(Trying to) Buy a pie pan constellation

[KhaiKen99]

Hi everyone! I am a watch newbie and I have come across a few ebay listings on omega pie pan constellations. I spent some time searching up this forum on what I should look out for when buying one, different movements etc. However I really can't wrap my head around which listing is more worth it,considering each watch's condition. Will really really appreciate anyone's help!

1.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26630390...hkcwirdreq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
- i like the colour of this one but I can't tell if all the parts are original

2.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26608724...thkcwirdreq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COP
- should this be a 168.005 instead since the crown is not hidden?

3.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25501297...hkcwirdreq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

4.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26630390...hkcwirdreq&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
- am not sure how to gauge the value of a pie an constellation with nice patina dial + crosshairs (do they add/decrease value of this particular watch)

Thanks so much for anyone who helps!

Sincerely
A newbie

 

[Seaborg]

Hello and welcome.

Please post pictures, and no links.

Thank you !

 

[KhaiKen99]

Hi and so sorry about that! I'll take note for the future.

1.
- am not sure how to gauge the value of a pie an constellation with nice patina dial + crosshairs (do they add/decrease value of this particular watch)

2.



3.



4.



For 2 and 3, does the retailer branding increase or decrease the value of this watch? Also if the buckle is included (2), how much does it add to the value of the watch?

Sorry for all these long questions, it's really daunting to step into watch collecting with no knowledge 🙁

UPDATE: I EDITED NUMBER 4 since that was a duplicate listing,i goofed up.

Edited: Jun 27, 2023

 

[BlackTalon]

You would do best to educate yourself before jumping in. Lots of good info here: http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/

 

[gatorcpa]

1 and 4 look to be the same watch. They both have the same item number, so they really are the same watch!

2 and 3 are the same model, but 3 has an original crown.

The question is which model of pie-pan dials do you like. There are many of them.

I suggest that you read the articles on this website:

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/?m=0

gatorcpa

 

[TexOmega]

OP, only 2 ways to approach this task, Gator's suggestion and use your time and effort to snag a value example when you see it.......if you see it👍

or

pay someone else(DEALER) full retail for their time and effort providing a nice example..........a highly regarded dealer.


Since you found a hard core collectors forum, most of us chose the prior but have prostrated ourselves and paid the piper more than a few times.😲oooooppps....did I say this out loud?😬

Edited: Jun 26, 2023

 

[KhaiKen99]

gatorcpa

1 and 4 look to be the same watch. They both have the same item number, so they really are the same watch!

2 and 3 are the same model, but 3 has an original crown.

The question is which model of pie-pan dials do you like. There are many of them.

I suggest that you read the articles on this website:

http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/?m=0

gatorcpa

Hi there thanks so much! I goofed up and posted the same listing twice so I've edited the previous post. Thank you for your comments!

 

[Peemacgee]

@KhaiKen99

A number of Constellation references had the option of a pie pan dial but all pie pans references are not valued equally.

Some think the dogleg is the iconic pie pan.
Others prefer earlier lyre lug references.

The ‘hidden crown’ .004s and .010s are less popular ( for now) but consequently are more affordable.

However, you should look for the case style that you like most and buy the best condition version you can find/afford.

( the gold cap 14381 posted above is VERY heavily polished)

Branding on the watch dial is a divisive subject.
Some think it adds value to a watch, I personally think it devalues a watch.
(IMHO it’s mainly sellers who try to convince buyers it adds value due to rarity)

 

[KhaiKen99]

Peemacgee

@KhaiKen99

A number of Constellation references had the option of a pie pan dial but all pie pans references are not valued equally.

Some think the dogleg is the iconic pie pan.
Others prefer earlier lyre lug references.

The ‘hidden crown’ .004s and .010s are less popular ( for now) but consequently are more affordable.

However, you should look for the case style that you like most and buy the best condition version you can find/afford.

( the gold cap 14381 posted above is VERY heavily polished)

Branding on the watch dial is a divisive subject.
Some think it adds value to a watch, I personally think it devalues a watch.
(IMHO it’s mainly sellers who try to convince buyers it adds value due to rarity)

Thank you so much for your comments! Let me do some research on the dogleg vs lyre lug,have no idea what that is. Regarding the gold cap 14381 overpolishing, you see that due to the lack of scratches on the caseback as well as the rounded edges?

@Peemacgee

Edited: Jun 27, 2023

 

[Peemacgee]

K KhaiKen99

Thank you so much for your comments! Let me do some research on the dogleg vs lyre lug,have no idea what that is. Regarding the gold cap 14381 overpolishing, you see that due to the lack of scratches on the caseback as well as the rounded edges?

@Peemacgee

For case reference types - this essay by Desmond (from his Constellation blog linked to above) is a good place to start
http://users.tpg.com.au/mondodec//aCaseStudydefinitive.pdf

Whilst gold cap cases are always (only slightly) less sharp than steel or solid gold, the 14381 (no date version) and 14393 (date version) - same case type - should have lyre lugs with small but clearly defined facets on the edge of the lugs.

image of steel dome dial 14381 from OF for comparison

your examples