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Vintage Constellation Men's

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View attachment 1704385

Good morning,

My 83 year old father gave me his grandfathers watch last night. My father remembers his grandfather paying around $300 approximately for the watch back in the 50s. It still keeps time and is in quite good condition considering my father wore this throughout his entire 34 career driving buses in the city of Toronto (TTC).
The watch has never been restored and is unmolested.

1. I'm curious as to the value obviously?
2 Should I have an expert open it and see the inner details or not?
3. Should it be professionally cleaned?
4. I would love to have the brick links shortened so I can wear it. Is this advisable?

Thank you.
Allison
Toronto, ON
Edited:
 
20231205_181127.jpg
Bruce235
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There is an add photos button at the bottom of the post window. We need pics to assess it
2. Yes take to a watchmaker (not a jeweler) and have it opened to see the numbers on the case back.
3 the movement needs to be disassembled cleaned and lubed every 7to 8 years, so it is overdue. Don't clean the dial or polish the case. Just clean the case gently.
4 the WM xan shorten the bracelet for you.
 
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Bruce235 Bruce235
There is an add photos button at the bottom of the post window. We need pics to assess it
2. Yes take to a watchmaker (not a jeweler) and have it opened to see the numbers on the case back.
3 the movement needs to be disassembled cleaned and lubed every 7to 8 years, so it is overdue. Don't clean the dial or polish the case. Just clean the case gently.
4 the WM xan shorten the bracelet for you.
 
TheGreekPhysique
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Looks like a reference 14381. Year should be around 1960. Crown looks replaced; however, unable to tell for sure as the photo is quite blurry. If gold capped id say value is around 1200 - 1700 depending on condition and if all original.
 
Dan S
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The bracelet is just an aftermarket model, and the spring-loaded end links can damage the lugs. I would suggest a nice leather or exotic skin strap.
 
Bruce235
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This is called a pie pan dial and they are sought after and sell for a premium. The dial has some damage/ dirt but not terrible. It cannot be cleaned so don't let anyone try it will destroy it and halve the value.
I suggest a leather strap, that bracelet is nothing special or valuable. Try green or blue, black or brown. Whatever you fancy.
Try search Google images for Omega pie pan to find match for your watch. Then go to ebay and look for completed sales of the same reference to get the value. TheGreekPhysique is likely correct.
 
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Dan S Dan S
The bracelet is just an aftermarket model, and the spring-loaded end links can damage the lugs. I would suggest a nice leather or exotic skin strap.
Edited:
 
A
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Dan S Dan S
The bracelet is just an aftermarket model, and the spring-loaded end links can damage the lugs. I would suggest a nice leather or exotic skin strap.
 
20231206_105622.jpg
Peemacgee
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Welcome @allisonearle

All good advice above.
It’s a 14381 with a gold cap case and a crosshair piepan dial.

This Constellation reference was produced from around ‘59-‘63 - so it sits in that age range.

I think you can tell your watch is not in ‘collector’ condition so I would value it at the bottom edge of @TheGreekPhysique ’s price range.

However, as a precious heirloom it is priceless to you and well worth having serviced.

I would also advise removing the spring loaded bracelet and get a nice leather strap that will fit your wrist.
 
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Welcome @allisonearle

All good advice above.
It’s a 14381 with a gold cap case and a crosshair piepan dial.

This Constellation reference was produced from around ‘59-‘63 - so it sits in that age range.

I think you can tell your watch is not in ‘collector’ condition so I would value it at the bottom edge of @TheGreekPhysique ’s price range.

However, as a precious heirloom it is priceless to you and well worth having serviced.

I would also advise removing the spring loaded bracelet and get a nice leather strap that will fit your wrist.

That's exactly what I'll do. Brown or black leather strap?

Thank u everyone!!!
 
TheGreekPhysique
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Welcome @allisonearle

All good advice above.
It’s a 14381 with a gold cap case and a crosshair piepan dial.

This Constellation reference was produced from around ‘59-‘63 - so it sits in that age range.

I think you can tell your watch is not in ‘collector’ condition so I would value it at the bottom edge of @TheGreekPhysique ’s price range.

However, as a precious heirloom it is priceless to you and well worth having serviced.

I would also advise removing the spring loaded bracelet and get a nice leather strap that will fit your wrist.

yes more clarity on condition came after my post with the additional pictures. I agree with you
 
Dan S
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A allisonearle
That's exactly what I'll do. Brown or black leather strap?

Thank u everyone!!!
This watch will work well with many different color straps, including brown or black, and also tan or even green.
 
Peemacgee
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A allisonearle
That's exactly what I'll do. Brown or black leather strap?

Thank u everyone!!!

that really is personal choice.

Black looks great but is perhaps more formal.
Brown looks equally good but is a bit more relaxed.

With either choice I would keep it simple - plain or lizard and unpadded or very lightly padded.

black, light brown, dark brown.
83A31D52-EEF3-40CE-B137-0EA9F45079C9.jpeg EFDF80C4-B6E1-40D6-8BCD-1AF9CF9B9F56.jpeg AEE0A015-76DF-43BE-B0EA-6C34925AC670.jpeg
 
A
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
that really is personal choice.

Black looks great but is perhaps more formal.
Brown looks equally good but is a bit more relaxed.

With either choice I would keep it simple - plain or lizard and unpadded or very lightly padded.

black, light brown, dark brown.
83A31D52-EEF3-40CE-B137-0EA9F45079C9.jpeg EFDF80C4-B6E1-40D6-8BCD-1AF9CF9B9F56.jpeg AEE0A015-76DF-43BE-B0EA-6C34925AC670.jpeg
Great examples thank u!!
 
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