Collection
Aroma's post details his evolving appreciation for C-shape Omega Constellations, culminating in the acquisition of a beautiful 18kt gold example. His journey highlights the challenges of finding unadulterated vintage pieces and the specific characteristics that make these watches desirable. The discussion provides valuable insights into the details collectors look for in vintage Constellations, from case condition to original papers.
Hi All,
Arriving at a decision whether or not I like something is usually quite straightforward and pretty much instantaneous. Very rarely do I change my mind about my likes or dislikes and so it was quite a surprise that after dismissing C shape Constellations as unattractive some time ago, I have really come to like them.
I bought a steel 168.009/17 about 9 months ago and found it quite to my liking – it fitted my wrist well, it was easy to read and quite different in style. Ever since then, I have been on the lookout for a nice unadulterated 18kt gold C shape but it has been a difficult mission - there don’t seem to be that many around - what there are have been over-polished or have been so mistreated that they are covered in bumps and bruises – and they really do show the bruises as there is a lot of lug to damage.
However, I stumbled on this one recently:-
It’s a 1966 cal 561 – the crystal has a magnifier over the date window which is something I thought was an add-on but the ‘Cyclops’ is actually moulded into the acrylic with the top surface flush (i.e. unlike the Cyclops on a Rolex Datejust which sits proud of the surface) and in the centre of the crystal is the Omega logo so it must be a standard crystal. The case seems to have acquired a natural shine – probably through wear but has not been polished. Timekeeping is just great – it averaged just -1.5 sec/day over the week.
Here it is with its brother – another 1966 cal 561.
And here with its 166.5004 stable-mate – yet another 1966 cal 561
Like Graham, I have been trying to avoid purchasing watches – I feel that I have far too many already but when you come across something like this Connie – well, resolve just seems to melt away.
Cheers
Andrew
. . . the most toys, wins." I'm sure that sentiment would come across as deeply profound in Latin. If it's any consolation, Andrew, you're in good company. None of us have any willpower when it comes to vintage Omega! Committed as ever, Art
Aroma, Some time back I took a pic from a friend's Constellation and seeing yours ... (sorry for the bad pic ) The coincidences: a) Is the same model (my friend's one is white gold, if my memory is working) b) Notice the date. Your and his are on the 18th!! Congratulations for your acquisition. I'm chasing one C-Shaped, more pedestrian, in SS and, this is the challenge, black dialed (original). Very hard to find, but I'm hunting. Cheers, Nilo
I'll try and remember it so that I have some quick response when challenged!!! Cheers Andrew
Well that is special - I've never seen one. Thanks for sharing and good luck with your search. Cheers Andrew
But my friend returned the watch to his "dungeon" and the light conditions at that time were not that good. Cheers, Nilo
you faced the same situation as me, you've been looking for a long time and found it. how long until you find another if you let it go. who knows, so you had to pull the trigger on it and from those pics i believe it was well worth it. one thing i have noticed with your collection is that every piece is pretty much mint condition, something i cant say about some of mine so your choices are very good indeed. interesting to note that both of your C's are from 1966. they must have been one of the f
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