One Omega Constellation collection of watches that has weathered the recent financial storm well is the de Luxe collection. Values overall have held up incredibly well, increasing around 15% over the past eighteen months.
Released initially in 1952 and continuing in various forms until the advent of the third design phase, the Constellation de Luxe featured strikingly finished solid gold dials in a range of 18k cases.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteModel 14393 shares the same case style as 14394 and also features de Luxe dial. But according to Omega Vintage Watches Information website, it is only called "Constellation - Calendar". I wonder if it should be regarded as de Luxe model as well.
Hi Stanley
ReplyDeleteYes the difference between 14393 and 14394 is that the de Luxe model has an 18k solid dial whereas the deluxe dial on the 93 has a metal dial and deluxe 'furniture' - really meaning the gold index markers with the onyx inserts and gold hands.
Also the box and buckle on de Luxe models were different - 18k buckle on strapped watches and a leather box with nicer interior appointments
Regards
Desmond
So, a de Luxe dial does not maketh a de Luxe model.
Dear Desmond,
ReplyDeleteI am about to buy an old Connie. It ids from a ‘trusted’ dealer. <http://www.horloge.com/act/horlfram.html, 5th page 2nd from bottom)
Two main things I am a bit concerned about: the lettering of ‘Constellation’ and the length of the hands. Are they original?
I suppose the dail is cleaned, but that is not a big issue for me.
Hope to hear from you!
Willem (NL)
Hi Willem
ReplyDeleteHmm, is it the one on hold - ref.: omconstvint?
If so, I would want to have a look at detailed pics of the inner caseback and movement.
The hands on this are incorrect (and they may even be the wrong metal as they seem to be rhodium plated when the markers are gold), the crown is not the ten-sided
model, and I'm concerned about this dial that doesnt have the "officially certified" printed on the dial appearing in this particular case.
One to go very carefulle assessing in my opinion.
Cheers and good luck in your search.
Dear Desmond,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Oops, that puts the 'on hold' in an extra perspective ;-(
The watch has been fully serviced by Omega last July (Omega tells me they would not have serviced a Frankenwatch) with all the papers such a service concerns, included.
Dealer does not want te open case, which I understand, just because of the service in July.
Should I consist on opening it? Your blog has increased my knowledge a lot (thanks!), but still...
Most likelt that the watch is a Marriage? In that case I will not buy.
Thanks,
Willem
I dont know whether it is a marraige Willem, but there are questions about this watch and its compliance to factory specifications.
ReplyDeleteFor example, notice how the hand over-reach considerable the printed minute index....this should not happen.
With the money you would have to outlay for this watch, you have every right to expect that it meets the standards of original Constellations.
So I think you should keep looking until you find the perfect example.
Regards
Desmond
I have someone offering me a Constellation DE luxe, year 1954, Pie Pan model, all gold, even the pie pan dial, strap is croco,caliber354, it is in mint condition for $4,000 US, from what you said above, this is too much to pay for this watch, I don't know if you recently wrote your article, my question is simple, is this still to much to pay for such a watch?
ReplyDeleteHmm I think 4000 is more than I would want to pay for a cal 354 De Luxe. For example, recently I acquired a 2799 De Luxe for 2200 in good condition. Admittedly that was on the low side because of I bought it from a deceased estate, but I'm thinking that between 2800 and 3200 would be reasonable. If the watch was absolutely mint - sharp case, no patina, pristine movement and pristine case back - then I would pay 4k.
DeleteCheers
Desmond
And this 562 ?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ebay.es/itm/OMEGA-CONSTELLATION-CHRONOMETER-18K-1963-CAL-562-RARITY-/370466665836
diamond hour markers...
regads
562 in a Constellation is problematic. While the Omega database has some cal 562 listed as chronometers, I have yet to see one that is fully genuine. It's better to try for a 561 or 564.
DeleteCheers
Desmond
alguem saberia me disser de calibre 565 com certificado de crônometro /
ReplyDeleteO calibre 565 não foi um movimento cronômetro.
ReplyDeleteeu tenho um 565 e na maquina diz:ajustado em 5 pocições e temperatura ,como isso e possivel?
ReplyDeleteProvavelmente a "ponte rotor", que tem as letras "ajustado" foi trocada de um verdadeiro cronômetro.A descrição acima é a scanario mais provável. No entanto, a "ponte do trem", com o número de calibre poderia ter sido trocado porque foi danificado.De qualquer maneira, o relógio está incorreto. Desculpe.
ReplyDeleteI think that I just might have inherrited and 168.014 in yellow gold with gold bracelets. What's the market price for such a piece?
ReplyDeleteSo many variables determine value of a specific watch: condition, model, movement etc. A good way to gain some idea is to view the completed listings on eBay to determine a ball park figure.
DeleteCheers
Desmond
Hi Desmond I inherited a vintage constellation from my dad that looks like a deluxe 561. Can you please take a look at it and tell me what you think? I sent pics to your email.
