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Vintage Omega Constellation - Restoration

elee530
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Hello

I have had this for a couple of years. The watch was my grandfather's. It was passed down to me. I am hoping you can tell me which model this watch is.
I've seen a lot of watches that look similar, but not the exact type. As you can tell from the pictures, the watch needs to be fixed. The glass is cracked, and there is rust and dirt on the inside. The watch still works. (When I say works, the second hand is moving). I'm assuming the watch is real, I don't have papers or a box. Is there a way to tell?

Thanks in advance!

The goal

1. Find out wath model this watch is
2. Find out if it is worth restoring?
3. If it is, what is a reputable place? I am from Southern California
4. Am I able to get more links for the watch
5. Purchase a leather band

IMG_8611.webp IMG_8612.webp IMG_8613.webp IMG_8614.webp
 
Dan S
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Don't worry about links, it's a cheap aftermarket bracelet. Can you show some better photos of the dial. Don't hesitate to post well focused high-resolution photos in good lighting. The photos you posted seem to show some strange peeling of the paint, but it might be compression artifacts.
 
ErichKeane
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Bracelet doesn't match the watch (not original) so I might not bother, but it is a CDL brand and seemingly 14k gold, so it goes for a pretty penny! You might be able to find links on ebay, but more than likely you'll have to buy a whole bracelet to get the links from, looks a few thousand.

The watch itself is gold filled (I think, definitely not pure gold), but a lovely watch! Crystal is aftermarket, so replacing it isn't a big deal at all.

I suspect it is Omega 560 or so movement (550 base + date), but not sure about that. You'll have to look inside the case back to confirm model number (it is a screw off caseback!).

SOMEONE from SoCal can suggest a good local watchmaker, else there are a few suggestions around the country that do great work. I like ArtOfTheWatch in Portland OR (Hes a great guy who does wonderful work though mediocre communication), but there are quite a few out there.
 
JimInOz
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
The watch itself is gold filled (I think, definitely not pure gold),
Gold capped, similar to but not the same as gold filled.
 
elee530
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What is a CDL? Is it worth restoring? Also, is it possible to put it back to factory specs? Also I looked up Omega's website, and they have a complete service. Could they fix everything?
 
elee530
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Even searhing for Omega 550 and 560 the face still doesnt look the same. It looks almost like this. I found this picture on ebay. 1959. The only difference is mine doesn't have the "Officially Certified."

s-l1600.webp
 
Peemacgee
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Welcome @elee530

Your watch is a gold capped dome dial 14393 Constellation, with a cal 561 automatic movt.

Constellations were Omega’s top of the range watches.
 
Peemacgee
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Regarding work on your watch.

Dial degradation, like you see around the indices is common on this era of Constellations.

Please be aware that the material along the central length of the indices and hands may be radium.
This is perfectly safe in normal use but dont go opening the watch yourself. (Radium dust isn’t good for you)

The crystal with cyclops doesn’t belong on a Constellation and can be easily replaced with a correct Omega crystal. (Which is important as it is part of the waterproofing system).

The bracelet, though intrinsically valuable, is not Omega and the style doesn’t sit comfortably with the watch.
However, it may be important to you as it was your grandfather’s.
My personal advice would be to stash the bracelet and find a nice, simple leather strap.

Don’t send the watch to Omega, find a recommended independent watchmaker to service the watch with the minimum of ‘renovation’ work and enjoy wearing it.
 
Peemacgee
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elee530 elee530
Even searhing for Omega 550 and 560 the face still doesnt look the same. It looks almost like this. I found this picture on ebay. 1959. The only difference is mine doesn't have the "Officially Certified."

s-l1600.webp

This watch is a very poor redial.
 
Davidt
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Omega 550/560 relates to the movement, not the watch. The watch reference relates to the case, and each case/watch reference can be found with multiple dial variations. This is normal, so when searching for a reference it will often bring up a range of dial types bit identical to your own.

Personally I’d find out if the bracelet is solid gold and if so I’d scrap it if it doesn’t fit you. Even if it’s not solid, I wouldn’t use it. I’d source either a nice generic strap or a gold plated Omega 7 row beads of rice bracelet
 
elee530
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Thanks for all the help. I think this would be a nice daily once I can clean it up. Does anyone know of a good place in Socal? Also what brand of leather strap would you guys recommend?

I was watching YouTube videos from Wristwatch Revival and saw sutcliffehansen.com, but they start at $1700+. Is this what I am looking at price wise to fix this watch?
 
SOG53
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Nice heirloom watch. Definitely worth restoring. It will look great on a brown or black leather strap
 
Peemacgee
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elee530 elee530
Also what brand of leather strap would you guys recommend?
A simple non-padded leather strap, possibly lizard print if you want some texture, in black or brown,(the colour to pair with a gold watch is a perennial question on OF and is very much personal choice. )
18mm tapering to 16mm.

There are lots of strap suppliers out there - from very reasonable to very expensive.

This is the OF thread dedicated to Constellations- lots of strap options shown here.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/vintage-constellations-show-and-tell.19186/ Cover Image
Thread 'Vintage Constellations. Show and tell' ·
Please show your vintage Constellations.

Would be great to see the variations in a new thread. I'll go first.

1961 Pie pan, Cal 561, Case Ref 14393, on a period 7912 Bracelet (stainless steel)...
JohnSteed ·
 
Peemacgee
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Davidt Davidt
No. A good independent should be around $600-1000.
Is servicing that expensive in the States nowadays?
I would have thought a basic service should be $300-$500 - plus any movt. parts of course.

However, the OP will definitely need a new crystal and crown - so that will add a bit.

@elee530 - just instruct your watch maker on 2 things:
Clean the dial with nothing more than an angel’s breath.
No polishing of the case - just a light rub with a jeweller’s cloth at most.
 
SOG53
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I love this reference 14393

Here’s mine in SS. Some dials have Calendar below Constellation and some do not.

Actually @Peemacgee sparked my interest in lyre lug dome dial Connie’s I know he is fond of these
IMG_3361.webp
 
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