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Thoughts on this potential 167.005 Constellation Purchase

BlackTalon
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I'm definitely not an expert on these, but I feel compelled to post anyway. Is the lume scraped off the end of the markers? From the photos it looks like it is gone. The lume on the minute hand is deteriorated, and the hand is rough. The lume on the hour hand may not be original (looks too darn nice compared to everything else). Case has been polished a bit. Aftermarket crystal? New rotor -- was there a recent service (and info on it)? Files are low rez -- I would want to see them at a higher resolution if I were a potential buyer, especially of the dial (which seems to look ok in the low rez shots). I don't know about the crowns, but the seasoned Constellation experts will definitely let you know.

Solid gold or fully stainless steel cases are generally more desirable. Are there photos or info on the clasp? As with anything, it could be a good buy if the price was right, or it could be horribly overpriced. What are they asking?
 
SOG53
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I see lume dot at 12. Not elsewhere
Agree about hands but they can be relumed
Case not bad for gold cap
Crown not original.
Movement regulator pushed all way on one side. Some rotor rub marks inside Caseback. Add cost of service
Dial looks ok better resolution needed.
Comes down to price.
 
swampsaint
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BlackTalon BlackTalon
I'm definitely not an expert on these, but I feel compelled to post anyway. Is the lume scraped off the end of the markers? From the photos it looks like it is gone. The lume on the minute hand is deteriorated, and the hand is rough. The lume on the hour hand may not be original (looks too darn nice compared to everything else). Case has been polished a bit. Aftermarket crystal? New rotor -- was there a recent service (and info on it)? Files are low rez -- I would want to see them at a higher resolution if I were a potential buyer, especially of the dial (which seems to look ok in the low rez shots). I don't know about the crowns, but the seasoned Constellation experts will definitely let you know.

Solid gold or fully stainless steel cases are generally more desirable. Are there photos or info on the clasp? As with anything, it could be a good buy if the price was right, or it could be horribly overpriced. What are they asking?
its up to $918 on auction with 2d left
 
swampsaint
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SOG53 SOG53
I see lume dot at 12. Not elsewhere
Agree about hands but they can be relumed
Case not bad for gold cap
Crown not original.
Movement regulator pushed all way on one side. Some rotor rub marks inside Caseback. Add cost of service
Dial looks ok better resolution needed.
Comes down to price.
what makes the rotor rub on the inside of the caseback.
 
SOG53
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swampsaint swampsaint
what makes the rotor rub on the inside of the caseback.
I am not a watchmaker but as I understand there are instances where highest edge of rotor rubs against the inside caseback (making a visible ring), and also underside of rotor can rub against the bridge beneath it, also causing a visible ring. This indicates a problem with the parts that keep the rotor running where it should, such as loose screws or broken or worn parts, and requires a service to sort out. Somebody please correct if this is incorrectly stated.
One of many threads on this but it gives the basics. Its not good and is a sign of a problem so better to avoid watch with signs of rotor rub.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/rotor-issue.164596/ Cover Image
Thread 'Rotor issue?' ·
This watch is going off soon on eBay. Not really interested in the watch, but have started looking at watches there to hone my evaluation skills. Appears to be rotor scrubbing issue and is visible...
CBM1590 ·
 
swampsaint
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SOG53 SOG53
I am not a watchmaker but as I understand there are instances where highest edge of rotor rubs against the inside caseback (making a visible ring), and also underside of rotor can rub against the bridge beneath it, also causing a visible ring. This indicates a problem with the parts that keep the rotor running where it should, such as loose screws or broken or worn parts, and requires a service to sort out. Somebody please correct if this is incorrectly stated.
One of many threads on this but it gives the basics. Its not good and is a sign of a problem so better to avoid watch with signs of rotor rub.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/rotor-issue.164596/ Cover Image
Thread 'Rotor issue?' ·
This watch is going off soon on eBay. Not really interested in the watch, but have started looking at watches there to hone my evaluation skills. Appears to be rotor scrubbing issue and is visible...
CBM1590 ·
Makes sense, thanks!
 
dsio
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I’ve seen this one come up quite a few times and kept skipping over it in the eBay recommended thread due to the rough case, hands and crown, crystal also looks generic as normally from this many angles you can see the Omega symbol in at least one of them.
 
swampsaint
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dsio dsio
I’ve seen this one come up quite a few times and kept skipping over it in the eBay recommended thread due to the rough case, hands and crown, crystal also looks generic as normally from this many angles you can see the Omega symbol in at least one of them.
Seems like it’s hard to find a good one for sale lol
 
Gabguzro
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Everyone is looking for the pie pans! You either go to a dealer and pay big money, or have patience and wait to have luck on an auction where you will also pay big.
 
theluckyluke
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The reference in the case back is looking strange too. Either my brain is playing tricks, or it’s not written 167.005
 
swampsaint
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Gabguzro Gabguzro
Everyone is looking for the pie pans! You either go to a dealer and pay big money, or have patience and wait to have luck on an auction where you will also pay big.
lol ok
 
swampsaint
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theluckyluke theluckyluke
The reference in the case back is looking strange too. Either my brain is playing tricks, or it’s not written 167.005
So odd
 
swampsaint
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SOG53 SOG53
I see lume dot at 12. Not elsewhere
Agree about hands but they can be relumed
Case not bad for gold cap
Crown not original.
Movement regulator pushed all way on one side. Some rotor rub marks inside Caseback. Add cost of service
Dial looks ok better resolution needed.
Comes down to price.
What’s the best way to tell if a crown isn’t original. What reference guide is everyone using? Or have yall just looked at enough pie pans to tell lol
 
PatinaPete
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swampsaint swampsaint
Amazing, thanks!

I am in the crown replacement process, and a gold naiad crown is ~ 150-250 on Ebay depending on quality, plus the cost of swap. Should have it back this week with a final tally.
 
Knebo
Posts
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SOG53 SOG53
I see lume dot at 12. Not elsewhere
Agree about hands but they can be relumed
Case not bad for gold cap
Crown not original.
Movement regulator pushed all way on one side. Some rotor rub marks inside Caseback. Add cost of service
Dial looks ok better resolution needed.
Comes down to price.
I think this is a good overall assessment.

I've serviced this movement a few times and the rotor is a common problem.
The rotor has a brass bushing that sits on a steel axle (on the automatic bridge of the movement). If not serviced for a long time, the brass bushing will wear out, the rotor will start having up/down play and eventually start rubbing on the edges of the movement (or caseback). It's an easy fix to replace the bushing IF you can get one. Omega doesn't sell the anymore. Even accredited Omega watchmakers apparently need to send in the old/worn axle in order to get a refurbished one.

Besides fixing the rotor, you may have other problems resulting from the debris that was rubbed off the plates by the rotor. This kind of debris loves getting into the oil in the jewels. It'll combine with the oil and create an abrasive mix. That'll wear down the pivots of the wheels....more costs. So if you notice inefficient winding or rattling sounds, stop wearing your 50s/60s/70s Omegas and get them serviced.
 
hant26
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1,794
I think the case looks ok but the crown is not correct and the lume has gone. Not a good purchase IMO. I think you should wait for me when I get 200 posts I could give you other options 😁
 
IMG_1178.webp IMG_1179.webp
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