ReplyDeleteI have a Constellation (circa 1960s) with a numerical face - is this rare as I haven't found any other Constellations that have a face with numbers?
ReplyDeleteHi Simon,
DeleteI'm assuming that the dial is a slightly domed dial with Arabic numerals marking each hour.
Baguette markers and other dial configurations were produced in far greater quantities, however dials with Arabic numerals were available and they do crop up from time to time. So, while not rare, they are certainly less common
Cheers
Desmond
Desmond,
DeleteThank you for answering what was a mystery to me for the past week or so while I sifted through the web looking for guidance. Like Simon, I have a mid-60s Connie, mine with a Cal 564 movement and a BOR bracelet (#1069). Bought via eBay some 7-8 yrs ago from the UK but it only reclaimed my attention now. As I educated myself on markings to look for in authentic Constellations, I've been able to verify one after another. But the numeral dial puzzled me--because the few books I browsed, and the hours of searching out images on the web, didn't yield me a similar example to compare. I thought the dial might be a fake, or something really special.
So given that, I guess my obvious question is: if hour-numbered dials are "less common" but not rare, why don't I ever see an example of one? Even on your superb blog? :)
Yours,
Jeff (a real Omega novice, perhaps)
Hi Jeff, I've seen a few over the years, especially since I started looking for them.
DeleteBack in 2008 I published this post - see http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/when-all-numbers-come-up.html
The dial was an offered variation by Omega, which, given the trends of the day and a preference for inlaid markers, wasn't a popular choice by jewellers and retailers to stock, or so I'm told. Thus they can be considered uncommon.
I think people would pay a bit of a premium, but I'm not sure that the premium would exceed the premium collectors would pay for a good example of a pie pan in the same model. I guess only the market can determine that.
I did a quick search on Google and came up with a couple of other examples.."Omega Constellation arabic numeral dial".
The Seamaster 600 of the same period also had arabic numerals and is equally uncommon.
Regards
Desmond
Desmond, thanks again for furthering my Omega education.
DeleteI'm baffled, but I tried the same web search (perhaps not in Google?) as late as a couple days ago--same words, different order--and didn't find the first number dial staring me in the face that I did this morning among the images! Go figure.
I'm gratified to find your 2008 post too, with a dial staring back at me and looking much the same as mine. In my specimen, it's a 168.0010 steel case to go with the Cal 564--but the dial is almost like looking at my own wrist...
In the end, I'm not sure whether I'm disappointed or relieved that this version of a Constellation dial may not be so special in market value... because I love having an excuse to keep wearing it.
Regards,
Jeff
I could invent any number of excuses to keep wearing it Jeff :) In the 168.010 it would be equally uncommon, perhaps moreso.
DeleteRegards
Desmond
Hi, Desmond. I am new to the blog and recently aquired what appears to be a "British" Constellation for my husband as a 20th wedding anniversary gift. I would appreciate your assesment of this piece. I have posted photos on http://omegaforums.net/threads/best-watch-winder-for-1962-constellation.22149/#post-241154- I understand you are a respected member :-). I look forward to your feedback.
ReplyDeleteCheer, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly, the case is excellent and the movement quite stunning and well-preserved.
DeleteI have my doubts about the dial being original. But with such low resolution pics of the watch head on, it is very hard to make a definitive call.
The issues I have with Swiss Made could simply be magnification caused by the crystal rim. The Constellation lettering looks a bit off to me particularly the last N and the a looks a bit fat in the pic. Star is not centred, but again I have seen original dials where the star has moved.
A big pic taken in macro mode is the answer to the dial issue.
Regards
Desmond
Dear sir
ReplyDeleteWhere are about below Helvetia markers font G,g and B factory or city?
http://picture.in.th/id/bd98d6757764ee414e387d330893cb4f
Best Regards.
Hi,
DeleteThe small stamp below the Helvetia bust indicates the assay office where the case was taken to authenticate its gold content. For example "G" below the Helvetia indicates that the case was assayed at the Geneva assay office.
Regards
Desmond
Hi Desmond,
ReplyDeleteJust found about this right after bought this Constellation on ebay. I posted thread in omega forum with puctures.
https://omegaforums.net/threads/fake-or-not-omega-constellation-561-hidden-crown.51424/#post-621346
Can you give opinion on the watch? Original part, bracelet, dial and crown? Thank you
What I like about the watch is that it has its original hidden crown and not a larger replacement and that's a plus.
DeleteNine row beads of rice bracelet was either purchased aftermarket or at point of sale, as bracelets were an add-on at the time the watch was produced. Bracelet separately is worth uyp to 300 USD but in my opinion its been polished a bit too much.
Dial condition isn't bad at all, some minor patina but well within the range of acceptability. Movement has all of its signature parts. Some evidence of rotor scuffing indicating at some stage the rotor post or bearing was worn. You need to establish if the rotor was repaired. Also some small indications on the rim of the two rotor surfaces that it had scuffed the case back.
