Which vintage Omega dress watch should I chose from the 60s / 70s era?

omsq_36 · Apr 15, 2022

Hello,

I would like to ask your help about vintage man / unisex Omega dress watch options.

I have got a noname watch (38mm) and Steinhart watch (39mm), which are perfect fit for my wrist.

Now I am looking for an automatic Omega watch with gold plating, from 1960 to 1979. I prefer to find a watch in good shape (so I am not a patina lover, repainted dials / polished case is fine for me)-

I am bigger guy, so I am 6"0 tall, with 7.1 inch wrist diameter (around 19 cm)

For my budget (about 1500 USD / 1200 EUR) it seems my four options are:

1. Omega Geneve 14k

2. Omega Seamaster 600

3. Omega Constellation Pie Pan

4. Omega Constellation 168018

(this is the best picture I could find, sorry)

One of my bigest concern is the size. Since these are 34mm / 35mm watches, they might be small on my wrist.

Also i had red on various watch forums that any watch below 36mm is for women. Is this really true?

I had checked other vintage Omega watches from this era, which are 36mm - 38mm and fits my budget, but they are manual watches, and I prefer automatic watches.

Also I don't know much about their movements - which watches I need to avoid?

Please help me decide what to do. I am stucked with my options.

Thank you!

TheGreekPhysique · Apr 15, 2022

The last two pictures you provided did not upload on my end. I wouldn't go for the seamaster 600. Looks like the 11 o'clock lug is bent based off of that photo.

Dan S · Apr 15, 2022

The case is badly damaged on the second one. And both Constellations have poorly refinished dials. The first one is not particularly desirable, but the only decent option out of those four.

omsq_36 · Apr 15, 2022

TheGreekPhysique
The last two pictures you provided did not upload on my end. I wouldn't go for the seamaster 600. Looks like the 11 o'clock lug is bent based off of that photo.

Thank you, I fixed the image links.

omsq_36 · Apr 15, 2022

Dan S
The case is badly damaged on the second one. And both Constellations have poorly refinished dials. The first one is not particularly desirable, but the only decent option out of those four.

Thank you!

onlyomega94 · Apr 15, 2022

First of all, I would most definitely go for solid gold (your budget would allow for that in some models) or a gold-capped (not plated) watch. If you are looking to spend 1.200 euros, I think you should do a bit more research as the bottom three watches are in terrible shape/redialed, and there are plenty of other options. The first one has an ok case but is also redialled (IMO) and not worth 1200 euros.

If I was you, I would also be looking at a Seamaster De Ville. Personally, I think it is one of the most beautiful watches Omega made and it was actually made as a dress watch with a low profile to fit under one's shirt. You can get a wonderful example in a gold-cap on steel for half of your budget or maybe even a 14k version for around 1.200.

gbesq · Apr 15, 2022

onlyomega94
First of all, I would most definitely go for solid gold (your budget would allow for that in some models) or a gold-capped (not plated) watch. If you are looking to spend 1.200 euros, I think you should do a bit more research as the bottom three watches are in terrible shape/redialed, and there are plenty of other options. The first one has an ok case but is also redialled (IMO) and not worth 1200 euros.

If I was you, I would also be looking at a Seamaster De Ville. Personally, I think it is one of the most beautiful watches Omega made and it was actually made as a dress watch with a low profile to fit under one's shirt. You can get a wonderful example in a gold-cap on steel for half of your budget or maybe even a 14k version for around 1.200.

Agree with this. There are many better options for $1,500 USD, but you're going to have some difficulty finding an authentic pie pan Constellation in good shape in that price range. Stay away from gold plated watches You're much better off with gold cap over stainless steel or solid 14k gold. Similarly, avoid watches with repainted dials and heavily polished cases. You may think that such a watch won't bother you, but I guarantee that you'll become less and less pleased with it as time passes and you see better, more authentic examples. Here’s an example of what you can find if you are patient. I picked up this 1956 fully serviced Seamaster 2761 in gold cap with a beautiful crosshair honeycomb dial on eBay. I added a Rios alligator strap and an authentic Omega buckle and am still well within your $1,500 budget. It’s a manual wind movement, but it keeps nearly perfect time and looks great on my 7.5 inch wrist.

Dan S · Apr 15, 2022

gbesq
You're much better off with gold cap over stainless steel or solid 14k gold.

I agree. A nice gold-capped automatic Seamaster is well within the OP's budget. He just needs to be patient and learn what to look for. He doesn't need to settle for gold-plate, crappy condition, or even a less desirable late-70s piece.

johnireland · Apr 15, 2022

I think it is time to get over the myth that 34mm watches are not for men. 33mm used to be the normal size. 34 and later 36 became the new normal. Only a few "tool" watches were ever larger...chronographs, dive watches, multi time zones. My 18k Constellation is shorter, thinner, and at 34mm is "smaller" than my 18k Rolex 1013. And I find that the 34mm watch is more attractive and pleasant to wear. It hugs the wrist and is far more fetching to my eye than today's big watches...which are like looking at cans of tuna fish.

gbesq · Apr 15, 2022

johnireland
I think it is time to get over the myth that 34mm watches are not for men. 33mm used to be the normal size. 34 and later 36 became the new normal. Only a few "tool" watches were ever larger...chronographs, dive watches, multi time zones. My 18k Constellation is shorter, thinner, and at 34mm is "smaller" than my 18k Rolex 1013. And I find that the 34mm watch is more attractive and pleasant to wear. It hugs the wrist and is far more fetching to my eye than today's big watches...which are like looking at cans of tuna fish.

Completely agree. Out of a sizeable collection, only three of my watches are larger than 36 mm and most are 34 mm.

gtcarrera · Apr 18, 2022

168018 de la Constelación Omega

BAJJ · Apr 18, 2022

34mm is smaller than usual these days but the best things come in small parcels, I think. They wear very well, a bit of a shock initially but you soon get used to it. It was with trepidation that I bought my first 34mm watch, the 1963 gold cap 167.005 below, on my 7" wrist, it's super comfortable and simply gorgeous, the perfect dress watch,

gbesq · Apr 18, 2022

BAJJ
34mm is smaller than usual these days but the best things come in small parcels, I think. They wear very well, a bit of a shock initially but you soon get used to it. It was with trepidation that I bought my first 34mm watch, the 1963 gold cap 167.005 below, on my 7" wrist, it's super comfortable and simply gorgeous, the perfect dress watch,

One of my favorite Constellation references. My 14900 says hello.

BAJJ · Apr 18, 2022

gbesq
One of my favorite Constellation references. My 14900 says hello.

And a super sharp example too👍

johnireland · Apr 18, 2022

Stunning watch. Elegant.

johnireland · Apr 19, 2022

I just bought the book Omega Designs. It is quite a treat for the eyes.

cineaste · Apr 19, 2022

But this one and you are done

https://omegaforums.net/threads/omega-constellation-168-005.144813/

Which vintage Omega dress watch should I chose from the 60s / 70s era?

omsq_36

TheGreekPhysique

Dan S

omsq_36

omsq_36

onlyomega94

gbesq

Dan S

johnireland

gbesq

gtcarrera

BAJJ

gbesq

BAJJ

johnireland

johnireland

cineaste

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