What Makes an Omega Chronometer Special?

(calibre 505 case 2852 - Courtesy Larry Kaplan)

Omega Constellation and other model chronometers from the 1950s and 60s are regarded as more collectible and valuable than their unadjusted contemporaries. But should this be so? Does a chronometer retain its 'chronometer-ness' over the years, or does time and wear render it no different than non-chronometer models?

Click here for an essay on what goes in to a chronometer before the case back goes on. The file is large so it will take a little time to download.

française de fausses montres

Just when the fake Vietnamese/Chinese gold cases are having a sabbatical from various on-line auctions, their French-made cousins come along to spoil the show! These fake cases come in two varieties: pink and yellow 'gold' and one must use the word 'gold' advisedly.

It was not uncommon at all in the 1960s to encounter both French and Italian made fake Constellations. Most of these were fairly shoddy facsimiles containing non-jewelled movements and would now be fulfilling their true destiny: as landfill or metal scrap. But there were also some better versions where the cases appeared to be of a higher quality. Some of them may still be hanging around!

Above you will see two pictures. One is from a genuine Omega Between-the Two-Big-Wars silver pocketwatch. Notice the stamped Omega logo which was common from at least 1915 onwards. The second picture taken is of a fake case showing the old makers mark when it should show the newer makers mark that was consistent on most, if not all, postwar Omegas.

If you see a case back such as the above counterfeit example in an Omega Constellation of any period, know that it is not genuine!

Click here for my essay on solid gold Constellations

EBay seller kaufein24h listed a fake cased and dialled calibre 562 "solid gold" Constellation in early May. It attracted numerous bids and sold for a thousand-plus Euro before eBay took the listing down and interceded in the completion of the transaction. See the discussion thread here on eBay forum. See the thread here for a discussion on Watchuseek .

This seller has now re-listed the same watch (click here) claiming it is an Omega Constellation. The seller has been told by numerous correspondents that it is NOT. He claims in his listing that watches similar to the one shown has sold for $3500.00, which, of course, is a blatant lie. Watches similar to the one he has listed are only worth the value of the non-chronometer calibre 562 movement....in other words, this watch has value for movement parts only: the case and dial are fake.

In another part of his listing he writes "Bilder sagen mehr als Worte" (Pictures speak louder than words)....and so they do! No amount of pictures or suspect paperwork can obscure the fact that this seller is selling a Frankenfake.

Now am I "craysee" or not?

POSTSCRIPT: I'm delighted to report that our Teutonic eBay friends pulled this auction before it could do harm. Let's hope we never see the likes of it again.