3 weeks ago I bought from a friend of mine who also collects vintage watches(mainly Omega and Zenith) a nice Omega Constellation ref 168.004 with the non hidden crown. It has a nice story behind it: The watch was bought in Greece during the 60's and many years later the grandson of the original owner sent it to Omega for a complete service in 2001. Omega seviced it, changed the originally pie-pan dial with a domed dial and replaced the hands. And 14 years later he sold it to my friend, who gave it to me. Fortunately, Omega had returned the original dial and hands, so them back.
Also I managed to buy a nice Omega Constellation box.


Note the initials written in the back from the original buyer:
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And finally a wristshot

 

congratulations on your new Constellation -and box
nice story -the medallion barely looks worn at all
it'll interesting to see how Omega treated the insides once you have a chance to get the back off
did you keep the service replacement dome-dial and hands?
I see it is a cal.561
what is the serial number -16,8XXXX? -puts it around 1960/61 -is there a date on the receipt?

 

Thank you very much,
yes I kept the replacement dial and hands. The serial number which can be seen on the left paper(which are the service papers, unfortunately I don't have the original papers) is 239303...
As soon I get the back off I will post pictures of the movement

 

hmmmmm
I saw the 23,XXX number but thought that was unusually late for a 561 -it would put it at around '67/68
the 16,XXX would fit perfectly.
you would expect a 561 to run around late 50's to mid 60's (latest)
But I checked on the Omega data base and there is a 561 C-case Connie listed for '67 -so it is possible

here are some links:
http://ialreadyhaveawatch.com/watch-articles/omega/omega-serial-numbers-by-year/

http://www.omegawatches.com/planet-omega/heritage/vintage-watches-database?ref=undefined
this one should link to only 561s

-you can always confirm the serial number when you get it serviced -which even though Omega had it in their hands in 2001 you should do before you wear it. (every 5 years or so if it used regularly as the lubrication dries out -but it will have dried out just sitting for 14 years)

I'm sure folks here would like to see pics of the replacement dome dial if you have them -front and back -it's all good research to know what Omega were doing in 2001

lovely watch -enjoy! -and post pics of the movement when you get them
Philip

 

Thank you, I already got the watch serviced but I forgot to tell my watchmaker to take pictures of the movement. Yes 67/68 is a bit late for 561 but since it was serviced by Omega I imagine it's original. According to Omega Vintage Database this reference began in 1962 but it doesn't state when it ended.

 

I think the 561 originally came out in '58
edit -but the case style was early 60's.....

 

Yes you are right the 561 came out in 58 but the reference in 62

 

As I wrote these are the service papers as I don't have the original papers unfortunately.

It definitely has the 561 because I checked and it doesn't have the "push-pull" date mechanism.
You are right about Omega using both types of dial and that's why they put a domed dial instead of pie-pan

 

Here is a photo of the movement and the caseback as requested: