Now that the Star of the Month feature is bedded down, it's only fair that we cover the flip side of rare, well-preserved or special Omega Constellations and pay homage to those obvious half breeds and bitsas that constitute the underbelly of major on-line auction sites and dealerships.
Can we call them Dogs of the Month? While several Men's Best Friends with whom I'm acquainted would be outraged at such a libel against their species, I can't think of another suitable description that isn't profane, blasphemous, or both. So Dogs of the Month it is.
The examples listed here are random in as much as they flew off the computer screen and bit me on the nose.
First, a particularly rabid example. Please click here to view this eBay listing offered by seller tiger-gem-uk who has 99.9% feedback. Yes! A Constellation C-Shape, Piepan, Stick hand, model 14393 case back, bitsa Connie if there was ever one. C-Shaped cases of this vintage carried the case back number 168.009/17. A definitive example of a Frankendog.
POSTSCRIPT: I am pleased to say that this watch has be withdrawn from sale. The seller advised it was bought in good faith from another Dealer. As soon as he was alerted about this post, he investigated and withdrew the watch.
This does raise the issue of 'sellers beware' as well as buyers. Under UK consumer law, vendors have a responsibility to ensure that their product descriptions are accurate and legitimate. And the seller of this watch is to be commended that he withdraw it when the status of the watch was pointed out.
The vintage watch world is contaminated by many disreputable types trying to capitalise on the growing interest in vintage watches. The key is for both buyers and sellers to research watches pre-purchase, because knowledge is the only defence against the lowlife that flog fakes and frankens.
This mangy mutt is offered by eBay seller Jackanpet who is compromising a record of 100% positive feedback by offering a fake dialled and suspect case. The caseback 167.005 properly belongs to a calibre 551.
I suspect this is yet another series of fake cases from Vietnam to add to the already well-faked case 14902. Notice the lack of chamfer on the side of the upper lugs that does not appear to be missing due to overpolishing and look at the observatory medallion on the outer case back - not exactly to Omega standards, would you say?
The dial is a minor travesty with incorrect date surround (should be multifaceted and fit the dial planes snugly). Note the double T Swiss Made marking (another giveaway) without any presence of lume on the markers or hands. The Constellation script is missing the dotted 'i' ( a signature of these faked dials) To see another example of this type of fake dial click here
These are simply random examples from the eBay pack. While you will find excellent Constellations from reputable sellers from time to time on this auction site, the number of Frankendogs is high. Do your homework first - it's the only way to ensure you're taking home a pure breed.
