Opinion on a black dial Constellation

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riverbluff

·Jul 19, 2023

Good morning everyone,
I've been following the forum for quite some time now and I've learned a great deal from all of you. I'd like to express my gratitude for creating such an amazing space.

I'm hoping to get your opinion on something. In short, I recently purchased this vintage Constellation reference 14939 with a pie pan black dial as a retirement gift for my dad. I thought it was a good example, before giving it to him, I sent it to a local, well-known watchsmith for servicing.

When the watch was opened up, the watchmaker, who also collects Omegas, suggested that the dial had been restored not original because the font appears to be incorrect. I've read Desmond's blog, but it seems to have passed the MOY test in my opinion. I was hoping to receive the expert eyes to give your opinion on it.
The watchmaker took these closeup pictures with his magnifier loop.
Seller stated no return on it.
Thanks a million.
Lakk

 

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Peemacgee

·Jul 19, 2023

Welcome @riverbluff

Yes, unfortunately a redial.


You just need to look at the minute haches overlapping the pie pan edge - and the fonts are incorrect

 

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riverbluff

·Jul 19, 2023

Peemacgee

Welcome @riverbluff

Yes, unfortunately a redial.


You just need to look at the minute haches overlapping the pie pan edge - and the fonts are incorrect

thank you @Peemacgee , that was a pity, I was very happy with the purchase, not any more 😵‍💫

 

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norb1967

·Jul 19, 2023

Second to also say a redial. Sorry it hasn’t worked out. If you’re unable to return it my advice would be to just enjoy it as it is, which is that its still a lovely watch - even if its not a ‘collector’ piece.

 

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gbesq

·Jul 19, 2023

Yes, it's a redial. If the seller did not disclose that the dial was refinished, you have a case for a return. Where did you purchase it? By the way, here's my 14393 which is fully original and authentic for comparison.

 

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Peemacgee

·Jul 19, 2023

norb1967

Second to also say a redial. Sorry it hasn’t worked out. If you’re unable to return it my advice would be to just enjoy it as it is, which is that its still a lovely watch - even if its not a ‘collector’ piece.

This is good advice @riverbluff

 

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riverbluff

·Jul 19, 2023

Thank you, everyone, for your opinions. Well, this was a local online sale, and the seller didn't do anything wrong, so I don't blame him. I just blame myself for being overly excited. LOL.
Lakk

 

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hejsam

·Jul 19, 2023

I know this don't cure any damage done but its always better to ask for help before buying rather than after 😀 Hope you or your dad will enjoy the watch anyways if you are not able to return it!

 

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watchyouwant

·Jul 19, 2023

Don't tell your Dad. He will love it.

 

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gbesq

·Jul 19, 2023

It's actually not a bad redial. Those of us with experience can tell the difference between this and an original dial, but most folks are going to see it as a nice looking watch. I'm with watchyouwant on this one. Don't tell Dad that it's a redial. He'll never know, it's a nice looking watch, and a very thoughful gift. By the way, if you're interested in installing a correct decagonal crown for the watch, I believe that cristos71 has some for sale: FS - Constellation Crowns Decagonal/10-Sided Steel Vintage | Omega Forums

 

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Sa Calobra

·Jul 19, 2023

gbesq

It's actually not a bad redial. Those of us with experience can tell the difference between this and an original dial, but most folks are going to see it as a nice looking watch. I'm with watchyouwant on this one. Don't tell Dad that it's a redial. He'll never know, it's a nice looking watch, and a very thoughful gift. By the way, if you're interested in installing a correct decagonal crown for the watch, I believe that cristos71 has some for sale: FS - Constellation Crowns Decagonal/10-Sided Steel Vintage | Omega Forums

+1 to that! For 3 years I've been trying to recognize redials and still with this one it took me a while to realize it. Your father will not know and will see a great vintage Omega.

 

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qazwsx1

·Jul 19, 2023

My 14393 to compare the font.😀

 

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gbesq

·Jul 19, 2023

qazwsx1

My 14393 to compare the font.😀

Nice one, Teerapat. I like that “galaxy” dial.

 

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Bruce235

·Jul 19, 2023

For some unknown reason the redialers often forget to dot the "i" in constellation. It's one of the first tells I look for.
I agree with above that 999 out 1000 people not on this forum would not spot this redial.

 

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Shabbaz

·Jul 19, 2023

Sadly black dial connies are a bit rare. Most of them are redials. But I think your father will love this one. It does'nt look bad at all. And nobody will know it's a redial. Only the connie nerds. But I never met one in real life. So no wories and enjoy!

 

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Davidt

·Jul 19, 2023

Not only will most people not know it’s a redial, most people won’t care less even if told.
I’m sure your dad will love it

 

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sheepdoll

·Jul 19, 2023

One of the better re-dials I have seen. Such work was normal when I was collecting in the 1990s. There were companies which specialized in such work. When these watches were in daily use, the user wanted a nice looking dial.

This is one of those unpredictable things that happen over time.

Now a lot of the examples are safe queens, Originality outweighs usefulness.

I spend months/years in the 1990s taking jewelry classes in an attempt to learn how to make dials. I was working for apple at the time with laser printers so I did some experiments to see if the laser printer could make a new dial. Dials are produced with printing techniques akin to the plates used to make currency. So replicating one takes a lot of skill and is in effect counterfeiting.

 

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gbesq

·Jul 19, 2023

sheepdoll

One of the better re-dials I have seen. Such work was normal when I was collecting in the 1990s. There were companies which specialized in such work. When these watches were in daily use, the user wanted a nice looking dial.

This is one of those unpredictable things that happen over time.

Now a lot of the examples are safe queens, Originality outweighs usefulness.

I spend months/years in the 1990s taking jewelry classes in an attempt to learn how to make dials. I was working for apple at the time with laser printers so I did some experiments to see if the laser printer could make a new dial. Dials are produced with printing techniques akin to the plates used to make currency. So replicating one takes a lot of skill and is in effect counterfeiting.

Exactly right. It is an incredibly intricate and delicate process and it is virtually impossible to duplicate an original dial. That being said, some of the best redials coming from Asia are very, very good - but will still never be original.

 

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Aroxx

·Jul 19, 2023·Sets his watch

Can’t wait for your dad to join here in a few weeks posting pictures of the same watch saying “My son just gave me this Omega watch, I’m curious if it’s all original…” 😁

Seriously though, I agree that your dad will love it. It’s a great gift. Not every watch has to be a collector’s dream.