Hi guys,

I’m relatively new to the vintage Omega scene and wanted to reach out to the forum for some advice on a vintage connie I recently found on Ebay and am considering purchasing.

I have been monitoring online vintage watch sites for some time for a vintage omega constellation (c. 1960’s) and recently found this 1966 constellation. 561 calibre movement with a steel case and silver dial. The asking price is £1,345 and the watch comes with a 12 month warranty.

I am attaching a number of pictures from the listing.

Overall I had a few major questions / enquiries:

I am keen for any general feedback / health check around the watch - particularly the dial, which looks quite polished / could be a re-dial. However, recognise I am relatively new to this so would appreciate any thoughts.

The hands look rather spotted / worn - should this be a source of concern? Or is it simply a level of wear and tear that you’d expect to find in the context of a vintage watch this old?

Similarly the movement looks a bit blackened / blotchy - would this be considered a significant downside to the value / quality of the watch?

Thank you in advance.

 

Dial, case and movement look ok to me. The rotor is probably from another movement and looks a bit dirty, but should clean up when you get it serviced. It might be from contact with the caseback.

 

Last month I purchased a nearly identical watch. However, mine doesn't have tritium lume plots. Other than that, I'd say they are similar if not identical.

 

Hi @silverfighter.

It is a good-looking piece, though the relumed hands have some pitting as you say.

To me that wouldn't be a deal-breaker if the price was right and here I believe we have an issue.

Is the movement serviced? If not, I would say that a similar watch in open auction should end up costing a fair bit under £1k.

If you end up with one of these, look forward to the joys of fiddling with probably the most diabolical crown designs ever put into production

 

Welcome @silverfighter
As above, the case looks pretty good and the dial is very nice.
Hands often develop patina like this and in use on the wrist you will barely notice it.

As @ConElPueblo asks, has the watch been (properly) serviced?
Is there a pic of the inner case back?
The rotor shouldn’t have that blackening on it (which should have been removed in a sonic bath) and the regulator is hard over, when it should ideally be somewhere near the middle.
if the watch has been serviced and these issues resolved, then if you’re buying from a dealer, the price ( whilst more than you would pay at auction) isn’t too exorbitant.

(and don’t let the crown design put you off - it is difficult to wind but looks great!)

 

For cost comparison, here is a link to a similar watch which has evidently been serviced.
https://www.watchrecon.com/detail.php?cid=5566457
Cost $1050 (£750 at current exchange rates)

The case isn’t quite as sharp but it’s not bad.
Shame it appears to be in the States (import costs)
Pic for reference

 

Thanks all for your input and sorry for the delay in coming back.

@ConElPueblo and @Peemacgee

Have confirmed the watch has indeed been serviced recently - have also seen the inner case back and didn't spot any markings or points of obvious concern (unfortunately I don't have a photo that I can share!).

On the point around the hands - @ConElPueblo you mentioned the hands are relumed with evidence of pitting corrosion - is this something which could be fixed or resolved with a visit to a watchmaker / servicer?

Thank you!

 

i think it looks like a honest watch.
you mention the seller states it has been serviced, be aware to get proof of that.
it is not uncommon that its just a friend or something similar and not a pro

 

I doubt you'll find one who can restore the hands, though a decent relume might be possible. If not by your watchmaker then by a specialist such as James Hyman.

 

Now down to $950 and would be a decent buy but for the fact that, yes, it's in the US and there's the postage and import costs, plus there's the worry of is the seller capable of packing and posting safely. Personally I think it'd be an £850 watch if it were in the UK. The watch posted by the OP is pretty much standard dealer fare, targeting those with more money than patience.

 

I bought a similar watch (1966 reference 168.004) with full kit earlier this year in nearly mint condition on an Omega beads of rice bracelet. The watch wears beautifully and has quite a wrist presence. As others have noted, the “hidden crown” design is unique, but I happen to like it. Frankly, it’s easier to wind than the 10 sided nightmare that passes for a crown on my 1962 pie pan Constellation.