Omega Constellation

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415Felipe

·Oct 12, 2023

Hello all,
I don't know much about watches, but here for some help with my Omega Constellation. This was my dad's circa 1960 watch and I would like to know; what's the original/appropriate band that it should have and are they available to order?

The Speidel band seems cheap and I'm afraid it could break and cause me to lose the watch. I believe the watch is Ref 168.005 but not sure.

Any help or advice you can share would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

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Dan S

·Oct 12, 2023

Welcome to OF and thanks for showing your heirloom. It probably came with a leather strap originally. There are Omega beads of rice bracelets that fit reasonably well (e.g. a 7-row BOR with #70 end-links), but you have to hunt them down on eBay or from another collector. The price will be roughly $200-$250.

 

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415Felipe

·Oct 12, 2023

Thank you Dan. Maybe I will find a nice leather strap? I have seen some with the stainless Omega rice style bracelet, but that will be hard to find. Unfortunately Omega ADs are not very interested in helping someone with a 60 year old watch.

 

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Bruce235

·Oct 12, 2023

A black croc or lizard strap would suit it well.

 

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hoipolloi

·Oct 13, 2023

If you change to leather strap then you need a correct buckle.

 

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Bruce235

·Oct 13, 2023

hoipolloi

If you change to leather strap then you need a correct buckle.

Lest the style police find out.😉

 

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iamvr

·Oct 13, 2023

If you‘re a bit adventurous you can get a 7 row BoR with 70 or 570 end links for less than $200 from Japan

 

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415Felipe

·Oct 17, 2023

Great, thank you all for the information. I think I might go after a BOR band. Much appreciated!

 

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gbesq

·Oct 17, 2023

Although a seven row BOR is typical, a five row BOR can also look very nice on a steel Constellation. I have them on my 14381 and 14393.

 

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415Felipe

·Oct 17, 2023

gbesq

Although a seven row BOR is typical, a five row BOR can also look very nice on a steel Constellation. I have them on my 14381 and 14393.

Thank you for the pics. They both look beautiful. Could you share with me a link or tell me where you found those?

I believe my dad bought this for himself as a graduation gift in 1959 and the bands were leather at the time. At this point, I think I will go for what I like the looks of versus sweating the originality.

 

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Dan S

·Oct 17, 2023

4 415Felipe

Thank you for the pics. They both look beautiful. Could you share with me a link or tell me where you found those?

I believe my dad bought this for himself as a graduation gift in 1959 and the bands were leather at the time. At this point, I think I will go for what I like the looks of versus sweating the originality.

Those 5-row BoR bracelets probably have #11 or #12 end links, or equivalently #511. There is no particular place to buy them, you need to look on eBay or buy from another collector.

However, you should note that the watch posted by @gbesq does not have the same dog-leg lugs as your watch. As mentioned already, a 7-row bracelet with #70 or #570 end links will work best for your watch, and that answer is not going to change. You just need to hunt one down and buy it.

 

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gbesq

·Oct 17, 2023

Dan is correct about the difference in the lug types shown on my two Constellations (with lyre style lugs) versus those on the 168.005 (dog leg style lugs). I’m not sure how a five row BOR will fit/look with dog leg lugs, but I do know that Swatch/Omega still manufactures an 18mm five row beads of rice bracelet (model 3010) and both #511 and #512 end links to fit it. These can be ordered from any Omega Boutique or through an independent watchmaker with an Omega parts account.

 

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khangct

·Oct 30, 2023

I personally think 7-row rice bracelet look the best on dogleg case like your.

 

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Andreas-am

·Oct 30, 2023

iamvr

If you‘re a bit adventurous you can get a 7 row BoR with 70 or 570 end links for less than $200 from Japan

Hello!

Do you have a special store from Japan where I can find such bracelets? The ones offered on ebay by "Closer" etc. are too expensive for me including import duties (>300 EUR).

Thanks, Andreas

 

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khangct

·Oct 30, 2023

Andreas-am

Hello!

Do you have a special store from Japan where I can find such bracelets? The ones offered on ebay by "Closer" etc. are too expensive for me including import duties (>300 EUR).

Thanks, Andreas

I bought most of my BOR from a vintage watch seller based in Vietnam at a very reasonable price, he offer worldwide shipping. Shoot me a message if you need his information.

 

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hoipolloi

·Oct 30, 2023

khangct

I bought most of my BOR from a vintage watch seller based in Vietnam at a very reasonable price, he offer worldwide shipping. Shoot me a message if you need his information.

Keep in mind they are used, not new nor NOS, either.

 

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X350 XJR

·Oct 30, 2023·Vintage Omega Aficionado

hoipolloi

Keep in mind they are used, not new nor NOS, either.

Keep in mind as well there are plenty of counterfeit ones out there.

If it seems like a really good deal, beware, paying more from a trusted seller has its benefits.

 

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SOG53

·Oct 30, 2023

4 415Felipe

Thank you for the pics. They both look beautiful. Could you share with me a link or tell me where you found those?

I believe my dad bought this for himself as a graduation gift in 1959 and the bands were leather at the time. At this point, I think I will go for what I like the looks of versus sweating the originality.

5 row BOR with #11 endlinks on smaller 33 mm case

7 row BOR #570 endlinks on larger 34.5 Deville

Both are very nice and comfortable.

 

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iamvr

·Oct 30, 2023

Andreas-am

Hello!

Do you have a special store from Japan where I can find such bracelets? The ones offered on ebay by "Closer" etc. are too expensive for me including import duties (>300 EUR).

Thanks, Andreas

No special store, but auctions on YahooJapan