Hello friends,

As part of my ongoing rationalisation of what is frankly an out of control collection, I'm going through and making some tough decisions about watches which I love, but do not spend nearly enough time on my wrist.

One of these is this Omega Marine Chronometer Constellation 1516.



I bought this watch in late 2020, from the family of the original German owner, who I was told was a regional sales director for Omega in the 70s and 80s.

It comes with its original Omega "Votre Garantie En Electronique" black folder with both the Besancon certificate, and the Omega test certificate, along with an Omega Megaquartz 2400 instruction/guarantee brochure.

Serial number is 37060618, which the Besancon certificate states passed testing on 10 May 1977.

In early 2021, I visited Tony at Swiss Time Services, where he checked the watch over, and replaced the seals and battery.

In early 2022 by James Harris at Harris Horology replaced the battery again (approx 1 year between changes).

I have taken lots of photos of the watch from all angles (please see below), but am unfortunately unable to provide a movement shots as I have neither the steadiness of hand, nor the screwdriver required. These images are unedited, taken in daylight, and in them I have done everything I can to show the true and honest condition of the watch.
Overall it is in very good condition for its age. I do not think it was worn very much. But you can see some swirls on the polished under side parts of the case, and there are some clear marks here and there. That said, it is a nearly 50 year old watch.

Asking for £2,950 but open to offers.

UK buyer preferred, face-to-face in London can be arranged.

Please ask if you have any questions.

 

Cracking nice watch and price, Chris!

 

Cheers John!

It is a really nice one - I looked long and hard, and procrastinated even harder for years.

A really interesting and handsome watch that's incredibly comfortable on the wrist, but just isn't getting worn... and since with a growing boy we seem to have ever more bills to pay and things to buy, the "fun things" are having to be slightly reduced to free up so cash. An estate car/wagon is on the horizon!

 

Absolutely lovely example of the Marine Chronometer, and from a top OF member..

 

Giving this a little nudge - drop me a line if you’re interested, happy to work out a deal that gets this onto a happy new owners wrist.

 

Very nice megaquartz Omega Marine Chronometer, so the yearly checks were waterproof check-out and battery replacement.
Can You elaborate a bit if these can still be serviced by Omega... would a failure require a swap of the quartz module ?
Would it be advised to store it without a battery installed ?

 

Hey Phill.

I took it to Tony when the first battery under my ownership required replacement. He changed the battery and as a mater of course changed the seals.

James Harris has changed two batteries since.

I do not know if Omega can/do/will service these - I know that STS no longer have replacement modules, but have heard from other Megaquartz owners that if the watch is running and working as it should be, they have on a case-by-case basis agreed to clean/test/reseal along with fitting new batteries (I suspect on the understanding that they will not warranty the modules, but I do not know).

If you were not planning to use any battery powered watch for a prolonged period of time, I believe that storing it without a battery in would be sensible.

 

Lovely watch and nice to see it with the original certificate+ manual. I had to get a copy for mine, a 1511 (although it still had the box)
I think @tyrantlizardrex has set a great price for a watch which was the most accurate non-thermo compensated watches at the time and is still one of the most accurate wrist watches in the world. I got my 1511 in 2016. It had managed 40 years then without any attention and was still running fine. It had a full service with Swiss Time so I am expecting it to manage at least another 40 on the back of that.. Of course the lack of support and spares now + being electronics based makes it a bit more hairy going forward, but I think the prices reflect that risk. A full service was £700 anyway so missing a few of those ( inflation linked) willl be a big saving over 40 years :0) I used to leave mine running and stored it with a silica-gel pack. I am sure I was getting 18 months out of a battery. Currently it is in storage and I did get the battery taken out for that. I have not changed a battery myself but it did not look too hard to do. Interested if anyone takes the DIY approach for that?

 

I was shown Omega's official list of red-flagged calibres: Omega will not accept either of the Marine Chronometer calibres (1511 & 1516) for service, citing a lack of spare parts.

 

I change the battery on mine all the time. Had it 10 years. Battery lasts around 18 months. 4 screw on case back. Easy job. Just don’t touch the movement with the screwdriver!

 

Giving this hunk of awesome a little bump ahead of the bank holiday weekend.

 

These are so cool. I wish I could try one on see how it rocks. I love those chunky omegas

 

A gentle nudge and a price drop to £2,750.00

 

Happy to a deal to get this on someone's wrist - drop me a message if you'd like to make it yours.

 

On hold pending an in person meet/inspection.

 

Sold to a very happy fellow collector off forum, who specialises in electric horology (mostly clocks).

For reference - sale price was £2500