Hello OF members,

I Just thought I'd do a quick post on a couple of "snags" I managed today at a giant flea market just outside London..bearing in mind today was 1 degree today, and below with bitter winds it wasn't the most pleasurable experience..but, I'm glad I made the trip!



I found a couple of watches in amongst the endless "tut" you usually find at these things...I have to say though that this one was quite good, and it did have some quite interesting stuff, at least to look at..stuffed animals, militaria, jewellery, silver ware..old ladies wheeling around their dogs..etc..

I got in early doors at 6.30am.. (Don't ask me why!) and managed to pick up this pie pan about 5 minutes in.. Think it's a Cal 561.

What I can say is it is truly 'vintage' aged champagne dial, gold capped, original omega glass (surprised) and pink gold dial furniture, which begs the question, did omega design a yellow gold capped watch with pink gold dial furniture? It strikes me as strange but it kind of works..all I know is its different to the colour of the case! Maybe a dial transplant?

Have spend the last few hours cleaning it as it was a bit mucky!



Crystal polish, buff and a clean with a cotton bud worked really well.. The crystal cleaned up quite well apart from a small crack, not really noticeable to the naked eye..



Had to really pull out these old spring bars that had obviously been imbedded in the case for years.. Case back medallion is so clean, and sharp.. Amazed it survived the test of time!!



Prepped it because I'm notorious for scratching the caseback! But, alas the case was too tight so movement shots added in due course..



Light polish and it looks really great IMO. The dial has aged lovely..



Will get a crown - advice on which crown I need would be great?



I think the onyx inserts and pink gold dial furniture rather enhance, unfortunately my picture does not!

and picked up a 70's timex for a couple of pounds..



Quite retro..

Thanks for looking!

 

My guess is that its a cal 561 from 1959-61 era. Nice find, and would bet that the movement is in pristine condition. Expect the seal may have decomposed, hence the difficulty in removing the case back.

best of luck, Paul

 

Thanks Paul,

I've had a few of these references - this one is nice though, dial is a lovely orange colour. I think this is Cal 561. I'm telling you this case doesn't want to move! Will take it to local watchmaker.

Thanks, Dab

 

14.902 with a caliber 561 maybe?

 

Dennis, which one is quickset? This one isn't... Thanks!

 

Are we taking bets?

 

The quickset that operated by pushing / pulling the crown was the 564, so if that doesn't have it then it's a 561.

..... and Kyle is probably right.

 

Paul / sherbie was the first to guess a 561. Credit given where credit due.

 

If you read my spiel, I guessed first..but, who's counting..

 

Alex.........congrats on the find......

Too bad we do not have this vintage/ flea auction market in Jakarta . I hope I can snatch from you again.......

 

Anytime........anywhere........

 

Hello Alex, nice watch.
I think it`s Ref. 14393 with Caliber 561.

 

Hi Alex,
compare your Constellation with the one on Ebay.com,Item number 321097171438, offered by ms 10 mark.
You will see, it`s a Conni Ref. 14393, Caliber 561, gold capped with original dial, Tritium filled markers and hands and ten sided crown!
What do you think about this?
Greetings from Germany,
Reiner

 

Thank you! can you put the full link for me Reiner? Great to see some of your watches, I really like..

 

Very nice catch! My vote is Ref. 14393 with Cal 561 (you should be able to change the date by moving from Midnight to 21:00).

 

Hi Alex, thanks for the likes.
Here is my oldest Conni, Ref. 2648, SS ,Bumper 354, original two silvered dial, clean Dauphine hands without corrosion ,wonderful shiny markers. Mint condition. In natura the watch looks phantastic, better than my little digital camera can do! View attachment 15284

 

I'm hoping to stumble on one of these beauties in the next flea market..I fear it will never happen!