Omega

Respectable Members


Recently I came across an interesting Omega Constellation, listed and subsequently sold, on a popular auction-site.

Since my knowledge, regarding vintage Omega watches is rather shallow, it is hoped fellow members will be able to advise, whether the item in question is genuine, franken or fake.

This is the description of the watch.  In 18k solid yellow gold:   case, back-cover, winding-crown, dial; and in 18k solid white gold:   bezel, Omega signature/logo/star, all the three hands, hour markers, date window-frame.  Attached to this post, are the pictures of the watch dial, movement and inside of the back-cover, taken from the actual listing.

Please advise whether this is actually a rare timepiece from Omega or a downright fake.

Thank you.

This message has been edited by harrisans on 2011-12-16 18:57:40 This message has been edited by harrisans on 2011-12-16 18:59:57

Firstly let me say that I’m no expert but I do try to learn from looking at such pieces and listening to the comments made here by others – I’m sure that there will be someone along soon who will be better informed than me.

 

However, my first thoughts are that it looks a little strange and not like the ‘C’ shapes that I am used to seeing.  I would always be suspicious of anyone presenting photographs where important aspects are hidden.  The hands obscure the dial so that the MOY is difficult to establish – also the orientation of the photo inhibits establishing the MOY.  If there was nothing to hide then why not just show it all clearly.  From my perspective, it looks like the MOY doesn’t line up – but it is difficult to tell.

 

The date window surround doesn’t look to be bevelled enough – there should be a strong chamfering – almost to a point on the long edge of the window.

 

I have never heard of ‘C’ shapes using a white gold bezel or hands or hour markers – in any case, the hour and minute hands look wrong – they’re too wide

 

Case ref 168008 is not on the database – this is not a problem in itself but I would have thought that most watches from that era were recorded and so I’d be suspicious about that as well.  The stamping on the case back looks strange also.

 

The 564 movement looks to be OK but there are some rub marks on one of the bridges which can only have come from the rotor (bearing wear?).

 

Personally, I’d leave it be – if that’s the best photography the seller can do for such a watch then to my mind, there is something to hide.

 

This is just my humble opinion.

 

Cheers

 

Andrew

Andrew,

As far as I know there have been white gold bezels on C-shaped Connies, but only on SS ones.

I never saw them on yellow gold case bodies...  but nobody knows for sure with Omegas  

I am not able to tell more about the subject...

kind regards

Erich

Respectable Member mac_omega


I thank you for responding.

I appreciate your input.

Thank you.

Respectable Member aroma


In the listing, there were several pictures but I picked only three, for inclusion in the post.

However if you so wish, please visit eBay, item number 170718357230.  The listing concluded on Nov 24, 2011.

Like you, I am also trying to learn from this informative forum.

Meanwhile, I thank you for responding to my post.  Your view is indeed appreciated.

Thank you.

...and saw the other pictures of this watch.  Here's my opinion:

1. According to my other research source, at Jules Borel, there was a Ref. 168.(0)008 that contained either cal. 561 or 564, so this aspect could very well be correct.

2. The dial looks refinished to me. If the dial was solid gold there would be an "OM" at the bottom on the C-cases.  There were some gold colored dials that weren't gold at all, but these were generally textured. The printing looks a little light to me as well.

3. The crown doesn't look correct, although it very well could be original Omega.  Just made for a different watch.

4. Not sure if the hands are correct for this case/dial combination.  Most of these with gold dials have very thin black hands.

5. Bezel is probably from another C-case Omega as noted by others.

I think this watch is a frankenwatch at best.  The ending auction price was rather high, given the condition issues noted above.

Hope this helps,

gatorcpa

Edit - Not five minutes after posting this, I came across an 18K Ref. 168.029 (day-date) Constellation, with a gold textured dial, original crown and proper bezel.  PM me for more details if interested.

This message has been edited by gatorcpa on 2011-12-18 18:06:50

Respectable Member gatorcpa


Thanks for your response and I appreciate your opinion about the watch.  I too have a strange feeling, regarding the authenticity of this Omega Constellation.

Since my knowledge about Omega is far from satisfactory, the only way to gather knowledge is by reading the opinions that come from respectable members of this forum.

I cannot afford a vintage Omega, especially one that is in 18k solid gold, at this moment.  However, a friend of mine was interested to buy the Omega Constellation which is the subject of this thread.  When he asked me, for my opinion, I was of no help to him.  Finally, he did not buy the watch and good luck, to whoever who owns this watch, now.

Surprisingly, the seller claimed in his listing, he had seen three others, apart from the one he was selling.  Don't tell me, there are several such frankens, around.

I shall let my friend know about the watch, which you may have for sale.  If he is interested, I shall PM you and meanwhile, I thank you for your opinion about the questionable Omega Constellation and also, the offer of an authentic Omega Constellation.

Thank you.