Are the shiny gold bezels (2,3) ‘gold coated’?
On other contemporaneous Constellations the gold bezels ( on gold cap models) are solid gold.

Plus you need to add the very peculiar shiny white gold 18k bezel on the yellow 18k case (168.008)

 

I always assumed they are gold coated, the first chance I get into a reliable mental/physical state going to open up a (2) and (10) numbered cases to check, hoping the color behind the bezel will support one of the theories until actually getting them xrayed

Thanks for the 168.008 reminder, I've also seen a couple of regular gold coated cases look like the dual color solid 168.008 case, I always assumed they are what happens when the bezel is polished, that's why I think they are simply coated cases, as the color of coated bezels always match the case too

Some sellers advertise CD 168.029's as having 18K bezels for example, that one in my opinion is very unrealistic as the coating itself should be 14K - once again, all assumptions at this point until tested

I've also heard of other rare cases, but never actually saw one, I wouldn't be surprised if there's an 14K WG case etc. out there too

 

I think, given the opportunity for confusion, that it is important to use the right terminology - constellations are gold capped not coated ( which could be confused with gold filled or gold plated)

IIRC gold capped constellations are capped in 14k gold and the bezels are 14k solid gold - hence the colour match.

( note: I’m referring to bezels on gold capped cases not to white knurled c case bezels on SS cases)

 

You're right, the bracelets are 20 microns gold plated and my assumptions are likely very wrong, it explains why bracelets are almost in thrash condition sometimes while the head is going strong, as you say it's likely gold capped upwards of 200 microns, I'd guess lower, and there's no evidence yet against bezels being solid gold, I've never seen a bezel exposing steel underneath (minus 2 weird gold capped models having flat steel bezels, which I suspect could've had their bezels removed)

------

Stumbled onto this ladies model, it's currently in auction and I believe ~800 pounds will be able to buy it:

^ First time seeing a low knurled and contrasting color bezel on a Ladies watch!

I recently bought this myself, In my eyes it's #1 as far as ladies C-Case's go, have only seen one other coloured ladies C-Case before, I ended up paying triple the amount I was expecting/hoping to pay, haven't received it yet but I'm very very curious, hope it's the same cracking enamel-ish material as the regular sized C-Case's



This is the other one:

 

Okay team, I've seen what I think are called "florentine" finishes on Rolex watches, but never on an Omega, and certainly not on a c-case. What do you all make of this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/234774747233Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

I think it looks good - for a yellow gold watch. I recall seeing it before but it was probably this watch, I assume it was an aftermarket modification but I guess we'll never know, however the signs are pointing into the modification direction, with the engraving

 

I remember an auction of a similar (maybe even the same?) watch where the seller stated that it had been modified after purchase by a jeweller. So it was no factory finish. I think the seller was the heir of the first owner or something similar.

 

And the bracelet too!

 

Interesting stuff coming out of the woodwork... this currently on eBay and Chrono 24:

 

the lume pip that was still used at the date window causing some tritium burn is a bit of a shame i must say, but certainly not a variation ive seen often.

 

Looks like dial degradation due to moisture ingress to me rather than some kind of burn (is there such a thing as tritium burn?)

The dial is also flaking around the Omega symbol and OMEGA furniture, as well as some indices.
The way the lume has discoloured in the indices is a reasonably sure sign of moisture.

 

I often see this in particular on blue dials, where only around the pips there is loss of the blue coating, I had seen it referred to as tritium burn, but now that you mention it, the lume is kinda porous and could just be holding any moisture in that spot leading to the degradation.
(couldn't find the pic of this on my blue dial 168.057 c-case... so this ladies geneve will have to do)

 

That's gotta to be one of the sweetest C-cases I have seen, the bracelet is a game changer

 

Hi everyone,

Really happy that this ended up as a Spider dial! I was worried that it could've been a redial as there were no confirmed Spider dials for ladies variants, turns out they exist - it's in incredible condition as well, all the case lines are there, just a scratch on the crystal that I'll fill out at one point

Thinking of pairing this with a red strap to bring out the green

Happy holidays



Edit: Forgot this picture

 

I see this thread has been going on for some years! Thought I'd bring it into 2023 with my new-to-me 168.017 C. It's a very versatile watch. Dressy enough. Casual too. A bit of a sweet spot. This one is a cal. 564 from 1971.



The bracelet is great (though the fit of the 518 end links needs some tweaking). I've been enjoying it mostly on this perlon though.



The stars are bright.

 

Welcome newish member; you clearly have class coming to this subforum early on. Many c-case fans here, as well as some expertise... enjoy!

 

Thanks! I have to admit that I was a C-sceptic for a long while, happy with my '62 Seamaster. Then I looked at them last year and thought again. After that, I got a little obsessed reading about them. Now I have one and I'm a complete convert.

I only just came across this thread though. (Joined the forum after years of occasional visits so I could post my new toy!) Amazing. This thread and all the C-joy in it has been making me want a fluted bezel. Darnit!

 

That’s exactly how it happened with me

 

Happy to join the c-cased constellation group this year, my first foray into vintage. This one was chosen for its bezel and linen dial and particularly was looking for sharp unpolished edges to showcase the design. This one hasn't disappointed.

 

It looks great. And it really isn't helping my fluted-bezel-envy!

Yours certainly has the radial brushing and the mirror bevels. It's difficult to tell, but the bevels look a little wider than on my earlier (sunburst finished/non-fluted) case type. (Pics just above.)