Counterfeit Stainless Steel Constellations

Vintage solid gold Omega Constellations aren't the only models to attract the attention of Vietnamese and Chinese counterfeiters.

With sharp stainless steel Piepan Connies attracting high demand and comparatively high dollars, our enterprising oriental brothers have been churning out fake cases and dials of varying degrees of faithfulness to the originals.

Click here for a short essay on how to tell the fakes from the real McCoys.

45 comments:

  1. As usual another great article, thank you! I took a risk last year and purchased a gold cap pie after reading many of your articles, and you later vouched for my astute purchase. I will be picking it up soon from my watch guy with the NOS crown and new gaskets... I will send you pictures :)

    Bruce

    ReplyDelete

  2. Thanks for your kind comments Bruce.

    Love to see some pics of your Connie.

    regards

    desmond

    ReplyDelete

  3. The very watch in this article is on Ebay now... #140230737490

    Thanks again...

    ReplyDelete

  4. Yep, Bruce.

    Its surfaced again :)

    regards

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  5. Any comments on the authenticity of the following Constellation on eBay.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380016136068

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

  6. Mondodes,

    Good day. I am a Filipino eager to start collecting vintage watches but I dont know where to start... could you point me in the right direction? My budget for watches are also not that high, probably to a max of 400USD. Any suggestions sir? Oh, I found your essay on counterfeit connies useful. Found a faker at ebay.ph item # Item number: 160260881812... the bezel is ROUNDED ! :) I hope to hear from you soon.
    Very best regards,
    Gerard

    ReplyDelete

  7. Hi Gerard

    A very good place to start is to decide a collecting 'stream' before you start buying. To do that you need to look at various models and decide what really appeals.

    The next step is to look at, say, eBay completed listings for that model so you get a good idea of value. Then read up a lot on the p[articular models so you can make distinctions about what is factory spec and what is 'put-together'

    In collecting vintage watches, knowedge is power. It is what saves you from a bad purchase.

    For the price range you mentioned, I believe handwind and automatic Seamaster dress watches in stainless steel or gold cap would be a good place to start. Use the Omega database as well.

    Good luck.

    desmond

    ReplyDelete

  8. Thank you for replying, Desmond. Actually, I have been very keen in the Seamaster model of Omega. Ive been scouring Ebay.ph for them. I will keep you posted for models that catch my eye. :)

    I got the collecting bug from my very first vintage watch I won at ebay... Honestly I didn't know anything about vintage watches, and i didn't care if it was just quartz I just liked how it looked.

    Here it is.

    TISSOT DATE QUARTZ MEN'S DRESS WATCH T882K, ROMAN DIAL Item number: 290244355072

    Now though, I fear tis a Frankenwatch. Arrgg. Anyways, you think its worth what I bought it for?

    Another thing, I am a commercial pilot, any suggestions on some vintage pilot's watch?

    Regards,

    Gerard

    ReplyDelete

  9. Desmond,

    Are Omega Geneve Dynamics a good choice? I found one that seems authentic and I would like to request your advice on the matter.

    It is here:
    OMEGA DYNAMIC GENEVE Automatic Date Classic Watch '70s Item number: 160262738242

    Am currently researching sniping software now for it. :)

    Very best regards,
    G

    ReplyDelete

  10. hi

    Yes Dynamic are a great watch particularly with a cal 565 or 752.

    This one looks ok

    Cheers

    desmond

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous6:02 AM

    Comments on this one:

    http://www.mywatch.dk/product.asp?product=1160


    Best regards Tom, Sweden

    ReplyDelete

  12. Not a fake, but in very poor condition. Note the dial and the lettering. Also the case is well worn and the lugs have lost their sharpness.

    Cheers
    D

    ReplyDelete

  13. Hi

    First of all, many many thanks from a complete newbie to the horological world. without people like yourself who share all of this information, beginners like myself would have a much harder job to learn the basics and it really is appreciated.

    I'm looking to buy a vintage Omega, and have eventually decided that a constellation from the late 60's is the way to go. I'd appreciate it if you could take a look at the item below on ebay for me - I've done my best to identify it and I believe that the hands have been replaced at some point but that the case, dial, crown and movement look as though they belong together.

    thanks in advance!

    150407199755

    ReplyDelete

  14. Hi Glenn

    I usually dont recommend new collectors buy calibre 1001 models as they are problematic.

    My suggestion is that you go for a calibre 751 day fate in the integrated stainless steel bracelet style.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  15. Hi Desmond

    Thanks, great advice - I'll keep looking!

