Opinion on 1966 Constellation (168.004)

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Tyro Rex

·Dec 16, 2020

Hi folks

Could I please get your opinion of this 168.004 Constellation? The seller is unwilling to open the caseback to show photos of the movement and inside of caseback, saying he would have to go to a watchmaker to open it up for him, so no pics of that unfortunately—is that enough to make you want to walk away? Should there be onyx on the hands too? Does one of the lugs look a little bent?

I am trying to learn to fish! Grateful for any opinions. The asking price is $1200 Australian (equivalent to about $900 US). Additional text from ad:

“1966, Automatic Wristwatch with date and cross hairs dial.

Serviced by previous owner in 2019.

Caliber Movement 561, 24 Jewel. 35mm case.”

View attachment 1122010

Edited: Dec 16, 2020

 

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Dan S

·Dec 16, 2020

Is that the only photo?

 

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Tyro Rex

·Dec 16, 2020

Dan S

Is that the only photo?

Sorry Dan, was trying to upload more. Think they are there now...

 

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Tyro Rex

·Dec 16, 2020

T Tyro Rex

Sorry Dan, was trying to upload more. Think they are there now...

And this one...

 

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Spruce

·Dec 16, 2020·Sunburst dial fan

I’m afraid I know very little about Constellations but it looks very nice and, at the price, IMO a chance worth taking.

 

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Peemacgee

·Dec 16, 2020

Hi @Tyro Rex

I think you mean 168.004

there is no onyx on the dial, just silvered indices, so the hands will be plain too.

the dial looks correct but it does have some spotting - often you can’t see this on the wrist but it does affect the value.

I’m not sure which lug you think is bent but more often than not photographing these references (especially from behind ) the lugs look bent.

the case is quite well polished, the lugs should have clear sharp facets and the bezel should have a clear facet (see my example below)

If you are really interested, you could always make a deal with seller about checking it has a 561 under the bonnet.

difficult to say if it’s worth $900/£665

hope that helps

 

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Dimitris

·Dec 16, 2020

Dial looks in a nice condition case chamfers arent shown in the pictures , so if you consider bying it ask for images of the caseback , caliber and the sides of the case. If the seller is willing to sell it for 750-800usd it would be a nice deal in my opinion.

 

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Tyro Rex

·Dec 16, 2020

Many thanks @Spruce, @Dimitris and @Peemacgee (title fixed, thanks).

 

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MtV

·Dec 16, 2020

Also, if he's willing to accept Paypal G&S, you might wanna pay the extra fee. In the unlikely case that there's no cal. 561 in it you can file a claim via Paypal. Regarding condition I wouldnt have anything to add to @Peemacgee

 

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Tyro Rex

·Dec 16, 2020

MtV

Also, if he's willing to accept Paypal G&S, you might wanna pay the extra fee. In the unlikely case that there's no cal. 561 in it you can file a claim via Paypal...

Good thinking! Cheers.

 

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looselywound

·Dec 16, 2020

It seems to me the crown is not correct, it should be much flatter, almost completely hidden inside the case.