Omega Constellations - bricks on the observatory roof?

[Laneside]

Does anyone know why the bricks on the Constellation observatory roof only appear on some models?

 

[Laneside]

I suppose technically, it should be tiles?

 

[kaplan]

My personal theory is the tiled one being the next iteration of the design, they used them both on the same models though to differentiate the case materials

 

[Peemacgee]

originally the 'brickwork' observatory only appeared on solid gold cases

then for reasoning only known to themselves, around 1966 Omega swapped it around for appearing on non-precious cases instead (Including gold-capped)

However, in true Omega style they continued to produce some gold cases with brickwork


edit - here is a link to Desmond's essay on the matter
http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2008/03/constellation-medallions.html


@Laneside - is your middle watch an English or French gold cased watch by any chance?

 

[Laneside]

Peemacgee

originally the 'brickwork' observatory only appeared on solid gold cases

then for reasoning only known to themselves, around 1966 Omega swapped it around for appearing on non-precious cases instead (Including gold-capped)

However, in true Omega style they continued to produce some gold cases with brickwork


edit - here is a link to Desmond's essay on the matter
http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2008/03/constellation-medallions.html


@Laneside - is your middle watch an English or French gold cased watch by any chance?

Peemacgee,

Thank you for your reply. I'll read the essay with interest.

The middle watch:

Being a Scot, I would say British rather than English
35mm 18k purchased auction in uk Feb 22
Cal 564, 25,665,xxx
Case 168.5004 1967-69
Serviced May 2023, new glass and new 3.6mm crown

 

[Laneside]

kaplan

My personal theory is the tiled one being the next iteration of the design, they used them both on the same models though to differentiate the case materials

Kaplan,

Thank you very much.

 

[Peemacgee]

L Laneside

Peemacgee,

Thank you for your reply. I'll read the essay with interest.

The middle watch:

Being a Scot, I would say British rather than English
35mm 18k purchased auction in uk Feb 22
Cal 564, 25,665,xxx
Case 168.5004 1967-69
Serviced May 2023, new glass and new 3.6mm crown

Well, these cases are generally known as English cases as they were produced either in Birmingham ( Dennison) or London (Shackman)

You will notice the difference in the medallion stars size and shape to your other watches - which is a dead give-away for an English or French case.

If you haven't seen it you may also like to read this essay by Desmond on Dennison cases
http://omega-constellation-collecto...01/from-advent-of-bretton-woods-monetary.html

it features your '.5004' reference, amongst others

However, if your's was produced late or later than '67 (the movt serial suggests ~'67) it could be a Shackman case as Dennison went bump in '67 and Shackmann took over their production.
The marks inside the case back will tell you which
A.L.D for Dennison
Stylised 'S' for Shackman

-and the hallmark date letter will give you the case production date (which could differ by some years to the movement serial date)

 

[Laneside]

Peemacgee

Well, these cases are generally known as English cases as they were produced either in Birmingham ( Dennison) or London (Shackman)

You will notice the difference in the medallion stars size and shape to your other watches - which is a dead give-away for an English or French case.

If you haven't seen it you may also like to read this essay by Desmond on Dennison cases
http://omega-constellation-collecto...01/from-advent-of-bretton-woods-monetary.html

it features your '.5004' reference, amongst others

However, if your's was produced late or later than '67 (the movt serial suggests ~'67) it could be a Shackman case as Dennison went bump in '67 and Shackmann took over their production.
The marks inside the case back will tell you which
A.L.D for Dennison
Stylised 'S' for Shackman

-and the hallmark date letter will give you the case production date (which could differ by some years to the movement serial date)

Peemacgee

Well, these cases are generally known as English cases as they were produced either in Birmingham ( Dennison) or London (Shackman)

You will notice the difference in the medallion stars size and shape to your other watches - which is a dead give-away for an English or French case.

If you haven't seen it you may also like to read this essay by Desmond on Dennison cases
http://omega-constellation-collecto...01/from-advent-of-bretton-woods-monetary.html

it features your '.5004' reference, amongst others

However, if your's was produced late or later than '67 (the movt serial suggests ~'67) it could be a Shackman case as Dennison went bump in '67 and Shackmann took over their production.
The marks inside the case back will tell you which
A.L.D for Dennison
Stylised 'S' for Shackman

-and the hallmark date letter will give you the case production date (which could differ by some years to the movement serial date)

 

[Laneside]

Hi Peermacgee,

Opened the watch and photos are attached. OWC = O watch Company? Surely the crown in the hallmark means it is English?

I must confess that I never paid much attention to this watch.

Thank you.

 

[Peemacgee]

As it is marked 'OWC' 'Omega Watch Company' and has a London 'Leopard's head' hallmark it could be Shackman
OWC is covered in the essay I linked to
The 'm' hallmark is for 1967

 

[Laneside]

Peemacgee,

I am truly grateful for your help. Thank you so much. As a relatively new member, I must admit to being gratified by the help and advice given by some members.

 

[theluckyluke]

Woaw, interesting read. This was a pure knowledge share!!!