Vintage Constellations. Show and tell

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Just added my first Connie to the collection.

Been looking at them for over a decade and knew I had to pull the trigger on this guy.

Your long wait paid off!
 
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Your long wait paid off!
Thanks! It is certainly one of those that I can't imagine ever parting with. It's my most favorite configuration with the most SLICK bracelet I own.
 
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Had to act quickly to secure this gem, so haven't been able to check the ref. - although I am quite certain it is an early 2852.
Will replace the blurry photo with a sharper version tomorrow.
 
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Just added my first Connie to the collection.

Been looking at them for over a decade and knew I had to pull the trigger on this guy.

Looks amazing, where did you find it?
 
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Looks amazing, where did you find it?
Funny enough on one of the biggest dealer sites around. Matthew Bain!
 
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this 14393 was an estate sale find I paid to have restored. it's nice but haven't really connected with it, so hoping switching to a brown strap in 2026 will do the trick

 
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this 14393 was an estate sale find I paid to have restored. it's nice but haven't really connected with it, so hoping switching to a brown strap in 2026 will do the trick

Would look nice on a gold bor bracelet
 
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Finally able to add my '59 14381 Constellation after sourcing a correct vintage flat foot crown from one of our fellow members. This one was offered by a friend and member of our local watch group who bought it to strip the somewhat beat up solid gold bracelet and offered the two-tone head to me. It was looking very sad, but a careful polish, service, new crystal and crown have brought it back to life.

 
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Finally able to add my '59 14381 Constellation after sourcing a correct vintage flat foot crown from one of our fellow members. This one was offered by a friend and member of our local watch group who bought it to strip the somewhat beat up solid gold bracelet and offered the two-tone head to me. It was looking very sad, but a careful polish, service, new crystal and crown have brought it back to life.

Congratulations and I have to say I rather like the blue strap. I have a tan and another chocolate strap to pair with my gold Connie and never would have thought about the blue
 
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After a few years of being insanely picky and holding off for the right one, I was finally able to purchase a 168.005 in 18k yellow gold. One owner watch, in perfect running condition, seemingly unpolished with a nice rosy patina. Now the search begins for a period correct 18k buckle!
 
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After a few years of being insanely picky and holding off for the right one, I was finally able to purchase a 168.005 in 18k yellow gold. One owner watch, in perfect running condition, seemingly unpolished with a nice rosy patina. Now the search begins for a period correct 18k buckle!
Looks amazing! Where did you manage to find it?
 
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Looks amazing! Where did you manage to find it?
picked it up from someone who works at Christies auction house. Had it posted for about 2 minutes on chrono24 before I saw it. We worked together on a price that was good for both of us.

Definitely paid up a little for it, but it鈥檚 as crisp as any example I have found.
 
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picked it up from someone who works at Christies auction house. Had it posted for about 2 minutes on chrono24 before I saw it. We worked together on a price that was good for both of us.

Definitely paid up a little for it, but it鈥檚 as crisp as any example I have found.
How much did you pay in the end?
 
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After a few years of being insanely picky and holding off for the right one, I was finally able to purchase a 168.005 in 18k yellow gold. One owner watch, in perfect running condition, seemingly unpolished with a nice rosy patina. Now the search begins for a period correct 18k buckle!
Absolutely beautiful. I acquired my Connie last year after years of lusting in my dream configuration as well.

I'm usually terrible at waiting but it paid off.
 
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After a few years of being insanely picky and holding off for the right one, I was finally able to purchase a 168.005 in 18k yellow gold. One owner watch, in perfect running condition, seemingly unpolished with a nice rosy patina. Now the search begins for a period correct 18k buckle!
very nice indeed @amuscare87 - lovely case.
Not cheap but most likely worth every penny in the long run.
Are they the flat onyx inserts of a solid gold dial I see there? i.e. making it a 168.006 deluxe rather than a 'common-or-garden' 168.005.
 
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very nice indeed @amuscare87 - lovely case.
Not cheap but most likely worth every penny in the long run.
Are they the flat onyx inserts of a solid gold dial I see there? i.e. making it a 168.006 deluxe rather than a 'common-or-garden' 168.005.

That鈥檚 a good question that I don鈥檛 know the answer to so hopefully you have some insight. The caseback is stamped 168.005/6 SC and I believe they are onyx inserts.