    Regards

    Glen

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  16. Hi Desmond

    Sorry to bother you again - whilst keeping my eye out for a cal 751, a cal 561 piepan caught my eye. I'm slightly concerned about the caseback though - the numeral 4 in the '168.004' has an odd shape. if you get a chance to take a look please let me know what you think. (meanwhile I'll keep watching patiently!)

    Ebay item 300391472339


    Thanks

    Glen

    ReplyDelete

  17. Seems ok to me Glen.

    Dial has patina. Movement a bit of tarnishing but overall ok.

    Worth a bid of up to say 425

    Cheers

    desmond

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  18. Hi,

    Sorry to hijack, but could you advise on this Constellation please?

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330388383166&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    It's from Watch-mart in India - should I leave well alone?

    Thanks,
    Vi

    ReplyDelete

  19. 500 pounds for a calibre 1011 C-Shape is bordering on outrageous.

    For that monet you could get a calibre 564 C-stainless with stainless bracelet and have some change.

    Generally I dont recommend people buying from these Indian sellers, because in the past I've noticed frankenwatches in their inventory.

    However, if you bone up and become knowledgeable about the watches youre seeking to collect, then sometimes you may source a good watch from India.

    Cheers

    Desmond
    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  20. carlo manila12:42 AM

    Hello I'm also starting my love for constellation i have a cindy crawford and a c model I would like to ask your expertise regarding a stainless steel constellation pie pan. I have read your wonderful essay but still I am doubting my abilities. Would you have an email so that i could send pictures. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  21. carlo manila8:43 PM

    you could email me carlostobillo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  22. Carlo,

    Just click on the 'about me' section of the blog and you can then click on the email tab.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  23. carlo manila9:31 PM

    thank you for examining the pictures it helped me alot more power on your site

    ReplyDelete

  24. Excellent article!

    Could I please ask for some advice re the following:

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Stunning-OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-Cal-1001-Rare-Green-Dial-/180582437112?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item2a0b8d50f8

    Thanks in advance, Ash.

    ReplyDelete

  25. Personally I wouldnt touch a cal 1001 powered watch. Design problems means that in my opinion the only people who should own them are those who can fix them.

    The later cal 1011 was the improvement and is a good movement

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  26. Thanks Desmond, that's what I read in your guide as well. It's a really excellent blog you've got here, I'll be reading through it with interest over the next few weeks.

    Can I ask you for your opinion on this one:

    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280581109083&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  27. CT1112710:35 AM

    Just found this SS 168.005 cal 561 on ebay. The spacing of "Swiss Made," "Constellation," and the star look to be off. Case back looks a little odd too. Upper rotor bridge looks like it could have been replaced also, but I'm not sure about this. Can't tell if the case is genuine. What really caught my attention was the spacing of everything on the dial. I'm not thinking about buying it, but thought I'd bring it to everyone's attention. Is it fake?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/OMEGA-168-005-Constellation-Chronometer-PIE-PAN-561-/370495511125?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item564340da55#ht_15270wt_1056

    Many thanks,

    Chris

    ReplyDelete

  28. Checked the listing Chris and as far as I can see only one pic appears of the watch.

    At least a bad redial. I would need to see the side of the watch to determine if the case was genuine, but in this pics I cant see any chamfers on the lugs.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous6:10 AM

    Hello Desmond,
    Please -if you would - comment on Ebay item # 130546668404 presently being offered by Vintagewatchrestoration.

    Regards,

    Bob Z

    ReplyDelete

  30. Thanks for the link - it is an absolute abomination.

    Badly refinished pie pan dial in a watch that never ever featured pie pans.

    The movement looks awful and is probably franken. Either the seller has placed a day date 751 calibre under the dial, which mmeans he would have remove the day wheel, or he has used a cal 751 bridge to replace the original.

    This is one of the worst frankens I have seen in some time.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  31. Hi Desmond

    Have discovered your blog and it is extremely helpful...
    I am looking at a watch with case 168027 and a 564 movement. It's from India and so Im a little hesitant - saw your previous comments. I Would really appreciate your comments on it:

    Many thanks for anything you can help with on this.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250843544372&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

    Tim

    ReplyDelete

  32. I wouldnt touch it with a bargepole Tim. Its a frankenwatch: refinished dial, movement corroded and wrong case back. Should be 168.009/17 not 027.

    Best bone up on these models. Take a look at the essay on C-Shapes and also the essay Omega Movements Part 3. Check out the checklists on authenticity too.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  33. Thanks Desmond. Much appreciated! What should I pay for a decent stainless steel constellation of this type 501 or 564?

    btw, found your essays really helpful.

