When the subject of rarity and Omega Constellations arises, the intuitive course is to point to the earlier 1950s models in the Constellation family, such as black guilloche dials, Globemasters and early calibre 352 RG powered examples.
However, one of the rarer Omega Constellations on the planet is a 'homage' Pie Pan produced twenty years later for a short period in the 1970s. It was earmarked for the Japanese market only.
In more than twenty years of collecting watches, I have only encountered four examples of this elusive Pie Pan and one example of the flat dialled version: all of them since the maturation of the internet.
You may not want to post the following.... It will be interesting to see if these rarities (or descriptions of) start popping up on e-bay and other places in the future....
ReplyDeleteHi robert,
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to post all comments.
In this case, I share your fears :)
Cheers
Desmond
I'd love to see a few more of these on the market. Just not all at one time.
ReplyDeleteDesmond's example is the first one of these I've seen in almost two years!
The only thing worse than bad publicity is none at all. ;~)
Take care,
gatorcpa
Very intreresting site. I have been trying to judge whether http://www.tradera.com/Omega-Constellation-Chronometer--auktion_96584234 is a fake or not. I would gladly appreciate your opinion.
ReplyDeletebest regards
The watch is a total frankewatch.
ReplyDeleteDo not buy.
Cheers
Desmond
I have a Omega solid gold watch, Automatic cronometer officially certificated, date bevelled corners, with a gold Calibre 561 deluxe piepan dial with onix insert markers with matching black insert dauphine hands.Case 168.016 solid Gold. How much so you thing I can sell it for?
ReplyDeleteJerry alcasa001@hotmail.com
Hmm
ReplyDeleteA 168.016 should carry a calibre 751 movement.
Best send me some pics. Click on the about me on the rh column.
Cheers
Desmond
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI own a vintage Pie-Pan Constellation from the earlier 60's... my questions is in regard to the dial: it is divided into 4 quadrants on the face by a thin line. Most Pie-Pans of this era I find do not have these markings. Was this specific to a year, a flash in the pan style? Just curious. Thanks.
Yes, the dividing lines are commonly referred to as 'cross-hairs', and they really are that fine. One way to determine if a dial has been refinished is to look at the fineness of the cross-hair as re-finishers just don't seem able to get it right.
DeleteTo answer your question, cross-hairs were a features of some dials from around 1952 to the later sixties. It was an option in dials just as luminescence or onyx inserts in markers was. They're not rare but many collectors hankering for a cross-hair example
Cheers
Desmond
Hello there,
ReplyDeleteI just found one one of these 168.0065 for sale. It seems to good to be true as it's ine pristine condition ; like new I coumld say.
I carefully looked at all the specs in detail and nothing looks wrong : chamfrain, dial, hands, crown, movement, length of the seconds hand. Hence my question, what could be wrong with it. What should I be carefull about?
regards
Hi
DeleteFortunately these models have not been faked to date, so if everything checks out chances are you're on to the genuine article
Things to scrutinise include the dial to ensure it is original and not repainted, the movement to ensure the rotor has not been chaffing on the case back, and the case to check out the chamfers on the lugs and to ensure it has not been over-polished
It's a good idea to ask about the service history of the watch too
Cheers
Desmond
Hi Desmond thanks for your prompt answer. And your blog too! "magnifique" as we say in France. Weel, so, I checked everything and nothing wrong. The dial in mint, no trace of any repainting. Must the hour markers have a painted dash or only between the markers? Hope you see what I mean.
ReplyDeleteDo you find it normal that the seller assures me that the serial numbers are ok but doesn't want to give them to me before payment?
I'm an horologist so about the movement itself I can easily get some parts or fix it if anything
happens to turn wrong.
I'd say the only con is the price. I ask for $1600. I don't really know what to think about that price.
Thanks for your prompt answer and your "magnifique" blog as we say in France.
ReplyDeleteI feel like ma last message have not been sent. So I reply again.
Do you now haow many copies were made of the 168.0065.
