Sanity check on an 18k Omega Constellation 168.004

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Eple

·Jun 21, 2023

Hi all,

I'm very close to buying the following watch, but would like a sanity check

To me, everything looks square, except for maybe the crown and crystal. Can any of you see anything glaringly wrong? The watch will be regularly worn, so it doesn't have to be perfect.

Thanks for your time

 

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rendo

·Jun 21, 2023

I'm not an expert, but I will take a shot at it:

- The crown is not the correct "hidden" crown as you pointed out
- The crystal doesn't appear to be original based on the photos, not sure if the seller claims it to be or not
- The case and lugs are overly polished, and have lost most of the nice edges (see the photo below)
- Not that this is an issue, but I think the circle on the rotor indicates that it was replaced at some point
- The dial looks very clean, almost too clean that I would ask for more detailed photos from the seller to confirm that it is not a redial

 

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Peemacgee

·Jun 21, 2023

As above.

Plus the hands are incorrect and too heavy for an .004
The rotor is a later replacement ( not a deal breaker)
From the position of the regulator it requires a service- or at least regulating.

Finally, the dial has painted indices - which is impossible for an .004, so is probably a replacement service dial.

If you like it as it is that’s okay but don’t pay a premium for an all original watch in good order.

Hope that helps.

 

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Eple

·Jun 21, 2023

Wonderful, thanks for all the help. I'll pass on the above example, considering it's listed for a premium.

How about another, this time a 168.010:
- Crown appears to be a service item
- Crystal is a service item
- Case appears to be sharper

 

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Peemacgee

·Jun 21, 2023

Looks like a 168.011 ( deluxe with gold dial)

Again a later replacement rotor.

Crown is possibly one of the options for a replacement crown ( replaced some time ago by the looks of the wear)

However, the photos are so over exposed, it’s impossible to assess the condition of the case but it looks quite polished from what we can see.

 

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PlainVanilla

·Jun 21, 2023

Roll for your bout of madness. 😁

 

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Peemacgee

·Jun 21, 2023

@Eple , it’s not a great photo but the bezel and lugs of an .010/.011 should have crisp facets like this gold cap version of mine.

 

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Eple

·Jun 22, 2023

Peemacgee

@Eple , it’s not a great photo but the bezel and lugs of an .010/.011 should have crisp facets like this gold cap version of mine.

Ah, I see, thanks; I'll pass on both then, and continue looking.

 

S

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stmoon

·Jun 22, 2023

Watch looks drop dead gorgeous to me. I say, if you can afford it and you need/want it, buy it.

 

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Peemacgee

·Jun 22, 2023

S stmoon

Watch looks drop dead gorgeous to me. I say, if you can afford it and you need/want it, buy it.

it is a pretty watch but for $3,000+ it had better be in mint condition - and its not.

Due to the polishing of the lugs but taking into account it looks like an 18k 168.011 deluxe, this is a $2,000 watch - but only if you want a pretty gold watch and don't want an original looking Omega Constellation.