Hands have either lume that has blackened or they have been replaced with hands with a black insert, which would match a different model that had black onyx inserts. Not a real biggie, but you would need to source a pair of hands with luminous material in the cut-out parts of the hands to bring up its originality.
Case is sharp: nice crisp chamfer on the bezel and nice sharp edges to the lugs - a real plus.
So, in my opinion, the watch head in the current market is worth around 900 USD and the bracelet separately up to 300 USD. I think you paid within the ballpark. I notice that some valuations on Omega forum are a little low at times, which indicates the money some collectors would personally outlay, but occasionally doesn't match with what the market is paying.
Cheers
Desmond
I think I left my comment on a wrong page...I have recently acquied a Constellation of 18k Pink gold, with a caseback engraved 2852 2853 SC. How can I know if my watch is 2852 or 2853?
ReplyDeleteMy assumption is that since it is 18k gold, it should be OT2852...then my next question is,how do I know if it is de luxe or de luxe dial?
Hi,
DeleteIt's quite a simple assessment to make. If your dial looks as though it is 18k pink gold it will be the de luxe model 2853. If the dial is a painted dial it will be a 2852
The dials on de luxe models were solid gold.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Desmond
Thanks for your feedback. Then is there a difference between "De luxe" and "Deluxe dial?" I was referring to your Full Calibre Data v18, and it says in the description column "deluxe dial" for OT2852, while OT2853 just says "De luxe". Hence I was confused, as I thought OT2852 + deluxe dial = OT2853...Please enlighten me!
DeleteYes, the deluxe dial on ordinary models had 18k gold markers and hands.
DeleteOmega used the term deluxe dial for fancy dials and dials with precious metal dial furniture, where De Luxe models were always 18k gold cases and 18k dials.
Cheers
Desmond
Superb...I am amazed by your deep wisdom!!
DeleteBased on your inputs, it seems the watch in the link below is OT2852 with deluxe dial. The description says "silver dial", which means it is not OT2853, correct?
https://goldammer.me/collections/sold/products/omega-constellation-18k-rose-1956
Yes, that's correct. It is a 2852 for sure.
DeleteIt is an exceptionally well-preserved dial and the case very sharp. Movement is pristine. A good idea is to read my essay 'Movements Part 2 as it explains the movement design and the need for regular servicing (every four to five years)
The markers and hands and other furniture is in 18k red gold, so that makes it a deluxe dial.
Overall, a museum quality piece.
Cheers
Desmond
Thanks for your laser-accurate comments. BTW, I managed to buy the one in the Link..However I do have a concern. I learnt that the watch does not come with its original strap & buckle. Would you have any idea what/how does the original pin buckle would look like, whether it is rose gold plated/solid gold, and possibly where to get one.
DeleteOf course I could go with cheap, e-bay version or go to Omega boutique and get a contemporary one...but sometimes I get meticulous to get its originality to the maximum...Would you be kind enough to shed some light to me?
It's rare indeed for a watch of this vintage to have its original strap, and, of course when the original goes, often so does the buckle.
DeleteIt may take a while to source the correct buckle in 18k pink gold, but it's worth it for sure. Have a look at my essay on buckles http://omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com/2008/01/omega-constellation-accessories-1952-75.html and opt for a pre 1960s example.
Congratulations on your acquisition and may you enjoy the watch for an eternity.
Regards
Desmond
The essay was a great read, and thanks for sharing. I see that a lot (Omega) watches at that time came with 3rd party straps/bracelets, and only a small portion of those that had survived time with original boxes were lucky enough to have their original strap/buckle/bracelet kept within the watch box.
DeleteNow speaking about my rose gold OT2852, I saw in the othe reply thread in your blog that I should be looking for a solid 18k rose golde pin-buckle to match the 18k case.
Regards to this, do you have any visual reference on how does original buckle on '56 OT2852 should look like?
That's an easy one. One page 3 of the buckle essay, see the top left hand buckle. That is correct for that period.
DeleteRegards
Desmond
Thanks for simplifying the issue.
DeleteI have done a quick search on google, and landed on this site selling 3 types of 18k rose gold Omega (vintage) buckles. They claim to be "vintage", but I am not sure if those really come from the old days...Looks clean & polished, so I am wondering.
How would you view these? They range from $275 to $500....
http://www.kayasidh.com/product.php?id_product=35
http://www.kayasidh.com/product.php?id_product=34
http://www.kayasidh.com/product.php?id_product=11
either one with Swiss on it. The example with the logo is probably a tad late, and the heavy one for only 50 dollars more seems good. Might be an idea to ask for the weight and do a conversion to parts of a troy ounce multiplied by the gold price just to see what premium you are paying for scarcity and originality.
DeleteCheers
Desmond