I checked everything you mentionned. The dial doesn't look like it's been repainted. Do you know if it has some weird cuts in it?
It's always a kind of pain in the neck when you come upon one of these pristine watch.
I'm an horologist so it will be no problem if something goes wrong with the movement. I have an easy access to Omega parts. It doesn't mean I don't care about buying a fake!
The case make shows no chaffing at all...
Can I send you a few pics so you can tell me our opnion on it?
regards
Unfortunately Omega does not have a record of numbers produced but they would be few rather than many because of the quartz trend. Only people who appreciated mechanical movements would have purchased them. Over the years I have encountered less than two dozen examples
ReplyDeleteI am travelling in Europe for the next month so it may not be possible for me to view pics as wifi is patchy
Regards
Desmond
Between 1200 to 1600 is about the range of values, based on condition
ReplyDeleteMarkers, from memory shouldn't have printed markers underneath
Regards
Desmond
Hi Desmond
ReplyDeleteThanks again fort your answer. I suppose you are speaking in dollars. For the markers there are some in your essay. On the one for sell too. The guy wants $1600 but the watch is really in a incredible condition. I'm going to try 1400.
If you come to Paris and need some help in anyway I'll be glad to help.
What do you think of this gold one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BEAUTIFUL-1966-SOLID-18CT-GOLD-OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-PIE-PAN-GENTS-VINTAGE-WATCH-/171958999723?hash=item28098e1aab
I gave some doubts because it seems to pass the moy test though te second O in chronmeter looks weird. look at the final N in constellation. Don't you find the curl suspicious?
Denison's one??? I can't find the reference 1685415
have some good time in Europe!
Yes you're right, This model does have the stubby printed markers. If you pay around 1400 you have a reasonable deal I think
DeleteThe eBay example is indeed a British Dennison model, however the lugs and bezel have been over polished and the case definition has suffered. These models look so much better with sharp lugs.
Regards
Desmond
Hi Desmond,
ReplyDeletePlease could I kindly get your expert opinion about this one:
http://vi.raptor.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemDescV4&item=302261574351&category=31387&pm=1&ds=0&t=1491094041030
Regards,
Kian
Quite tidy. A few minor spots on the dial and some corrosion of second sweep. Case looks sharp. Hand wind movement looks in good condition, however as the seller has not indicated the watch has been serviced you would need to factor in the cost of having a new crown, and the movement cleaned and oiled.
DeleteMovement is seventeen not 24 jewels which is par for the course for a hand wound watch.
Not a rare watch as claimed but nice minimalist styling and popular pink gold metal. Theses watches measure about 33 mm across.
Cheers
Desmond
many thanks Desmond for your kind response.
ReplyDeleteI'm torn between that simple watch and this constellation, it has a lot of scratches but from my little knowledge is a solid movement, what would you think:
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-OMEGA-Constellation-Automatic-Chronometer-Gold-Capped-Mens-Watch-Cal-561-/201858689873?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE
Thanks,
Kian
Both are of a similar style. The case on the first example is in better condition. I would ask for a high res pic of the dial to confirm that it hasn't been refinished and also to inspect it for any blemishes or degradation.
DeleteMovement has a few scratches, which is strange because the seller's notes indicate the watch needs a service. So you need to put aside money for service with this watch.
More research on the dial methinks.
many thanks Desmond, your opinion is appreciated.
DeleteHi Desmond,
ReplyDeleteThanks to your marvelous website I'v found one Omega constellation 168.0065. I think I would have not pulled the trigger if I haven't read your article ! Thanks because it's, for many months, my favourite.
Now I' trying to find a steel bor bracelet for this beauty. Do you think a 8270 with 70 endlink will fit ? Thanks for your help !
Raphaël
Hi Raphael,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations
Important thing is to make sure the end links are 19 mm
Regards
Desmond
Sorry that should read 18mm!
ReplyDeleteThanx for your help Desmond !
ReplyDeleteRaphaël