I'm not sure why I forgot to mention this, but my wife also has a vintage Constellation, and this one also has a bit of family history. Her father bought this one while he was in the Navy in the 1950s--not exactly sure of the dates, but not during the Korean War. He bought it as a gift for his father. And when his father passed away, his mother (my wife's grandmother) wore it for many years. It has now reached my wife Hilary. Hil is not a watch person, but I think she was taken by the the way this one looks on her wrist (and by how nicely my inherited Constellation turned out).

Here it is. Once again, I need to apologize for the anticlimactic pictures: I'm just not sure my phone can do any better. [Note--these pics are even worse than I thought they'd be--sorry!]



I'd be glad for anything you could tell me about this one, too. Or point me in a good direction for where I can learn more. (I'm also not sure whether the bracelet is original: it's a stretchy one. And it has no discernible Omega markings that I can see.)

Right now, the watch is not running at all, and the crown won't even turn. The watchmaker who worked on my Constellation took a peek inside. He thought that some dust or grit had somehow got inside it. He thought, though, that it could be gotten running again nicely.

Am I allowed to ask for suggestions for good watchmakers? (I didn't see this mentioned in the sticky for new members, but maybe I missed it...) If it matters, I live in Charlottesville, VA.

Thanks again for all your help. I've been enjoying my visits here a lot!

Chris

 

For USA residents, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) maintains a list of business members, some of whom are vintage watchmakers. You can search for one at this link: http://net.nawcc.org/nawcc/businesssearch/

Also, the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute is the U.S. trade association for watchmakers. You can search their member directory at this link: https://members.awci.com/AWCIWEB/AWCISearch/MemberSearch.aspx

 

To learn about Constellations, visit the Omega Constellation Collectors site, run by forum member @mondodec. It's a treasure trove of articles dedicated to your watch and its relatives.

 

Oh--that's interesting! Hmm--I'll have to check with my father-in-law about when he bought it. It's possible that he is misremembering--though he seemed very sure of its provenance when he told us the story. He wouldn't have been in the navy in the 1960s. Hmmmmm....

Thanks very much, gatorcpa! Our watch looks exactly like the one you posted a link to.

 

Yes, I've discovered it: it's a fantastic site (and overwhelming, too, for beginners like me)!

Thank you!

 

Thank you! I can see that this will be hugely helpful!
Chris

 

Looks like a 168.005, which was introduced in 1962.

 

Thanks TNTwatch: I clearly need to check with my father in law to get the real story!

 

Two heirloom Connies in the family?!!
And another pie-pan
Now you're just being greedy!
Another congratulations
The case is in pretty good condition
Get it serviced by a vintage watch specialist and a new crown and crystal
Put a nice brown leather strap on it as that expandable bracelet will be doing the lugs no favours

 

They are the same only in general appearances, but have quite a few small differences in minor details. The most prominent difference between the 14900/14902 and 167.005/168.005 is on the shape/profile of the case back. This is very consistent for the non-solid gold of these two generations.

14900/14902 back has a large flat bevel surrounding the medallion:


167.005/168.005 back:

 

The year of purchase is not that important, but the original story is what really interesting. Most watches in collector's hands don't really have a story, especially original owner's or family first hand story. Congrats again!

 

Thank you! I feel very blessed! And very happy to have found this community to celebrate with!

I'll take the bracelet off tonight--thanks for the suggestion.

My question is how I can know who a good vintage watch specialist is--Vitezi pointed me in some good directions, but I'm not sure how to pick one watchmaker over another!

 

Thank you! I'm excited to get it cleaned up for Hilary (my wife)!

 

Beautiful!