Some advice on a Omega Constellation

RoadRunner73 · Apr 17, 2023

It may be too small for you and/or your wrist, and you're the only one to answer that question, but this is typical of watches of that era (dia approx 35 mm without lugs/crown).
Dia has then increased over the years to up to some extraordinary "saucers"
Having said that, the "dog leg" within the Constellation models could be better for your taste / wrist as it gives an added volume effect as compared with these "straight" lugs.
Me being used to my 42mm Speedy was struck by a 34mm dia Connie at first sight, but then got quite used to a dog leg, whether worn on a leather strap or a bracelet ; try it if you can with both options : it's the best way to decide.

Peemacgee · Apr 17, 2023

RoadRunner73
It may be too small for you and/or your wrist, and you're the only one to answer that question, but this is typical of watches of that era (dia approx 35 mm without lugs/crown).
Dia has then increased over the years to up to some extraordinary "saucers"
Having said that, the "dog leg" within the Constellation models could be better for your taste / wrist as it gives an added volume effect as compared with these "straight" lugs.
Me being used to my 42mm Speedy was struck by a 34mm dia Connie at first sight, but then got quite used to a dog leg, whether worn on a leather strap or a bracelet ; try it if you can with both options : it's the best way to decide.

A lot of sense here @David Anderson

Vintage watches often feel small at first but the more you wear them the more you get used to them ( and appreciate the smaller size)

Doglegs do have a longer ‘spread’ due to the lugs but .004s are often (incorrectly) called jumbos because the dial/bezel configuration makes the watch appear larger (more so with the .010s due to the slightly wider lug spacing)
However, both the ‘hidden crown’ Constellations are only something like 0.5mm larger than their contemporary cousins.

if you want a larger Constellation you will have to search for a true jumbo but these are significantly less common than other references.

David Anderson · Apr 17, 2023

I'm trying to replace a watch that was stolen from me about 20 years ago.
I dont actually think it was a Constellations, I think it was a Seamaster. I just remember it being bigger some how.
The research I've done tells me that the majority of the Omega watches in the 60's didnt exceed 35mm Case.
I might just need a new bracelet . I dont think it's the original BOR and it doesnt fell quite right.
I also dont understand the dirt I found lodged in there. Maybe it's something to do with ageing a new piece.
I'm not sure.

Davidt · Apr 17, 2023

Dirt just accumulates in the crevices of old watches. Some of the watches I’ve had in the post have been disgusting.

Re: sizing, like you say, most non diver/time only watches from the period were 34mm. The Seamaster 166.032/168.028 are an exception at 36mm. Beautiful watches.

Dan S · Apr 17, 2023

I find it to be a bit inappropriate to return a watch because you think it is too small. You had every opportunity to know the size before you bought it.

I doubt that the watch came with a bracelet TBH, but that bracelet is as good a match as you will find. It just needs to be cleaned.

Peemacgee · Apr 17, 2023

David Anderson
I might just need a new bracelet . I dont think it's the original BOR and it doesnt fell quite right.
I also dont understand the dirt I found lodged in there. Maybe it's something to do with ageing a new piece.
I'm not sure.

From what you’ve shown to date the BOR looks ok to me.
If you can take pics of the wording and numbers on the clasp you might get a definite response.

hoipolloi · Apr 17, 2023

Davidt
The Seamaster 166.032/168.028 are an exception at 36mm.

The references 166.011 and 165.011 are 36mm, too.

MtV · Apr 17, 2023

hoipolloi
The references 166.011 and 165.011 are 36mm, too.

And 2976s are even 38mm. But then, finding one might be ambitious.

hoipolloi · Apr 17, 2023

MtV
And 2976s are even 38mm. But then, finding one might be ambitious.

I have 2😁

MtV · Apr 17, 2023

hoipolloi
I have 2😁

I assume you’d still agree there are easier references to source. 😉

RonP · Apr 17, 2023

Also, the remark, recently serviced, 8 would have expected a much cleaner looking movement and no dirt in the seating for the gasket, or the clasp: Yak. Returning seems a wise choice to me.

SOG53 · Apr 17, 2023

Put the bracelet in ultrasonic cleaner it will look like new. if you dont have one use a toothbrush . Dirt in a bracelet is commonplace and easilty cleaned. I do that for all incoming bracelets regardless, surprising how brown the water turns even with clean loooking bracelet- lots of nooks and crannies for dirt to build up.
If I were the seller I would feel its unfair for buyer to ask for return based on size, which was described in listing I assume. Just me..

RonP · Apr 18, 2023

Still strange, If I would sell something I would have it look at its bests, so also a clean bracelet.

Dan S · Apr 18, 2023

R RonP
Also, the remark, recently serviced, 8 would have expected a much cleaner looking movement and no dirt in the seating for the gasket, or the clasp: Yak. Returning seems a wise choice to me.

I don't believe that the OP said the watch was claimed to be recently serviced. As noted earlier in the thread by several experts, this is a perfectly fine vintage watch in better than average condition. It's totally normal that the watch is unserviced and the bracelet is dirty. In fact, most collectors prefer to buy a watch that the seller hasn't tried to tamper with.

Some advice on a Omega Constellation

RoadRunner73

Peemacgee

David Anderson

Davidt

Dan S

Peemacgee

hoipolloi

MtV

hoipolloi

MtV

RonP

SOG53

RonP

Dan S

Similar threads

Advice on a Omega Speedmaster Marui 3510.21. Panda

Some advice on a 105.003-65 Ed White Pre-moon

New member...needing some advice on a 145.014 speedy

Is it true? Did Al Pacino wore a Omega Constellation in the movie The Godfather?

Can I have some advice on this vintage pre-Seamaster?

Need some advice on an omega constellation calendar