Hello from Boston! I've been lurking for several weeks now, reading a ton of threads and taking in as much as I can of the collective knowledge on these forums - now I'm hoping to get your thoughts on a Constellation I just purchased.



It's a ref 14381 61SC with cal 551. Based on what I've learned so far, I think that that caliber is correct for the reference. To me the case looks mostly unpolished, it does not appear to be a redial, and the crown seems to be correct. The crystal is Omega signed but quite scratched. There is some rust on half of the second hand. In terms of the case back, it looks like a strap was left there too long and has caused some pitting/uneven texture. I think the movement looks clean, but to be honest I'm not 100% certain what exactly to look for.

My questions are:
- Redial? I'm pretty confident in my ability to tell a shitty redial but not necessarily a good one.
- Scratches on crystal? I hear good things about Polywatch and might give that a try.
- Case back? Would that be a dealbreaker for this watch?
- Lastly, keep or return? I got it for about $700 and am within the return period.

Thanks all! Let me know if I can provide any additional information.

 

I would say you got yourself a bargain.
Just needs the Polywatch from what I can see...... and probably a service.

 

$700 seems about right for a 14.381 like this. It could have been a bit more expensive without you burning your fingers, as case/dial condition (bar the nylon rash on the back) is very good and originality looks spot on - it even has the correct low dome crystals that Omega (to the best of my knowledge) doesn't offer any more...

@Peemacgee and I was discussing a similar specimen earlier today and I am sure he'll agree that it's a good find

 

PS: This is probably my favourite Constellation reference and you've got the most sought after combination with that fantastic pie pan dial with inlaid onyx in the markers

 

I appreciate the responses! I'll get myself some Polywatch and see where I can bring it in for a service. From a brief search it seems like European Watch Co might be a good option in Boston.

I also quite like the pie pan & onyx combination so I was really, really hoping the consensus would be that it was a decent buy. Of course, now I'll be even more on the lookout for good deals... I've definitely been bitten by the vintage bug!

 

Welcome @unfloopy
I think that’s an absolute steal @$700
Congratulations
With a polished or new crystal the watch will look great.
The watchmaker can do either for you.
For some reason, these particular references often have a rusty second hand.
It will clean up or you can get a replacement.
You do have some pretty serious rotor rub though - so have the watch serviced before you wear it.

 

Thanks for the response! I will definitely get it serviced. Just to make sure I know what I'm looking at, when you're checking for rotor rub are you looking to see if there are circles on the inside of the case back?

 

Yes, that’s right
And the corresponding marks on the high points of the rotor.
It’s not unusual for Connies to have this and is generally an easy fix for a watchmaker when doing a service.

 

Good to know, appreciate the explanation!

 

These often come with the cog wheel crown, well done on getting the decagonal version which I think sets off the case very nicely. Crosshairs too! For just a few weeks' study, that is a great result. I guarantee that once it's been serviced, put on a nice strap or bracelet and you've had time to get to know it, you will love that watch.

 

Hello from Southie!
Nice catch.

 

I like it quite a bit already so I'm sure you're right!

As all of the information available on OF was incredibly helpful for a newbie like me, I really have to thank everybody here for the purchase.

Hi and thanks!

 

What a bargain, welcome and huge congrats, wear in good health

 

A quick learner, I would say.

Enjoy your first great score.

If at all possible, keep the low dome crystal.






And while I like the onyx, I am biased toward the large arrowhead variety.

 

Great deal, congratulations and welcome! Mine says hi

 

Congratulations on a great find and what will be a lovely watch. Please post pictures once it is serviced, fitted with a strap and being worn with pride and pleasure.

 

I think you got a terrible deal, you should immediately send it to me and I will give you $700

Really lovely watch. Well done on the great find

 

Btw - Pretty sure this would have been put together sometime in 1962. I have a 18 gold version with an extract - my serial is a few hundred earlier than yours ( 18.22 mln) and was made up Jan 1962.

Yours is a nice example - enjoy

 

Thank you!

Yes, I'll certainly try to keep it. Lovely watch! I'd love to add one with arrowheads to my collection one day.

Beautiful! Thanks for the welcome!

Will do!

Ha, this doesn't sound suspicious at all...

Thanks!

Wow, that's great information - thanks! Approximately 30 years older than me then.

 

That's a looker I really like the onyx markers. I think you did real good at $700.