I have a chance to buy a 1966 constellation caliber 561 gold filled. It has been serviced recently so that it's very nice and clean. The problem is that the owner said he has replaced the main spring, and currently it has non-Omega crystal. He said he can install a plastic Omega crystal if I want, and the new main spring is Omega original as well. I'm pretty new to this so I'm wondering if anything fishy here. The price is about $1000. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Some photos attached.
The Connie will be gold capped not filled (better quality) The main spring should be replaced with a proper service - so that's okay Again - its common to have the crystal replaced if it's scratch but It's generally recommended to have a genuine Omega crystal
What are your concerns OP? Your going to need better pics for comments on condition . For price advice look at eBay comparables.
This looks like a nice watch -better pictures would help but dial looks correct It looks like a 168.004? But the case has seen some significant polishing - the lugs and bezel have lost their edges - they should be sharp - the gold also looks scratched all round the bezel and the back is very shiny Do you have any movement and case back pics? For $1000 you should still be able to get a really nice version of this watch However - if it has been properly serviced (a full strip down) - you would require proof- this has a value of $200-300 If you are looking for a nice watch to wear this fits the bill If you are looking for a collectors piece that will maintain/ grow its value then I would pass on this one I personally don't care for the date magnifier on these watches - it detracts from the lovely simple lines of a round case dome dial Connie - but that is just a personal opinion Hope that helps
here is a later pink gold-capped 564 168.010 dome dial for comparison of the case condition new mainspring and Omega crystal after service
If the service mentioned in the advert is a proper service (replacing the mainspring, IMO, points to that), the price isn't completely bonkers. You may be able to find one in better, non-polished condition and have that one serviced, but as @Peemacgee says that will run to roughly $200-300. The dial has some minor spotting, the hands are a bit scruffy and the crown isn't the original, which will (as in the above picture) be more integrated in the case. Overall, I'd say that while it might not be a collectors dream watch, it doesn't make me run away screaming Clicking on the photos opens them in much larger size, plenty good for assessing condition
I'd pass... way too licked... looks like a mint caramel after 5 min in your mouth. .. Those watches are not exactly scarce... wait for a better one
I've been looking at lot of similar Connies the past few weeks. Price is OK given the apparent recent service if you are only comparing vs other 561's as a generality. But condition is critical unless you are talking something really hard to find. Those photos are very good but the impression from seeing what I can is it is a bit tired looking in hands and dial and over eagerly polished at some point. With the recent service, if this a couple days a week or more on your wrist piece I'd be fairly comfortable with that price assuming the recent service but if you want a nice example of a 561 to collect and maybe flip a few years down the road patience is generally rewarded because there are so many of them out in the wild. It doesn't excite me because it isn't unique and not a stellar example.
Well great forum I didn't expect that many comments. Yes it is 168.004 and your right Peemacgee it seems heavily polished, the lug and bezel area not sharp. And how do you know the crown not original from my (previous) photos ConElPueblo? One of my concern is that why the seller didn't put a genuine crystal on given that it's only around $30 - $40 more. I plan to buy this as a gift for my in-law so cleanness is a pros here and not sure about flipping in the near future, but still it's best to find the most original that fits the bill. Here are some other pics from sides and inside
Prices for Connies are rising - and dome dials are no exception But you can still get good examples at the price you quoted You just need to be patient - (possibly months not weeks) always a problem if you are looking for a gift with a deadline BTW the crown on an .004 should be 'fully' recessed (hidden crown) like the .010 I posted above However there are lots of examples out there with protruding crowns -not sure if this style ever had an official variant - which could mean it's a replacement
Again, really appreciate the quick replies from you all. I have decided to pass on this watch. I might not find one for my in-law this time but the next occasion is about 4 months away, hope that's enough time to find a good one. @ConElPueblo & @Peemacgee : Thanks for the great tip. I also just learnt that there's an Omega logo in the middle of a genuine crystal. Hope to learn more from this forum.
you are more than welcome @cppc if you find anything that you like post the pics up here and I'm sure the members will be happy to critique the watch for you (there are many many sub-standard Connies out there) in the mean time -if you like Constellations -you might like to look at Desmond's amazing website -so that you can offer your thoughts on what you are posting too http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.ae there are multiple case styles and movements -not just cal 561 .004s pie pans and dome dials -gold cap, stainless steel and solid gold -and they are all wonderful
Best of luck with your research! If you see anything offered for sale on here, snap it up Regarding crystals, I wouldn't be too concerned if the Omega logo is missing, I'm not convinced that the difference (other than, possibly, aestheticly) is there. And that tiny logo costs a surprisingly large amount of money. Is it worth it on a less than exquisite example? I wouldn't say so, and it is probably the least important thing to be "right" about a watch, after case, movement, dial, crown and buckle.
Quick question: is there a constellation or seamaster that is manual instead of automatic? My in-law happens to prefer manual a bit more. Well, he has plenty of time so he wants to roll the crown every couple days ...