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WHAT is the actual value of a Pie-Pan Constellation?

ErichKeane
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dsio dsio
I mentioned I’d eventually post a video about it so here it is, mostly recaps what I mentioned previously but I’d still be keen to see it when done if a member got it as I’m sure it’ll be nice

lol, I get to star in your video 😁 IDK how much of my complaining was sour grapes vs being less sure about the dial/case than you are vs believing it (though I think there is enough 'unseen' on the dial to not know what is not seen, and the photos make the case look bad).
 
Screwbacks
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if you can a find a 561 piepan, two-tone in good condition, which was considered most accurate during its era based on what i've read before (got lost of the link), it could go higher.
 
AG77
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What's funny is at first I thought the gold Connie in the article was the same one we've been discussing on the eBay thread here. Which was just purchased by a forum member. They're very similar, down to the strap. But I remembered the one from eBay didn't have a date.
 
AG77
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Be interesting to see what the one from the article sells for. Over $4k I imagine. I think it's 18k
 
dsio
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AG77 AG77
Be interesting to see what the one from the article sells for. Over $4k I imagine. I think it's 18k
Definitely over 4K, it’s a nice example with facets on the lugs still in 18K, between the gold price, how uncommon the condition is and how hot piepans are it’s likely the Hodinkee attention pushes it into the 5s.

It’s a very nice watch
 
CalgaryJim
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dsio dsio
The demand for quality Constellations is as hot as it has ever been right now, if anything I think Speedys have cooled slightly while demand for these has increased, with a massive market in Asia demanding the best examples being a major factor.

Its the reason so many redials and flogged out examples are selling for more than they should, and its the reason people are willing to pay over the odds for an opportunity to own a really nice example as it will still be vastly cheaper than turning to a dealer.

The key value of components vary between models significantly, but on a 2852 its the dial, there are far more good cases than clean original dials. On doglegs in particular, its case and dial in roughly equal proportion as the cases as so susceptible that even including the pool of dome dials there is a shortage of good cases. On C-cases there is a surplus of good dials and a shortage of good cases.

Movements are pretty plentiful, even in the event that you have one in really bad shape, I've haven't paid more than $150 for an entire 751/564/551 donor in ages, and non-chronometers can offer most of the parts at far less again.

The dogleg in particular is getting hot again due to Omega bringing it back in Seamaster form at $21,700 in gold, it's a beautiful case design that's for sure.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/...axial-master-chronometer-37-mm-52253372004001
In stock online in Canada. I like the specs. just not the price!

Screenshot_20260213-180343.webp Screenshot_20260213-180550.webp
 
ErichKeane
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IMO it is great. I haven't seen one, but a pie pan plus a smaller bezel might be tempting.
 
liquidsongbird
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Re pie pan values- it’s hard to argue with price increase, as from my perspective they offer a lot - both aesthetically and technologically- for the price, even if currently elevated. Try to find a similarly great watch from the era for similar money and it’s not easy.
 
reggie_v
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liquidsongbird liquidsongbird
Re pie pan values- it’s hard to argue with price increase, as from my perspective they offer a lot - both aesthetically and technologically- for the price, even if currently elevated. Try to find a similarly great watch from the era for similar money and it’s not easy.

Agreed. It’s basic economics. Demand = higher prices. Plus now theyre getting harder to find. Sure it takes a while for things to catch on but they’ve always been regarded as beautiful quality watches. No wonder prices are in the up
 
reggie_v
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CalgaryJim CalgaryJim
In stock online in Canada. I like the specs. just not the price!

Screenshot_20260213-180343.webp Screenshot_20260213-180550.webp

I still don’t get why they didn’t keep it 34mm. Other than that it’s very nice
 
CalgaryJim
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ErichKeane ErichKeane
IMO it is great. I haven't seen one, but a pie pan plus a smaller bezel might be tempting.
I agree, why not do aaa pan pie dial. Maybe they use focus groups and found there wasn’t enough interest I that dial style. Which has me thinking, how do they decide on what new releases are going to look like and be priced at?
 
CalgaryJim
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liquidsongbird liquidsongbird
Re pie pan values- it’s hard to argue with price increase, as from my perspective they offer a lot - both aesthetically and technologically- for the price, even if currently elevated. Try to find a similarly great watch from the era for similar money and it’s not easy.
I can’t imagine prices dropping after this, not that I have more than a few years experience in the watch world but my intuition is telling me once a ceiling has been broken, prices will tend to stay above it. I’d love to hear opinions from members here who have a lot more experience though in this hobby/business/obsession/passion….
 
AG77
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The pie pan is mostly associated with the Constellation line and certainly a factor into Omega not including one on this Seamaster. It's also enamel which lends itself much easier to manufacture on a flat dial. Even still, a $20k gold Olympic watch will never have mass appeal despite dial design or material.

In many ways apples to oranges, but a vintage Datejust is still more expensive (even with the run up in pie pan prices) of a similar condition pie pan Constellation. I think this will continue to stay true.
Edited:
 
ErichKeane
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CalgaryJim CalgaryJim
I agree, why not do aaa pan pie dial. Maybe they use focus groups and found there wasn’t enough interest I that dial style. Which has me thinking, how do they decide on what new releases are going to look like and be priced at?
Interestingly, I just handled the Green Globemaster AC at my OB and was blown away at the dial. The lug shape made it fit poorly, else I might have taken it home 😀
 
wspohn
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Prices do seem to have increased markedly lately. I no longer collect (already have too many watches) but I don't recall paying more than a few hundred for any of my Constellations,

connieparkersm.webp



I tend to wear this 1990s Seamaster more.

omega_seamaster_chrono_titanio_oro_bracc_blu_quad.webp
 
omega1994
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wspohn wspohn
Prices do seem to have increased markedly lately. I no longer collect (already have too many watches) but I don't recall paying more than a few hundred for any of my Constellations,

connieparkersm.webp



I tend to wear this 1990s Seamaster more.

omega_seamaster_chrono_titanio_oro_bracc_blu_quad.webp

And how many might that be! asking for a friend
 
Dan S
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AG77 AG77
In many ways apples to oranges, but a vintage Datejust is still more expensive (even with the run up in pie pan prices) of a similar condition pie pan Constellation. I think this will continue to stay true.
I agree, but TBH, that still gives Constellations a lot of room to run. If Constellations were just a little larger, that would really help their value. For that reason, maybe the 34mm Oyster Perpetual Date is a better comp.
 
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