Strange Omega Constellation back-cover

seamonster · Jan 19, 2012

While going through some of the Omega Constellation 'C' series, available on the market, I come across one with such a back-cover.

Apart from '18K' there is no other inscription to be found on its inside of the back-cover. Please see attachment. Why is this so?

dsio · Jan 20, 2012

Do you have pics of the watch it was attached to?

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

dsio
Do you have pics of the watch it was attached to?

Respectable Member dsio

Thanks for the response.

I shall get the pictures of its dial and movement, later in the day.

Thank-you.

dsio · Jan 20, 2012

seamonster
Respectable Member dsio

Thanks for the response.

I shall get the pictures of its dial and movement, later in the day.

Thank-you.

I have to say, whoever told you I was respectable may have mislead you, as I can assure you that this is very much not the case.

I'm an Australian.

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

dsio
I have to say, whoever told you I was respectable may have mislead you, as I can assure you that this is very much not the case.

I'm an Australian.

Respectable Member dsio

Any forum member who shares his knowledge (big or small) with others, is a respectable member, I reckon.

For you to be an Aussie, it is even more admirable because Down Under, we do not have the chance to be exposed to many of the vintage-watches, in person, unlike those in the US or other parts of the world.

Earlier on, I promised that I would upload the pictures of the Constellation dial and its movement by tonight. However, I think this may not be possible, since I do need the assistance of my son. I am not computer-savvy, unfortunately.

Thank-you.

ulackfocus · Jan 20, 2012

seamonster
While going through some of the Omega Constellation 'C' series, available on the market, I come across one with such a back-cover.

Apart from '18K' there is no other inscription to be found on its inside of the back-cover. Please see attachment. Why is this so?

The case is aftermarket, probably done in South America. Stainless steel cased watches are shipped there, and a local jeweler has identical gold cases made then installs the dial/hands/movement combos into them. It's very common but hurts the value to a collector.

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

U ulackfocus
The case is aftermarket, probably done in South America. Stainless steel cased watches are shipped there, and a local jeweler has identical gold cases made then installs the dial/hands/movement combos into them. It's very common but hurts the value to a collector.

Respectable Member ulackfocus

Thanks for the information.

When you said, 'aftermarket', can it be assumed that it was not licensed by Omega Switzerland?

Anyway, my son is now back home and here are the pictures of the watch dial and its movement. Hopefully, this helps.

Thank-you.

Trev · Jan 20, 2012

seamonster
Respectable Member dsio

Any forum member who shares his knowledge (big or small) with others, is a respectable member, I reckon.

For you to be an Aussie, it is even more admirable because Down Under, we do not have the chance to be exposed to many of the vintage-watches, in person, unlike those in the US or other parts of the world.

Earlier on, I promised that I would upload the pictures of the Constellation dial and its movement by tonight. However, I think this may not be possible, since I do need the assistance of my son. I am not computer-savvy, unfortunately.

Thank-you.

Hey Seamonster,

If you ever have questions about uploading your photos or anything else related to the forum, feel free to send me a message by clicking my name on the left, then click 'start a conversation'.

Cheers, Trev

ulackfocus · Jan 20, 2012

seamonster
When you said, 'aftermarket', can it be assumed that it was not licensed by Omega Switzerland?

Correct - it was not licensed by Omega or it would have all the markings.

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

Trev
Hey Seamonster,

If you ever have questions about uploading your photos or anything else related to the forum, feel free to send me a message by clicking my name on the left, then click 'start a conversation'.

Cheers, Trev

Respectable Member Trev

Thanks for the response and the offer of an assistance. I really appreciate and will do. However, meanwhile I am trying to learn albeit slowly.

Thank-you.

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

U ulackfocus
Correct - it was not licensed by Omega or it would have all the markings.

Respectable Member ulackfocus

Thanks for confirming it.

There is a lot to learn, regarding the technical aspects of a vintage-watch.

I am just wondering, how many non-collectors know about this fact.

Thank-you.

ulackfocus · Jan 20, 2012

seamonster
There is a lot to learn, regarding the technical aspects of a vintage-watch.

Jack of all trades = Master of none. That's why it's best to stick to only a few brands or even one. You can learn all the quirks easier that way.

seamonster
I am just wondering, how many non-collectors know about this fact.

Probably none. Not many casual vintage collectors know about it either.

seamonster · Jan 20, 2012

U ulackfocus
Jack of all trades = Master of none. That's why it's best to stick to only a few brands or even one. You can learn all the quirks easier that way.

Probably none. Not many casual vintage collectors know about it either.

Respectable Member ulackfocus

Thanks for the advice.

Rightly so is the description, Jack of all trades and master of none. It is difficult to be a master of one, especially for someone who would just pick up a watch, based on its beauty alone: - the beauty of the dial and the beauty of the case, without knowing what is actually inside of the watch-case.

Though there were, the chances of landing with a fake or franken were quite remote some while ago, unlike that of today. Perhaps, without forums where one can get invaluable and expert advice, very likely many potential vintage-watch lovers would be turned-off and subsequently, just discard this interesting and very challenging pastime.

It is not surprising though, some casual vintage-watch collectors are unable to tell the difference between one that is genuine, against another that is either, a franken or downright fake. They are unbelievably real, at first sight.

Thank you.

ulackfocus · Jan 20, 2012

Yep, some of the frankens look correct since the pieces all fit. That's why there are forums with experienced members to help combat the scammers.

dsio · Jan 20, 2012

U ulackfocus
Yep, some of the frankens look correct since the pieces all fit. That's why there are forums with experienced members to help combat the scammers.

True that, I've been lucky enough to buy all my vintage pieces off civilians that simply wore their pieces for lack of anything else rather than off ebay. That's the wonderful thing about finding a piece covered in dirt, scratches, with a ruined crystal, you've got a much better change of having found that piece before someone tried "increasing its value". Once they're on ebay, and being sold as NOS condition you need to ge the magnifying glass out sadly...

seamonster · Jan 21, 2012

U ulackfocus
Yep, some of the frankens look correct since the pieces all fit. That's why there are forums with experienced members to help combat the scammers.

Respectable Member ulackfocus

Despite the many forums around, people still get scammed and unknowingly, buy fakes and frankens. The reason is: there are many people, who still misunderstand the function of a forum. This group is under the impression, forums are there for the experts, only.

This far from the truth. As a matter of fact, forums are there for those whose knowledge is just so-so only and also, for those who have zero knowledge about vintage-watches and eager to learn.

I have always asked some friends to join a forum but straight-away, comes the answer, 'I dare not because I do not know anything about vintage-watches' - the more reason for them to join a forum, since a forum is more like a school with teachers, always ready to impart knowledge or fill a vacuum.

Thank-you.