Hello to everyone here! I am keen on buying a pre-owned Omega Constellation (please see attached photos). I have sent many queries to the seller and what I have gathered is that there are no major dents or scratches, it has never been serviced, all part are original and there is no box or proof of purchase. It is being sold to me for $580. Based on your experience, would this be a good buy? Any input would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Not an expert, so don't take my word for it. But I would think you could do better than $580 for a 30 year old ladies quartz watch. Heck for that price you might pick up a mechanical watch - which is the classier option by a long shot. Check the sellers forums here for a price guide. Then see what the experts say.

 

I'm not an expert, but my thoughts are as follows:

1. if you really want it, it’s worth what you’re willing to pay for it, but the price is very high in my opinion.
2. Quartz movements are nearly impossible to fix if something goes wrong - you’re basically in a position where you need a donor movement. It’s certainly not as straightforward as a mechanical watch to maintain. If you do decide to go ahead, you need to be convinced that the date change and time setting functions work flawlessly before purchase, in particular.
3. This looks like a model with an integrated bracelet, so it will be difficult to replace this with another option (e.g. strap) unless you go down the custom or DIY route. That might not bother you, but it would be a turnoff for me.

I own an old quartz Omega and it is both presentable and functioning perfectly, but I know that if something goes wrong with it, it’s either going to be really expensive or impossible to fix. I don’t have the same concerns with a mid-60s automatic, which I know can still be fixed easily if something goes wrong.

I would consider exploring other options. But if you are really set on this watch, you need to be convinced it’s fully operational and I would definitely try and get the price right down!

 

I don't think these "manhattan" model constellations have the old style finicky quartz movements so they should be fairly reliable and easy to get fixed. I do think if you are looking at the modern Manhattan style constellations you might try checking out the round dial versions as they are a bit more popular and plentiful, and probably hold their value more.

 

Useful to know about these later models, Fred. Thanks

 

Well I can understand your concerns as I have had some of the older Quartz Omegas that you refer to and yes I agree they are a bear to get fixed. These more modern Manhattan versions are also available as automatics in all sizes so your premise is correct re-quartz, as the mechanical versions will probably be better value for the money since they can be found around the same price the OP is quoting for the watch pictured.