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Omega Constellation Original?

L
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Hello. I’m a bit new to the space and initially was interested in a constellation pie pan. This is marketed as a solid gold watch. It has similar styling as a pie pan with the arrowhead markers I like, but no idea if this is a Frankenstein watch or what kind of modifications might have been done.

Can someone share if this is an original watch with minor servicing or not, please? Also, any suggestions on where to find an old pie pan in really great condition? Maybe the hunt just comes with the territory with vintage watches, but I thought I would ask.

Thanks for any help!

IMG_3650.webp IMG_3652.webp IMG_3656.webp IMG_3657.webp IMG_3658.webp IMG_3659.webp IMG_3660.webp
 
HadgeBadge
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IMO it is a redial - text font is wrong and it fails the MOY test. The rotor has been replaced. Definitely a hard pass.
 
AG77
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The bridge should also have the "tested in 5 positions" text, which I don't see. Perhaps it's all hidden beneath the rotor?
 
HadgeBadge
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This reference 2852 has the calibre 505 movement - the "tested in 5 positions" text is not written on the automatic winding bridge but on the rotor, which is why it is so easy to spot here that it has been replaced.

omega505_1_1705127440.865965a22e10d366a3.79690196.webp
Edited:
 
AG77
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Thanks for that. I see the 502 is also a 17 jewel movement. This rotor stating 19.
 
HadgeBadge
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Apologies, I meant to say calibre 505, which is a 24 jewel movement. Have edited above.
 
L
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Thanks so much for the responses. Early days of learning for me. I really like this watch and would like to get a good buy for my first purchase.

I found this watch over at chrono24 that looks more like the rotor you described. Similar price. I’m guessing the solid gold makes the difference in cost. Is $5,500 what I should expect if I go the solid gold route?

https://www.chrono24.com/omega/vint...tone-cross-hair-dial-full-set--id33999502.htm

Do people ever get a gold capped vintage watch refinished as in a new coating of gold applied to the case? How expensive might that service be?

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Fallout Boy
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the section between 6 and 9, 11 and 2 is IMO damaged and less "patina"- and I promise: you will always look there.... darken the picuture with photo-shop e.g.
 
Dan S
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I don't like the dial or the case of the C24 watch. And unfortunately, you can't just replate a gold-capped watch. Gold capped and gold plated are completely different.

As for prices, I don't find that C24 asking prices are helpful or realistic. I suggest researching auction sales and private sales listings on the forum that have sold.
 
Porteroso
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I would expect this latest watch to go under $3k to someone experienced. Probably sonething like $2.5k. So for me it is almost double the realistic price. However I'm not keeping up with the price of gold daily...

I have had luck messaging c24 sellers and getting them to immediately offer a lower price. Doesn't hurt to ask. I say all that, but the seller will likely find someone to buy it around $3.5k. Dealers price up in the stratosphere because they do get people to pay high prices. And to be fair, their reputation, and the ability to return the watch, is worth something. It is almost like a different market though.
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L
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Dan S Dan S
I don't like the dial or the case of the C24 watch. And unfortunately, you can't just replate a gold-capped watch. Gold capped and gold plated are completely different.

As for prices, I don't find that C24 asking prices are helpful or realistic. I suggest researching auction sales and private sales listings on the forum that have sold.
What do you not like about the dial and case? I haven’t actually seen one in person. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
 
hoipolloi
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Dial has older style fonts of earlier references with earlier movements (354).
Make sure the dial still has feet before making any decision.
Hoi.

And if I buy a gold 2853, I would buy ones with 18k dial coming with correct fonts.

Screenshot_20250911_080659_Flickr.webp
 
gatorcpa
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HadgeBadge HadgeBadge
This reference 2852 has the calibre 505 movement - the "tested in 5 positions" text is not written on the automatic winding bridge but on the rotor, which is why it is so easy to spot here that it has been replaced.
The Ref. 2852 also used the 19 jewel version of the cal. 501 movement. I suspect the OP's example is a cal. 501 by the 14M serial number, which is quite early for these.

That being said, the version of the cal. 501 used in the Constellation was chronometer certified and had the same language on the rotor as the cal. 505 you show. So yes, the rotor was replaced at some point.

My understanding is the cal. 501, being one of the first rotor automatics produced by Omega, had a lot of issues with the rotor bushing wearing out prematurely. In most cases, it was much easier for watchmakers to replace the entire automatic winding system than to just repair the bushings. Watchmakers ordered this assembly from Omega by caliber number and generally did not specify chronometer or non-chronometer versions when ordering for cal. 501, even though it came in two versions.

Therefore, it is common to see Constellations from this era with the Cal. 501 non-chronometer rotors.

Also, I'm not ready to write off the dial as a redial. I'd need to see clearer pictures to have an opinion on it.
gatorcpa
 
iamvr
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Also, I'm not ready to write off the dial as a redial
I'm leaning towards original on the dial of the first watch, but yes, would need clearer pictures. The MOY test is not applicable on these earlier Constellations.
 
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