Thoughts on this 18K Constellation Pie Pan ref. no. 168.025

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Vanallard

·Sep 29, 2017

Hi all,

I have come across another interesting vintage piece, a late 60's Omega Constellation Pie Pan. I've slowly been moving up the Geneve - Seamaster - Constellation ladder and find myself at the third rung, where both the price for a watch as well as the likelihood of coming across a redial/franken/replica tend to peak.

It's a solid 18k gold case, reference no. 168.025 - I don't see any issues with the case.

Dial - not the best picture but it's the only one listed in the ad. Marked "T Swiss Made T OM" indicating a 18k gold dial. To me, the lettering appears OK but this is where I'm hoping someone with a bit more expertise can lend some info/assistance.

Hands - Dauphin hands appear to be proper length.

Movement - cal. 564 looks good.

Any thoughts and comments would be appreciated!

 

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Noddyman

·Sep 29, 2017

It's hard to tell from the grainy pics but looks redial to me. Look at the pointy A's in automatic, these should have flat tops.

 

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Noddyman

·Sep 29, 2017

Looking again, I could be wrong, better pics needed really.

 

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Vanallard

·Sep 29, 2017

I'll ask the seller for another picture or two of the dial... Here's a magnified pic of the dial:

I believe the top of the 'A' is flat but it is hard to tell.

 

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gatorcpa

·Sep 29, 2017·ΩF InvestiGator

I can’t see anything from your picture. Here’s a similar watch with an original dial to compare:

If I had to guess based on that out of focus picture, then I would guess original based on the “OM” on the bottom and the vertical grain in the dial. Both would be very difficult for a redialler to get correct.

You would think that someone trying to sell a $1,000+ watch could figure out how to focus a camera.

Good luck,
gatorcpa

 

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Vanallard

·Sep 30, 2017

Seller says he doesn't have any more pictures... I might have to pass on this one.

I appreciate the tips/advice.

 

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Tom Dick

·Sep 30, 2017

I'd say that's an original dial, although odd that the seller won't send additional pics but has gone to the length of decasing a front loading model

It's a nice watch IMHO and these front loaders are quite rare comparative to other models, although they wear quite slim

I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss it but of course your call

Cheers tom

 

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Vanallard

·Sep 30, 2017

Fair enough - the seller claims the photos were taken by a watchmaker who also removed the mechanism. I get the sense that the seller isn't very well versed in horology (and perhaps other technology). The listing for the watch also pictured an Omega buckle, which the seller confirmed is solid 18k gold. I take this as another positive sign regarding the overall authenticity of the watch.

 

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michael22

·Sep 30, 2017

Vanallard

Fair enough - the seller claims the photos were taken by a watchmaker who also removed the mechanism. I get the sense that the seller isn't very well versed in horology (and perhaps other technology). The listing for the watch also pictured an Omega buckle, which the seller confirmed is solid 18k gold. I take this as another positive sign regarding the overall authenticity of the watch.

Sellers who don't understand what they have, & take bad pics, are where you can find real bargains. If you are prepared to take a risk. Got to be well priced to start with, though.

 

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JimInOz

·Sep 30, 2017·Melbourne Australia

I agree with @gatorcpa, even though the dial pic is awfully focussed I think it's original.
I would chance it.

 

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Euxinus

·Sep 30, 2017

From what I can tell the fonts check out. The only thing I'm not sure of is if T Swiss Made T was found on these dials or not, worth looking into if your not sure. If it was found in these dials I would gamble on the side of original. Caseback is super sharp for a gold watch and from the limited shots of the case it looks pretty nice as well. Also as @michael22 said, crap photos and noob sellers is where good deals can be made.

 

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Sherbie

·Sep 30, 2017

Shouldnt the observatory have brickwork on it though? Or is this feature only on some of the earlier connies?

 

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gatorcpa

·Sep 30, 2017·ΩF InvestiGator

Sherbie

Shouldnt the observatory have brickwork on it though? Or is this feature only on some of the earlier connies?

Not on this model. Here’s another 18K example.



https://omegaforums.net/threads/looking-for-an-opinion-and-some-advice.9913/#post-116314

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa

 

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Vanallard

·Oct 2, 2017

I appreciate all of the feedback. Unfortunately, the seller is using eBay BIN prices as a reference point. I'll have an opportunity to see the watch in person in a few months. I'm hopeful that the seller will realize by then that the price he's currently expecting is unrealistic.