The C-Cased Constellation Thread

kaplan

I was initially intending to compile every variation of everything C-Case related in a book format, but moved onto a website as it'll be more flexible, there's a dizzying amount of different cases it seems:

1- Shiny bezel steel case
2- 14K yellow gold coated shiny bezel steel case
3- 14K rose gold coated shiny bezel steel case
4- 18K shiny bezel yellow gold case
5- 18K shiny bezel white gold case
6- 18K shiny bezel rose gold case
7- Brushed bezel steel case
8- Knurled 18K white gold bezel steel case
9- Knurled 14K white-yellow gold bezel steel case (?) (14K claimed but not verified)
10- Knurled bezel 14K yellow gold coated steel case (bezel gold solidity claimed but not verified)
11- Knurled bezel 18K yellow gold case
12- Knurled bezel 18K white gold case
13- Knurled bezel 18K rose gold case (?) (never seen)
14- Knurled bezel 14K yellow gold case
15- Low knurled bezel 18K yellow gold case
16- Low knurled bezel 18K white gold case
17- Low knurled bezel 18K rose gold case (?) (never seen)
18- 18K UK solid gold case with bracelet welded variations (bracelet based serials)
19- A US special WG Case

These are just for 561, 564, 751 cals. - there are easily 20+ different cases as each solid gold case type could have different manufacturers too, especially the UK fused bracelet models, but for steel cases I didn't notice any significant variation from different manufacturers, minus the 14K/18K bezel claims of the 168.027 / 169.029 - I'll try to find a x-ray tester nearby to get some cases tested at one point

Admittedly I started paying attention to most things only after starting this documentation journey

kaplan

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

Peemacgee

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)

Boojumhunter

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/234774747233

noless

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.

Bill Sohne

Hi @tyrantlizardrex

Super cool!!! thanks ...

my steel 751 says hi I cant find my big pics....

and I have a gold one too boot !

Good Hunting

Bill

Bill Sohne

Hi @tyrantlizardrex

Super cool!!! thanks ...

my steel 751 says hi I cant find my big pics....

and I have a gold one too boot !

Good Hunting

Bill

hadrome

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.

Boojumhunter

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

S Smirrors

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.