Hi,
I'm trying to work out exactly what omega watch I have, however I did not buy it as it has been passed on from my great grandad to me. This means I don't even know if it is legitimate, however the storey behind him getting mostly backs up it being legitimate. What sort of things do I need to post so I can get some help identifying it? I know that it is and Omega Constellation, Calendar and it says automatic chronometer on the face, I believe the straps (unsure of the correct term for the part that goes around your wrist) are custom because I cannot seem to find them on the internet any where. The hallmark is DS&S and there is what looks like a little crown next to an 18 stamped into the metal which is golden.

Please help me!

 

Please read this link. https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-omega-posting-guide.383/ I would recommend taking it to a watchmaker to open it up for you to take the photos. Inside the case back is the reference number and on the movement is the caliber number and serial number. The reference number and caliber number will give you information to help with your research. Have you done an internet search to find similar watches? If so, what model was it?

 

The closest I was able to find was a Omega constellation calendar 504 of that means anything. But they all seem to have leather straps.

 

It looks like you have an 18 carat gold Constellation Calendar, possibly a calibre 504 from the late 1950s. I assure you it is legitimate. This is an extremely nice watch in very good condition and quite valuable so don't do anything with it until you have researched it thoroughly, and don't try to open it yourself as the soft gold will scratch and you'll hurt its value. Read more here: http://users.tpg.com.au/mondodec//About_Collecting_Omega_Constellations.pdf. EDIT: The gold bracelet is not by Omega but would have been added by the retailer at the buyer's request. Strictly speaking it is not correct but in my opinion it looks great and I wouldn't rush to take it off.

 

This is very helpful Edward thanks! The watch is in very good condition considering its age, however is fairly beaten up minor scratches on the back to the gold and worse scratches to the front glass. I think I will take it to a professional to get it referbished, is that something that you guys would suggest to do?

 

I certainly would NOT get it "refurbished" which usually means having the case polished and the dial repainted. This would wipe out a big chunk of the value and desirability. The dial is lovely as is and should not be touched or attempted to be cleaned, nor should the case be polished. The watch will however need servicing, which means a specialist taking it apart, cleaning off all the dried up old lubricant and reapplying new. The right person needs to do this and it will probably cost around £150-250 (I'm in the UK and those are typical prices here).

It's a very good watch. Take good care of it!

 

the strap or bracelets are entirely replaceable. So at some point your grand father would have purchased the bracelet.

 

Also, where do you live? Someone might be able to recommend someone to service it.

DO NOT TAKE IT TO OMEGA TO SERVICE

 

Nice Connie
Unusual bevelled lugs on your watch
Which country are you in / or where did your great grandfather purchase the watch ?

 

I was going to ask the same thing after seeing the lugs and the caseback observatory. Wonder if it's a UK (Dennison) case?

 

BTW, I'm certain that dial is on a caliber 504 if it's the correct movement.

 

The hallmarks on the bracelet aren't British but it could be bought elsewhere if the OP's G grandfather travelled

 

lovely bit of bling and very original looking. Look forward to seeing it cleaned by a professional

 

I live in Bath, England. I Appreciate the help thanks!

 

well that starts to put the watch in the right place

okay -with a little bit of foraging I found this from Tom Dick
https://omegaforums.net/threads/ds-s-ribbed-milanese-bracelet-18mm-very-rare-near-perfect.31207/

DS&S is Shackman - one of the English case makers for Omega
So the case could be Schackmann too
the marks on the bracelet are still unusual though
I would normally expect a date letter but the Shackman bracelet clasps often seem to have only the assay mark and gold content
the 'crown' could be a leopard for London (better pics please if possible) but the UK usually uses .750 not 18 for gold content

calling @Tom Dick since he has an extensive knowledge of English gold Omegas

 

My grandad didn't grow up in bath though so I think the watch was most likely bought in somewhere like Nottingham.

 

when I said right place - I meant the UK
Because of tax on gold imports Omega sent movements and dials without cases to certain countries
a couple of companies were licenced by Omega to produce cases for them in the UK (France also has local cases from this period)
Dennison was one, Shackman another
Dennison tends to have Birmingham assay marks, (the anchor) Shackman London (the leopard) - but not always!
they both produced very high quality cases (unlike say the south American locally made cases which were lighter )
however, they sometimes 'deviated' from the exact style of the standard case types
hence the original comments on the lugs
(the French ones also 'deviated' slightly and are also good quality but are sometimes criticised for being too chunky for certain models)

you need to take it to a good vintage watch maker to open it up
you'll probably find Omega watch co and the Shackman S inside the case back
DON'T have the case polished -just a sonic clean and a full service
members can recommend a trusted vintage watchmaker for you if you need it

hope that helps

 

Ah that makes sense then, Yeah will need to find a trusted vintage watch repairers or shop, and I don't think I've seen any in bath yet.
Thanks for the help PeeMacGee

 

I will try using a dedicated camera when I get home as opposed to using the iPhone that way I can play around with various lenses!