Omega Constellation 'C' 18k solid white gold

hoipolloi

when buying a gold bracelet, I have my own "rules" that I'd like to share


1_Bracelets with 18mm endlinks are worth more than 19mm.
2_Bracelets with clasps are more valuable than the other styles.



3_Watch for streched links to avoid.



4_Removable bracelet is better than the permanently welded on.
5_Make sure the holding pins and supporting lugs are still intact.

Best.

seamonster

Is this ratio, applicable only to the 18k solid gold Constellation 'C' with a brick bracelet or it can be applied across the board, including the 'C' with a spring-loaded bracelet, as well as, the gold-capped ones that come with a gold-filled 'beads of rice'?

seamonster

Let's say, a mint condition watch-head can be bought for $3 000.00 and also, a mint condition bracelet for $4 500.00, offered separately, by two different sellers, thus giving a total price of $7 500.00 - based on the 40/60 proportion. From observations, it is easier to get a watch-head than a bracelet, individually.

Based on what you said and supported by another valued forum member, if both items are offered as a unit, how much above $7 500.00 will the price be?

seamonster

Though rarely happens, what will the price be, if that particular unit comes with papers and also, original box? The last question is of course, wishful thinking, since it is a one in a million chance, for such dream to become a reality.

seamonster

1) Why are bracelets with an 18mm more valuable than those with a 19mm ones?

U ulackfocus

Definitely NOT an across the board ratio. The C-case watch heads are not as valuable as any other Constellations except for the monocoque (front loading) 168.015 dome dial and 168.025 pie pan dial examples from the late 60's. Therefore, the original solid gold bracelets are generally worth more than the watch head itself. A gold filled or plated Beads of Rice bracelet is really only worth $100 - $200 depending on condition, so that isn't worth even 1/3 as much as the cheapest mechanical Constellation you can buy from any time between 1952 and 1972. You'd have to find a really beat up Connie to pay only $200. I've seen the 18mm brick bracelets with the curved edges sell for around the same price as a Grand Luxe watch head ($4500 and up), but a GL step sided dial that originally came with that bracelet will sell for a couple thousand more than either piece separately.



If there's proof of the originality, it could be another thousand or more. I'd have to know which model you're talking about to give you any price that I've witnessed - and Mike, Desmond, or Hoi would know more than me.



With box and papers too? Who knows! If there's a bidding war it could get crazy. Vintage collectors have fantasies over that kind of stuff. 😜



They fit more watches. 19 mm lug spacing was pretty much only the C-case Constellations, where 18 mm was the norm for the rest of the line for 20+ years.

U ulackfocus

Definitely NOT an across the board ratio. The C-case watch heads are not as valuable as any other Constellations except for the monocoque (front loading) 168.015 dome dial and 168.025 pie pan dial examples from the late 60's. Therefore, the original solid gold bracelets are generally worth more than the watch head itself. A gold filled or plated Beads of Rice bracelet is really only worth $100 - $200 depending on condition, so that isn't worth even 1/3 as much as the cheapest mechanical Constellation you can buy from any time between 1952 and 1972. You'd have to find a really beat up Connie to pay only $200. I've seen the 18mm brick bracelets with the curved edges sell for around the same price as a Grand Luxe watch head ($4500 and up), but a GL step sided dial that originally came with that bracelet will sell for a couple thousand more than either piece separately.



If there's proof of the originality, it could be another thousand or more. I'd have to know which model you're talking about to give you any price that I've witnessed - and Mike, Desmond, or Hoi would know more than me.



With box and papers too? Who knows! If there's a bidding war it could get crazy. Vintage collectors have fantasies over that kind of stuff. 😜



They fit more watches. 19 mm lug spacing was pretty much only the C-case Constellations, where 18 mm was the norm for the rest of the line for 20+ years.

seamonster

Kindly advise, as to what your opinion is, regarding this watch. So far, the price appears to be within reason.

seamonster

Is the inscription a negative factor?

U ulackfocus

Which watch at what price?



Personalized engravings are usually a negative unless it's a person who's famous and the provenance can be proven.

seamonster

My apology. Age is catching up.

seamonster

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-VINTAGE-18K-AUTOMATIC-PERFECT-WATCH-/270946882260?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item3f15b152d4#ht_1196wt_702

U ulackfocus

With me too. 😜 No worries though. We discussed a few watches in this thread so it's best to clarify.



I wouldn't be surprised if that breaks $5000 even with an engraving. It's in excellent condition. That knurled bezel is something some collectors really like.

Now just for fun, if we were playing The Price Is Right my bid would be $5575 - hopefully that's within $100 so I win both showcases. I wouldn't pay that much personally but that's the final price I'd bet on. 😉

dsio

What you may want to consider is posting a WTB ad for the specifications you are after and seeing what turns up, you may find some people looking to unload that come to you before posting on ebay.

MSNWatch

If you want a nice 18k gold vintage connie, my advise would be to pursue the watch you really want and not the one you can afford right now - better to wait and save for your grail watch so to speak. If the c-shape connie in gold is what you really want then by all means go for a good example - the one you linked to is a nice one and I wouldn't let the engraving in the back stop me from bidding for it if you otherwise like the watch.

dsio

A bit over melt is about where its at, Dennis had a Constellation C-Case on brick bracelet he'd been trying to sell for quite some time and nearly melted it at one point which was very sad as its a beautiful watch, just not a fashionable or popular design.