Pie Pan Constellation found at Antique Store Seeking Opinions

jrmjrm · Dec 10, 2020

Hi experts,

I found this vintage pie pan at an antique/vintage jeweler today and was hoping to get opinions. My impression is that the case and medallion are incredibly sharp and the dial is clean. Haven’t seen the movement and don’t know the reference number but can enquire. My concerns are the printing of the word Constellation on the dial (looks thicker) and I don’t know much about the magnifying crystal. Thanks so much!

Walrus · Dec 10, 2020

I’m not one of the experts to give advice but if it’s a redial it’s a damn good one. There is a lot to like there I’ll be curious to see what those more familiar with the particular reference say.

Gui13250 · Dec 10, 2020

Hi,

dial seems absolutely right to me and in great condition, font is ok, MOY test ok.

Case is in good condition but not incredibly sharp, facets on lugs have seen some polishing.

Main concern to me are hands, with black paint while dial has lume. They have been swapped at some point.

Could you get a pictures of the side of the watch?

jrmjrm · Dec 10, 2020

Good point on lume and hands. On second look, the seconds hand may look a hair short to me too(?) and yes the black paint doesn’t seem to match the lume on some of the indices.

I don’t have pics of the sides of case at the moment but could enquire.

Their asking price was $1850 by the way. But if the hands are swapped I’ll probably pass. Thanks all for the input so far!

gatorcpa · Dec 10, 2020

Can’t tell from the picture, but the lume on the hands may have darkened with age.

Everything looks OK except for the price. Seems a bit high to me. For $1,850, there should be no questions.
gatorcpa

jrmjrm · Dec 10, 2020

Some marginally better pics. Here it does look like hands may have darkened but you’re right. Shouldn’t have to question at the price. In your opinion, what would be a more fair price?

Gui13250 · Dec 10, 2020

Well, case seems in better shape than on first pictures.

but hands look definitely black paint to me.

The rotor may have become loose, there is rubbing marks on the bridge, you can see it where it is written “adjusted in five....”
But, the rotor could have been changed in previous servicing, because the “o” on it means it’s a service one.
Not a deal breacker, an easy fix if it has to be done

Davidt · Dec 10, 2020

Dials original. Unusual Omega plexi with magnifier as well.

Even in GBP where watches are more expensive, with no bracelet and polished case the price is high.

X350 XJR · Dec 10, 2020

Price is high considering the polished case, the additional photos clearly show this.

More like $1250, if you can live with the case.

jrmjrm · Dec 10, 2020

Thanks all so much for the input. Definitely passing on this one!

nicks · Dec 10, 2020

I wouldn't be in a rush to pass on this. Make a fair offer, maybe something good will happen.

Jorisvp · Dec 11, 2020

Also not sure about the magnifier. @Gui13250 you seem more expert. Have you ever seen one on a Constellation? On the Dutch Horlogeforum.nl a member is selling a Constellation. There the hands also are black while the indices are not.

It is a slightly different model than the one here (no crosshair, other lugs etc.) and the crown does not seem to be original. Anyways, the asking price is much lower (€1200).

https://www.horlogeforum.nl/t/omega-constellation-pie-pan/302301

Dimitris · Dec 11, 2020

Magnifier on a constellation is a bit unusual but omega used to change them on demand when a watch was serviced you could either put a non magnifier plexi or one with a magnifier. Also that pie pan doesnt look so bad case is polished but not so much that would be a deal breaker. Also caseback is in a very good condition , it has a 564 cal. which is a plus instead of the 561 cal, also the dial is in a pretty good condition with no moisture damage or patina. I were you I would make a lower offer hope that helps.

Noddyman · Dec 11, 2020

Jorisvp
Also not sure about the magnifier. @Gui13250 you seem more expert. Have you ever seen one on a Constellation?

I’ve seen many Constellation with date magnifiers.
I even have one myself, probably not popular but certainly not unusual.

septentrio · Dec 11, 2020

I think a lot of the people on here from the older generations need to update themselves on current 167.005 and 168.005 pricing. Barn find watches are doing 2k on ebay these days and dealers ask 2,5 to 3,5k.

Still saying that these models go for 1200 is very very 5 years ago. Condition is everything and examples that tick all the boxes are 2 to 3k euro.

Gui13250 · Dec 11, 2020

Magnifier does exist on constellation.

but black painted hands and lume on dial can’t be original

cicindela · Dec 11, 2020

Hands are not painted. This is a common lighting effect.
Magnifiers are not uncommon on these. At one time you could still buy them from Jules Boreal. I still have one sealed in the original Omega packaging.

The most important part of this watch is the dial. Knock a little off the price and buy it.

padders · Dec 11, 2020

The hands should surely have lume, it is a T dial and there is lume visible on the dial. If they are indeed black then either they have been painted or swapped. Or the lume has gone mouldy. Either way it isnt a good thing IMO.

That OP watch has a nice dial its true but also looks pretty heavily polished to my eye, perhaps too much so.

Jorisvp · Dec 11, 2020

septentrio
I think a lot of the people on here from the older generations need to update themselves on current 167.005 and 168.005 pricing. Barn find watches are doing 2k on ebay these days and dealers ask 2,5 to 3,5k.

Still saying that these models go for 1200 is very very 5 years ago. Condition is everything and examples that tick all the boxes are 2 to 3k euro.

Well, the watch I posted in this thread on the Dutch "HorlogeForum" is asked at €1200/$1400, which is negotiable so will probably sell for a lower price. Imo, that watch looks "good" to "very good".

Peemacgee · Dec 11, 2020

Jorisvp
On the Dutch Horlogeforum.nl a member is selling a Constellation. There the hands also are black while the indices are not.

It is a slightly different model than the one here (no crosshair, other lugs etc.) and the crown does not seem to be original. Anyways, the asking price is much lower (€1200).

https://www.horlogeforum.nl/t/omega-constellation-pie-pan/302301

@Jorisvp
you can't compare the price of a 168.004 pie pan to a 168.005 pie pan as the latter is significantly more desirable to most.

However, I think the dogleg pie pan you posted, whilst having a nice dial (other than the marks around the 'C' of 'certified') has lost the definition of the lugs (which is what makes it desirable) placing it firmly in the 'just ok' category.
It certainly isn't worth anywhere near 1850 euros - no matter what dealers are asking for their watches.

I personally would much prefer to have the 168.004 (which has a good dial and good lugs - and the crown is probably original) for 1200euros than the polished dogleg, even at the same price. (and if you could get it for less then even better)

BTW - I used to think that a 564 was important to have until I realised that it is just a 561 with frilly knickers (i.e. the 561 is a fabulous movt)

Pie Pan Constellation found at Antique Store Seeking Opinions

jrmjrm

Walrus

Gui13250

jrmjrm

gatorcpa

jrmjrm

Gui13250

Davidt

X350 XJR

jrmjrm

nicks

Jorisvp

Dimitris

Noddyman

septentrio

Gui13250

cicindela

padders

Jorisvp

Peemacgee

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