It's All About MOY, Except When it Isn't

Omega Constellation watch dials
The MOY test is a standard first test to determine authenticity of Omega Constellation dials. But, is there enough consistency in the manufacture of vintage Constellation dials for it to be reliable?

The answer to that question is no. While it could be argued that MOY is the standard, there are some deviations from the norm in some Constellation dials.

Click here for an essay on the usefulness of the MOY test when appraising Connie dials for authenticity.

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17 comments:

  1. The link to the essay seems to be broken. Maybe upload again? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Josef, I just tested the link and it works.

    on clicking on the link you will receive a message box asking if you wish to save or download the pdf document.

    Cheers

    Desmond

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous11:12 am

    does this look like a redial to you guys
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/172410153591?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, but it looks to me that a dial for a cal 352RG/354 has been placed on top of a cal 505 movement. The double crossed Ts in Constellation are too late for a 2852, so its a frankenwatch.

      Cheers

      Desmond

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  4. http://www.ebay.com/itm/172410153591?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

    a re dial ?? no swiss made on the bottom

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    Replies
    1. My comments above. Swiss or Swiss Made could be obscured by crystal ring.

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    2. Thank you Desmond. I am new in this fascinating world of Omega and have just found your blog here. This is such a noble work.

      Delete
    3. you're welcome.

      Enjoy the Omega experience

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete
  5. Anonymous4:55 pm

    Hi Desmond,

    Learning a lot here, thank you for that!!
    I'm receiving my first Constellation today, you can find the online ad here:
    https://www.chrono24.co.uk/omega/omega-constellation-pie-pan--id21023239.htm

    Unfortunally I learned about the MOY-check after my purchase, and what I can see from the pictures in the ad it doesn't check out. BUT it has the more oval 'O' in 'Chronometer', so this can be an explanation.

    Do you see any problems from the pictures?

    Hope you have the time to check it out, thank you!

    Cheers
    Stefan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stefan,

      Yes, this is one of the exceptions we see from time to time. Dial looks genuine to me.

      A tidy ensemble overall.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete
  6. Anonymous5:46 pm

    Hi Desmond,

    Thank you for your swift reply!
    Maybe the price is a bit steep, but I originally started my search for a new watch with research on a new Globemaster, so it isn't too bad taking that in to account :) The heritage of the Globemaster made me fall in love with the pie pan Constellations. So I will be a frequent visitor of your fantastic website from now on!

    Keep up the good work.
    Cheers

    Stefan

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  7. Nicolas7:56 am

    Hi Desmond,

    Is this dial a genuine NOS as it is being sold as, or is it a redial?:
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/266393071556?hash=item3e0643afc4:g:jG4AAOSwT75k3CWq

    I read the MOY Test and tried my best to keep on track with the details of the MOY Test with relation to this dial, but still not certain

    -The word "Constellation" does not seem to be raised slightly as per the MOY test, rather it looks flat and not embossed
    -Also, it looks to me like the first chevron of the "M" in Automatic looks to be bold (in comparison to the second chevron of the "M") in an attempt by a refinisher to get the line to go through the middle of the first chevron of the "M."

    What are your thoughts of this dial? Is this a true genuine NOS dial, as it is being sold as, or is this just a refinished dial?

    Thank you so much again,

    Nicolas

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:54 am

      It looks genuine to me. No sign of glue on the marker rivets on the back of the dial. MOY looks okay and I would expect there to be some apparent bleeding where it intersects with the chevron.

      A marginal error where the printed markers do not exactly meet up with the centre of the onyx insert in the applied markers, but still within normal tolerances. Could be a service dial, but, overall I think it's kosher.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete
  8. Anonymous7:35 am

    Hey Desmond,

    I’m so glad I found your blog, I’ve been learning so much about the pie pans! I’m looking at this posting to test my eye. I think everything is genuine but I can’t figure out the case. I’m not sure if I’m seeing the “facets” on the side of the case. What do you think?

    https://www.kingcollectorwatch.com/product/omega-pie-pan-constellation-connie-168-005-with-rice-bead-bracelet/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, and welcome to the world of Connies

      Yes, I can see the lugs facets (slightly rounded) and the case body facet. This watch appears genuine to me.

      Cheers

      Desmond

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  9. Anonymous12:26 am

    Hi Desmond, i appreciate your detailed MOY article and i have used it before to assess a pie pan earlier. There's one more that I'm looking into buying, would you be so kind to take a quick look and give your remarks.
    Here's the link from Watchuseek https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/omega-constellation-pie-pan-does-the-font-and-dial-look-authentic-not-repainted.5587446/

    I'd very much appreciate your help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It looks authentic to me. Heavily patinated dial with both dial spot and micro-bubbles under the paint, but the case is in good condition. The movement has at some stage been affected by moisture (probably wrist perspiration), allowing the polished steel parts to corrode in places. Otherwise, all signature parts appear present.. The rotor bridge has probably been replaced at some stage, however it is the correct part.

      Cheers

      Desmond

      Delete