Omega Constellation watch on Ebay: advice needed

V8Capri · Jan 8, 2019

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase my first vintage Omega watch. I was initially in the market for a Seamaster with a blue dial but after further research, I gathered that the constellation was a little rarer and had the added bonus of being a chronometer.

I've seen this on ebay and but don't know enough about them to decide if it's a good deal or not. I can see from the description that it is a redial which initially put me off due to potential loss in value. However, I'm only looking for something for daily use so not too concerned about resale value etc. I just want to know if it seems like a good price for a vintage watch!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1965-...233471?hash=item363dcf5b3f:g:3rcAAOSwckBbmmwh

Cheers,
Shane

Risto · Jan 8, 2019

The dial is nowhere near so-called professional redial. It's pretty bad. And for that price, I'd keep looking.

aprax · Jan 8, 2019

You might be under the impression that the dial was blue originally. The seller claims so: "... original blue dial". But that's not true, for all I know.
If you are not concerned about redials, from a value viewpoint you should at least try to find a realistic one. I'd keep looking too.

Snowman · Jan 8, 2019

Save a bit more money and get the genuine article lots of very knowledgeable people on this forum only to happy to help you
Buy something like this and you will soon loose interest in it
Obtain something of quality and you will have a possession for life
Don’t rule out the vintage seamaster it’s a great watch for regular wear
A good size and plenty of good originals out there at decent prices
At the price you are looking at with this there are good dealers who specialise in excellent restoration pieces
If you want the watch to look like new
It’s really a matter of personal choice
Take some time be patient think what you want
Happy hunting

Peemacgee · Jan 8, 2019

Welcome Shane
These ‘rare’ coloured dial Connies often come out of India and so are generally called ‘Mumbai specials’.
The Constellation was Omega’s top of the line watch and you pay extra for that now.
You could get a very nice (mint) Seamaster for the kind of money that redone Connie is being offered for.
Alternatively, if your heart is now set on a Constellation, (no argument from me there) as advised above, take your time, save your money and ask advice from the forum.

ConElPueblo · Jan 8, 2019

V8Capri
Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase my first vintage Omega watch. I was initially in the market for a Seamaster with a blue dial but after further research, I gathered that the constellation was a little rarer and had the added bonus of being a chronometer.

I've seen this on ebay and but don't know enough about them to decide if it's a good deal or not. I can see from the description that it is a redial which initially put me off due to potential loss in value. However, I'm only looking for something for daily use so not too concerned about resale value etc. I just want to know if it seems like a good price for a vintage watch!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1965-...233471?hash=item363dcf5b3f:g:3rcAAOSwckBbmmwh

Cheers,
Shane

Hi Shane.

The one you are looking at is pretty bad. You ask about "good price" but disregard resale value - those are two aspects that are invariably linked, sorry.

Buy as good quality as you can afford, that will be cheaper in the end.

If £800-ish is your max budget and you are looking for a blue dialed watch, then there are a host of great options. Either find a C-case Constellation (typically blue-grey though) in good condition (should be well within budget) or get a much cheaper Geneve in perfect condition - also reasonably easy to find 😀

Don't worry about what is the "rarest" - condition trumps rarity most of the time IMO, especially when considering these Omegas of which none are really rare. Fewer produced for sure, but today? Any sort of good that can be readily found within a short period of searching cannot be that rare.

KingCrouchy · Jan 8, 2019

Maybe I should add that with most mouvement from the 50-70s you will probably don't experience any difference in precision, between a Chronometer and non chronometer grade mouvement.
Btw maybe you should look for a Omega Seamaster Ref 166.010 if you want a Chronometer Mouvement at really good prices.
Also don't forget that a vintage piece will probably need a service, so don't forget to calculate those costs in.

And if you take your time you can find a Constellation for far less than the amount you stated above.
Here is mine (of curse there are much better ones around too).

Tempus · Jan 8, 2019

As all above have said, keep researching and looking. There are many good Connies out there. The redial on the one posted is terrible, heavy font and sun ray pattern seems to have entered a vortex!🤮

Deafboy · Jan 8, 2019

Welcome to OF!

If you are buying vintage you should factor in the cost of maintenance service from an independent watchmaker. At a minimum, the service includes a complete dismantling of the movement, cleaning of parts, reassembly, lubrication, and regulation. This will cost a minimum 100 usd and can be several hundreds for someone who is meticulous and if parts need to be replaced. As a rule, don't assume the seller has done service (even if they claimed to have).

V8Capri · Jan 8, 2019

Thanks for everyone's replies and welcomes so far, much appreciated!

It looks like I'll give the one on ebay a miss then. I've seen a few on ebay which have tempted me but don't want to be inadvertently getting a lemon! Seems like I've got a lot to learn about buying vintage Omegas.

Ive also found this one and others similar: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/202556695976

Am I wasting my time looking on ebay as I'd prefer to be getting the real deal if possible. Budget is around 1k.

Cheers,
Shane

KingCrouchy · Jan 8, 2019

Hello the one you linked is also a Mumbai special, maybe you should look in the private sales section here on the forum to find a nice piece. Ebay is great to get good deals if you know what you are doing. Also it doesn't mean that if you pay more you get the real deal from some watch dealers. You always have to do your own research.

Passover · Jan 8, 2019

PAF (Pakistan Airforce) on caseback??????? 😕

Shane, slow down a bit and start researching what you are looking for first 😉

If you find a watch appealing to you take the reference number on the inner caseback and start an internet search.
Than compare "yours" to what you find online.

Cheers

Deafboy · Jan 8, 2019

Passover
If you find a watch appealing to you take the reference number on the inner caseback and start an internet search.
Than compare "yours" to what you find online.

or better yet compare to other OF members' watches. 😁

Snowman · Jan 8, 2019

Have a think about other brands some great 50s pieces out there for much less than your budget

Omega Constellation watch on Ebay: advice needed

V8Capri

Risto

aprax

Snowman

Peemacgee

ConElPueblo

KingCrouchy

Tempus

Deafboy

V8Capri

KingCrouchy

Passover

Deafboy

Snowman

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