    Tim

    ReplyDelete

  34. Hi Time

    The C-Shape in stainless with bracelet with original dial fetches around 6 - 800 USD

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete

  35. I am looking at this watch on ebay#270821220499. May I have your opinion? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

  36. Michael,

    This 14900 is a watch that has been much appreciated. It has the patina of a watch that has seen much service on the wrist.

    Dial is original (a little dial spotting but nothing to worry about); hands are correct' movement looks tidy; it has the wrong crown and ikts too small but that's easily fixed; the case is quite rounded because of wear.

    I would, if I won the auction, factor in having the movement dismantled, cleaned and oiled.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  37. P. V.5:25 AM

    Desmond,

    I am devouring your blog, thank you so much for making your knowledge available for us simple admirers of these watches. I wish I had known more before purchasing for myself a Constellation a few weeks back, what do you think about it in terms of authenticity:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/150712520842

    Much appreciated.

    Paul V.

    ReplyDelete

  38. Hi Paul,

    Possible the rotor bridge and rotor have been replaced as there is a difference in hue of the copper/beryllium plating on the movement (unless its just the pic). The case back medallion indicates later 564 powered model. Finish on case still has the orbital brushed finish.

    I cant see the case number on the inner caseback but it should read 168.017 or 168.009/17

    While the pics are big, theyre a bit blurry. I have a suspicion the dial is refinished but would need to look at high res dial pipcs to confirm. Send a pic to my email. Click on about me and on the email link and I can take a look for you.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous1:46 AM

    Hello

    Could you help me with omega constellation watch
    I just won a watch on ebay today but im not sure it is real
    many thank in advance

    Best wishes

    Tu
    the guy posted the following information
    MENS MENS USED OMEGA CONSTELLATION QUARTZ WATCH NO RESERVE.

    VERY LOW START NO RESERVE BARGAIN.

    REFERENCE NUMBERS 49500325 (INSIDE BACK OF CASE) - 3961076 (MOVEMENT) 1392/012 (STRAP).

    32MM ACROSS AND 6MM DEPTH APPROX.

    WRISTBAND ADJUSTS TO APPROX 18.5CM (7.5 INCHES). NOTE THERE ARE NO SPARE LINKS WITH THIS WATCH BUT THEY ARE AVAILABLE ON EBAY OR THE WEB IF NEEDED.

    POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL CASE AND BRACELET WITH 4 GOLD CLIPS EITHER SIDE OF THE FACE.

    CHAMPAGNE DIAL WITH 2 SMALLER DIALS FOR DAY AND DATE.

    SAPPHIRE GLASS IN PERFECT CONDITION. A FEW MINOR SURFACE SCRATCHES ON BRACELET AND CASE BUT OVERALL A VERY NICE WATCH. BRAND NEW BATTERY AND RECENT CHECK OVER.

    NO BOX OR PAPERS BUT GENUINE OMEGA.

    PART OF MY OWN WATCH COLLECTION - JUST SELLING TO MAKE SPACE.


    http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350535698521

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. The chances are that this could be genuine, however I think you have gone about the process of buying a watch in reverse. It is really important than you research first, and before you buy.

      This listing has all the classic hallmarks of what sellers of fakes engage in: small pictures, no picture of movement, incidental information like "from my own collection", and so on.

      So now, because these models were indeed faked, you will have to take it to an OMega Service Centre, not store, and have it checked out for authenticity. The pics are too small for me to make that call - sorry

      Delete
  40. Emmanuel6:31 PM

    Hello Desmond,

    I need your advice ont this Omega Constellation:

    http://cgi.ebay.fr/OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-AUTOMATIC-ACIER-1960s-/220976212280?pt=FR_YO_BijouxMontres_Montres&hash=item3373356938

    Franken or not?

    Sincerely yours.

    Emmanuel (a french admirer)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. HI Emmanuel.

      The short answer is Yes Franken.

      Notice the stick hands - they are incorrect and should be dauphine hands. The black dial is a refinished dial, but I would expect these markers on a 14902 or a 168.005 watch. Also the Automatic and Chronometer should not appear on dials in this case.

      This watch is one to avoid!

      Delete
    2. Emmanuel11:04 PM

      Desmond,

      Thank You very much!

      Cheers.

      Emmanuel

      Delete

  41. Just wanted top thank you for your advice of a couple of weeks ago - your response to my email and your site really helped me pick uout a good, genuine constellation at a good price - many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies

    1. Excellent!

      That's the feedback I like to hear.

      May you wear her well.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete

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