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  1. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 3, 2012

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    Respectable Members


    'Hello' and a great New Year 2012, to all forum members. I am new and it is hoped, you will allow me to join you. From here, I hope to learn something, regarding vintage Omega watches.

    This is my first post and it is hoped, I do observe your rules and regulations. If not, please advise me.

    Kindly let me know, whether there is such an Omega Constellation 'C' case of the 60's, that comes with:
    Case, back-cover and winding-crown, all in 18k solid yellow gold. Bezel, all three hands, hour markers, Omega logo and Omega signature, as well as, date-window frame, all in 18k solid white gold.

    Please view attachments. View attachment 548 View attachment 549. Apparently, this watch comes with a caliber 564 movement and it is model reference 168008.

    Kindly let me know, whether this is a rare time-piece or it is a frankenwatch.

    Thank you.
     
    o1.jpg o2.jpg
  2. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jan 3, 2012

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    Dennis Desmond or someone else probably with a D in his name should be able to give you some direction as they know these things fairly well.
     
  3. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 3, 2012

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    dsio


    Thank you.

    I have asked 10 different people and I got a variety of answers. So much so, I am confused. Anyway, learning is an everyday process, especially with regard to vintage-watches.
     
  4. ulackfocus Jan 3, 2012

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    I'm not familiar with that watch, and the caseback markings look a little weird. It's not listed in Vintage Omega database either no matter how I punch in the numbers (sometimes an extra 0 is added after the first 3 digits). I do know the Constellation 168.009 is a variation of the C-case that came in all 18ct solid gold, even the dial. It looks exactly like the watch you've pictured and came in both yellow and white gold. Wait for Desmond to reply as his knowledge is much greater than mine.
     
    C561.jpg
  5. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 3, 2012

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    ulackfocus

    Thanks for the response.

    You have given your best shot and it is appreciated. We shall wait for Desmond, then.
     
  6. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jan 3, 2012

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    One thing I vaguely remember... I think... Desmond might have mentioned that Omega UK had some models or variations on models that were unique to them in this range and era and may not be in the vintage database. I won't attribute it to him for sure because I'm not certain but I know there were some things going on with pieces being cased in the UK and such...
     
  7. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 3, 2012

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    dsio

    Thanks for coming back.

    At least, we are getting somewhere and hopefully, Desmond would be able to tell us more. Anyway, I have asked a few people and the answers vary, from straight fake to frankenwatch and, maybe there is. Anything to do with Rolex and Omega, there is always a mystery, I reckon. This makes vintage-watch collecting interesting and challenging, at times.

    This will be my last email for the day, since it is now 2.17am, Wednesday. Talk to you, later.

    Good-night, from Sydney.
     
  8. Trev The Architect Staff Member Jan 3, 2012

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    It's not even late! :)

    I'm on the Gold Coast here, dsio is in Brisbane. There's a few other AU members too.
     
  9. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 4, 2012

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    Trev

    Thank you.

    I agree, it is not even late but still early, morning.

    It is good to know, there are Aussies interested in vintage-watches, too. Usually, most of the lovers are the Americans.
     
  10. mondodec Editor Constellation Collectors Blog Jan 5, 2012

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    This is an interesting one. The case looks, as Dennis said, unusual in the stampings, although the responsibility mark looks good and shows the case made by Ed Wenger, a known casemaker for Omega. I'd like to see the outer caseback too and a closeup of the Helvetia mark to see if there is an assay mark below the head.

    The watch looks to me like a 368.0810 as the bracelet is factory made and maybe should have that number on the inner clasp. I dont know of a C-Shape with 168.008 (was originally 009 and the 017).

    My speculations are that it is a replacement caseback, as it doesnt appear to be a UK, Argentine or Brazilian national production case.

    Cheers

    Desmond
     
    Trev likes this.
  11. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 5, 2012

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    mondodec


    Thank you and you must be the gentleman, we have been waiting for.

    This watch appeared in an auction listing, not too long ago. A friend contacted me, to ask whether it is a genuine or franken piece, since he had not seen one like it before. It is only obvious, he was interested in it and wanted me to advise him. In view of my shallow knowledge about vintage Omega watches, I refrained and advised him, I would ask around. The auction is now over and the watch is gone. However, I am trying to get an answer, as to its authenticity.

    I have asked friends and also, other sources (forums) where collectors gather. As you know, forum participants are made up of people who have no knowledge but wanting to learn (just like me), those whose knowledge is satisfactory and the last lot is made up of those whose knowledge about Omega vintage-watches is close to impeccable.

    One thing is certain in a forum. All members do their level best to help each other out. I believe, when lost do ask for directions, since it is better than not asking.

    This interesting Omega watch appeared in the popular auction-site, where the good, the bad and the ugly time-pieces assemble, day in and day out. I believe it is still there for reference purposes. The item number is: 170718357230
     
  12. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jan 5, 2012

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    You can feel free to link to an ebay listing, the only objection we have is to people linking to /their own/ listings for advertising purposes. As this is more a matter of reference for other people to find in their searches there's no problem at all.

    Really the litmus test for anything on here is "Does it serve to benefit watch buyers, collectors or enthusiasts". If it meets that requirement and serves to aid buyers and collectors in their decisions, or improve recorded knowledge of a piece we're very much in favor of it.
     
  13. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 5, 2012

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    dsio


    Thank you, once again.

    With this knowledge, I feel at ease now. Initially, I did not want to refer to eBay (by name) or item number because I was worried about not respecting this forum rules and regulations. I am one of those, who is too lazy to read the fine prints.

    Now I will have to go to work and will come back to this interesting forum, once I return.
     
  14. ulackfocus Jan 5, 2012

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    Desmond: the picture of the watch on the bracelet a few posts down is my 1966 168.009 with the 368.810 bracelet.

    Seamonster: can you post more photos like Desmond asked? I'd like to see the movement (particularly the serial number) and outside of the caseback too.
     
  15. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 6, 2012

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    ulackfocus


    Thank you to you.

    For more pictures and information, as per your request, kindly visit eBay and look for item number 170718357230. It is the actual listing. According to the seller, he had only seen a total of three such examples.
     
  16. Trev The Architect Staff Member Jan 6, 2012

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    DY9_1.jpeg DY9_2.jpeg DY9_3.jpeg DY9_4.jpeg DY9_5.jpeg DY9_10.jpeg DY9_11.jpeg DY9_12.jpeg DY9_13.jpeg DY9_14.jpeg
     
    DY9_17.jpeg
  17. seamonster Respectable Member Jan 6, 2012

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  18. Trev The Architect Staff Member Jan 6, 2012

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    No problem at all. I'm sure everyone was curious to take a closer look.
     
  19. ulackfocus Jan 6, 2012

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    Wow, if that's an aftermarket caseback they did a petty good job. The serial number even dates it to 1966 as a 168.009 would have been. Besides the caseback, and a slightly smaller diameter crown than original, this watch looks authentic to me. Did somebody actually buy it for $2900? If so they grossly overpaid! I can't see paying over $2200 for that watch, and more like $1800-ish..... and that's only if it did have the correct caseback.
     
  20. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Jan 6, 2012

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    Similar constellations have sold for over 6k here in australia at vintage specialist dealers. Half the trouble with some of these old omegas, particularly the gold ones is there isn't enough for price comparison, so people just jump on them assuming gold means money.

    It's not like how we know what different years of speedmaster go for due to the volume sold.

    I'm actually hoping this forum acts to provide some price ceilings and floors on pieces like this.