Rare model 14382 Omega Constellation De Luxe with trenched chapter ring
About eight years ago I compiled a database of all Omega Constellation models produced during the vintage era and included a range of more contemporary models up to 2003.
Over the years I added numerous Constellation models that did not appear in the Omega Vintage Database to the extent that they now now represent around 15 percent of the total. The database I compiled is an evolving document, and as new finds are made so the list grows.
Several document 'snatching' services on the WWW have taken it upon themselves to expropriate my work without my permission - one even going to the trouble of removing the copyright notice - and there are few earlier versions of the document floating around in cyberspace.
You will find the latest version of this database here
I have recently inherited an Omega Constellation from the mid-1950's. It was given to my father by his uncle, who purchased it in Switzerland, and the watch bears the Turler jeweler stamp on the face. May I send pictures to you to establish exactly what I have? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi, I have stopped giving out my email as requests were getting out of hand and dealers were using me to authenticate their pieces.
ReplyDeleteI suggest you join Omega forums Vintage, of which I'm a member, and post the pics and I'm sure either I or someone else will answer your questions
Regards
Desmond
regards
Desmond
Thank you, Desmond. I will do that today.
DeleteHere is my information.
ReplyDeleteLooks to me to be a model 2852 with a calibre 501 or 505 movement. (same series). If you hear a slight thud when you rotate the watch it could be an earlier cal 254 model but I'm guessing it is a calibre 505, probably produced around 1956 - 57.
DeleteCase is very sharp and is 18k gold. Important that no-one polishes the case because that will round the edges of the lugs and bezel. The dial has pleasant albeit minor patina and features very attractive arrow-head hour markers.
Turler is a highly respected Swiss Jewellery company founded by Franz Turler, and one of the few companies that Omega allowed to co-brand their watches. Originally I believe the watch would have been purchased in Switzerland, because the US models imported did not have the Turler appellation.
The watch is a collectible piece and if you are intending to wear it I believe you should source an independent watchmaker to clean and oil the movement so as to avoid wear of the movement. Avoid an Omega service centre as it will want to send the watch to Switzerland for an expensive and possibly unsympathetic restoration.
I would take the Speidel band off as that could well scratch the lugs. Originally the watch would have come with a leather alligator or lizard strap with an Omega buckle, probably black or dark tan, although some came with an almost camel colour leather.
If you want me to value the watch I would need to see the movement. Possible post your email address on your site for 48 hours so I can contact you.
Cheers
Desmond
Thanks, Desmond. I would like to know the value of the watch, if possible. My email is wspencer3@comcast.net.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the well researched database. I am in the process of researching vintage Constellation models and planning a purchase in the near future. Then I realised who the author of this blog is. Hope you are well. It has been too long! Tanya Scott
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya,
DeleteNice to hear from you. If you want a hand in appraising a watch let me know and I'll be happy to oblige.
Cheers D
Good night Mr. Desmond. I tryed the link but it is broken. I was trying to see 60s models to try to select one for me. How can I see the database?. Thanks. Irineu
ReplyDeleteyes, you're right. I updated the post. Just click on "Easyfind case and caliber matcher" on the Right hand column
DeleteCheers
Desmond
Hello Desmond.
ReplyDeleteI own the exact 18karat gold watch as in the photo above. ( the trenched chapter ring ). But' with a different crown. do you think that it is a replacement?
Greetings
DeleteCrowns were commonly replaced at service if it was thought the hermetic sealing system had deteriorated, so it's possible, trhat's for sure.
That said, the standard was the decagoinal crown, although in some markets there appears evidence that other crowns were used.
Cheers
Desmond
thanks so much
Delete