Omega f300 Hz Constellation Electronic

[Paul S4]

I would like to know a bit more about this very nice & original Omega Constellation f300; a friend has asked me to establish if it is worth getting it serviced/restored. He bought it new in the mid 70's, and seems to recall that he had it regulated soon after purchase.

Although he did use it as an everyday watch for some years, and had several batteries replaced in that time, it has been sitting in a drawer for quite a few years after the last battery went flat.

I would like to get it working again, but I would be a bit wary about the fact that the battery may have leaked over time, and that it could be a mercury type cell.
Of course, all may be well under the back cover but I really do not want to open it up !


Are there any specialists who could advise about this, and where could I get an estimate for a service ?

I seem to recall that there were some topics about the Omega f300 last year/2009, but my search on this site has not found them...

As can be seen from the photos, the crystal is a bit scratched, but this is not a problem as it is the original Omega acrylic/plastic one, and I can easily polish that out myself.

As my pal is not really 'into' watches, I may even offer to buy it from him, depending upon the current value of course !

My final question would be relating to the value...I understand that they may be quite rare now.

Any suggestions welcome.

[LukeBird]

Check out Paul at Electric Watches he's well known for his work on hummers.
I've had a watch serviced by him and I was very impressed with the job and turnaround.

[Paul S4]

Many thanks for that; I have just been on his website and sent him an email. In the space of an hour I have become very interested in these 'hummers' ; they are fascinating movements and offer something a bit different. I shall keep you posted about progress !

[CardShark]

Please excuse the silly question, but seeing as it's being referred as being a 'hummer' I'm presuming that it quite literally hums due to the circuitry within? Have read of 'hummers' before but not 100% sure as to why they've been nicknamed so.

[ShadownINja]

A working one in that condition should go for about £200 IIRC.

CardShark said:

Please excuse the silly question, but seeing as it's being referred as being a 'hummer' I'm presuming that it quite literally hums due to the circuitry within? Have read of 'hummers' before but not 100% sure as to why they've been nicknamed so.

They make a constant "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" that's quite audible when close to your ear. Put two to your ears and you can simulate tinnitus. The interesting thing about them is that they run on batteries yet the movement of the second hand is a sweep! Annoyingly, I hear they use batteries very, very quickly - I think they last about a year, if that.

[CardShark]

Cool, thanks for that They sound quite intriguing, may have to do some more reading up on these

[andy_s]

Another thumbs up for Paul at EW.

Bulova Accutron Spaceview, because it's a shame to hide the elastictrickery -

Edited by andy_s on Saturday 22 January 17:11

[LukeBird]

ShadownINja said:

Annoyingly, I hear they use batteries very, very quickly - I think they last about a year, if that.

I'd heard that as well, but the Omega Connie I bought almost exactly a year ago is still running sweet.
No idea when it had a battery mind...

I love it anyway, the hum is fantastic!