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Omega Constellation Chronometer (late 50s - early 60s)

Mariemocha
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Hello, So glad I found this forum. I inherited my dad’s gold watch. As a little girl, I used to play with my dad’s watch and really loved the original gold bracelet. At some point, the bracelet was replaced with a leather strap. I remember asking my dad what happened to the gold bracelet and he said that the repair shop helped him dispose of it. Hearing that made me sad. Anyway, I love the size of men’s watch and although, I have a tiny wrist (5.5”), I’m hoping to find a gold bracelet that will work for me. Alternatively, I could get a leather strap for it. I found a few Omega bead of rice gold bands on Etsy and EBay but I’m not sure those would work, or if the gold would match the watch. Any thoughts, recommendations or advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks for your help <3
 
E257C0B7-8777-4924-B4FA-697406CE8E25.jpeg 372FF4DD-70D3-49AE-BDC1-48A104837271.jpeg
felsby
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Nice watch, will match your wrist just fine.
Can you post a photo of the buckle? If original, it should be kept, should you wish to use a leather strap. Croc also looks good on gold watches.
 
Mariemocha
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felsby felsby
Nice watch, will match your wrist just fine.
Can you post a photo of the buckle? If original, it should be kept, should you wish to use a leather strap. Croc also looks good on gold watches.
Thanks! The strap is not original. I’m hoping to get a gold bracelet.
 
Mariemocha
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felsby felsby
Nice watch, will match your wrist just fine.
Can you post a photo of the buckle? If original, it should be kept, should you wish to use a leather strap. Croc also looks good on gold watches.
Here’s a pic of the buckle 😀
 
4FF0E0C0-0C13-4023-875B-B2B5D550DD50.jpeg
Dan S
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Firstly, welcome to the forum and that's a great heirloom. Beautiful watch and very well cared-for. This type of watch is called gold-capped, by the way, since there is a thick layer of gold laminated on a stainless steel base. You can see this if you look at the under-side of the lugs.

The nice thing about leather straps is that you can buy them in short lengths to fit you. It can be tricky to size a bracelet that is nominally made for men to a wrist as small as yours. It would probably have to be done by a jeweler who could remove "permanent" links and perhaps make some modifications. If that's a route you're interested in pursuing, there are experts on the forum who can probably tell you what bracelet to search for. And most importantly which "end-links" (the pieces connecting the bracelet to the watch) are compatible with your watch. I'd suggest posting photos and eBay links for the bracelets you are considering, so people can tell you if they are authentic and compatible with your Constellation.
Edited:
 
Mariemocha
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Dan S Dan S
Firstly, welcome to the forum and that's a great heirloom. Beautiful watch and very well cared-for. This type of watch is called gold-capped, by the way, since there is a thick layer of gold laminated on a stainless steel base. You can see this if you look at the under-side of the lugs.

The nice thing about leather straps is that you can buy them in short lengths to fit you. It can be tricky to size a bracelet that is nominally made for men to a wrist as small as yours. It would probably have to be done by a jeweler who could remove "permanent" links and perhaps make some modifications. If that's a route you're interested in pursuing, there are experts on the forum who can probably tell you what bracelet to search for. And most importantly which "end-links" (the pieces connecting the bracelet to the watch) are compatible with your watch. I'd suggest posting photos and eBay links for the bracelets you are considering, so people can tell you if they are authentic and compatible with your Constellation.
 
janice&fred
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I bet skunkprince (tom) on this forum will know what bracelet and end links you need. Oh and by the way that is a very snazzy watch you got there! I agree it would look great on a beads of rice bracelet.
 
ConElPueblo
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If it makes you feel better, the bracelet was most likely not a solid gold bracelet, but a gold-filled/plated one and they tend to wear pretty badly, so there is a good chance that it was in a bad shape when it got disposed of 😀

A gold plated "Beads of Rice" bracelet should be around $150-ish in decent condition.
 
ConElPueblo
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I sold this one some years ago and I think you should be looking for the same type: https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-5-row-14k-g-f-beads-of-rice-bracelet.55077/

wp_20170321_20_10_41_pro-jpg.362965

The end links were numbered 11.
 
Mariemocha
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Do you think if I got a black leather strap it would look too “manly” on my tiny wrist?
 
janice&fred
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Mariemocha Mariemocha
Do you think if I got a black leather strap it would look too “manly” on my tiny wrist?
I don't think the color of leather would make you or the watch look manly or much matter at all, but I do think you have the right idea with the bracelet plan.
 
Dan S
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Mariemocha Mariemocha
Do you think if I got a black leather strap it would look too “manly” on my tiny wrist?

I think it would look very good. And you can buy a tapered strap in a short length.
 
Dan S
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Lizard (or lizard print) would also be worth considering.

71XJmxajqWL._AC_UL1000_.jpg
 
Mariemocha
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janice&fred janice&fred
I don't think the color of leather would make you or the watch look manly or much matter at all, but I do think you have the right idea with the bracelet plan.
I ciu
Dan S Dan S
Lizard (or lizard print) would also be worth considering.

71XJmxajqWL._AC_UL1000_.jpg
I like that!!! It gives it a totally different vibe. I tend to wear a lot of black and white clothing, and gold jewelry. Very classic!
 
Mariemocha
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janice&fred janice&fred
I don't think the color of leather would make you or the watch look manly or much matter at all, but I do think you have the right idea with the bracelet plan.
I love the idea of a bracelet. Just not sure if I could get a proper fit from sizing down a men’s band. Also, ordering online seems like a risk since I don’t know if it would fit my watch. So much to consider 😀
 
KingCrouchy
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Mariemocha Mariemocha
I love the idea of a bracelet. Just not sure if I could get a proper fit from sizing down a men’s band. Also, ordering online seems like a risk since I don’t know if it would fit my watch. So much to consider 😀
Maybe a kind soul on the forum could sell you one and size it to your wristsize. For the small adjustments, that can be done easily on the clasp.
 
Mariemocha
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KingCrouchy KingCrouchy
Maybe a kind soul on the forum could sell you one and size it to your wristsize. For the small adjustments, that can be done easily on the clasp.
That would be awesome
 
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