Ranchero. But I found it! 😀
 
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Hammer £1,650 -> just over £2k with fees. I was outbid 🙁
So was I.