1970's Omega Constellation Chronometer - Value...Help??
Discussion
My father is trying to value his watch, which was handed down to him from his father a number of years ago. The plan is for him to sell it and perhaps buy a more modern Omega/Breitling.
As above, it's an Omega Constellation Chronometer Electronic F300hz in solid gold (18 carat) with a "D-Face".
To give you some idea of what it looks like, the link to one which is exactly the same and sold at auction in 2007, is below:
http://catalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html?action=...
My father's isn't in as good a condition as this one and looks like it has been "used", with the usual scratches and dings.
Now, I know nothing about vintage watches or how they are valued. I know that in its day, it would have been a very desireable watch and probably very expensive. In gold value alone, it's probably going to be worth over £2,250 or so given the weight but what I need to know is, will it be more valuable as a watch in itself? How rare is it?
If anyone knows anything about these watches, or can point me in the right direction of where would be best to try and sell it, please let me know.
Thanks
As above, it's an Omega Constellation Chronometer Electronic F300hz in solid gold (18 carat) with a "D-Face".
To give you some idea of what it looks like, the link to one which is exactly the same and sold at auction in 2007, is below:
http://catalog.antiquorum.com/catalog.html?action=...
My father's isn't in as good a condition as this one and looks like it has been "used", with the usual scratches and dings.
Now, I know nothing about vintage watches or how they are valued. I know that in its day, it would have been a very desireable watch and probably very expensive. In gold value alone, it's probably going to be worth over £2,250 or so given the weight but what I need to know is, will it be more valuable as a watch in itself? How rare is it?
If anyone knows anything about these watches, or can point me in the right direction of where would be best to try and sell it, please let me know.
Thanks
That's quite a watch 
The movement is shared amongst a few others and is known as a 'hummer'
Whilst very desirable and expensive in its day , automatic equivalents remain more popular as these can be tricky to maintain although perfectly possible .
I would guess it will sadly be worth more as scrap if it's gold - a steel hummer like this in really nice condition would be worth approx £500 .
These are my amateur musings so treat them as slightly better than guesswork and seek more opinions please - someone with far more knowledge will be along soon to put you completely right .
The movement is shared amongst a few others and is known as a 'hummer'
Whilst very desirable and expensive in its day , automatic equivalents remain more popular as these can be tricky to maintain although perfectly possible .
I would guess it will sadly be worth more as scrap if it's gold - a steel hummer like this in really nice condition would be worth approx £500 .
These are my amateur musings so treat them as slightly better than guesswork and seek more opinions please - someone with far more knowledge will be along soon to put you completely right .
Back to the top said:
That's quite a watch
The movement is shared amongst a few others and is known as a 'hummer'
Whilst very desirable and expensive in its day , automatic equivalents remain more popular as these can be tricky to maintain although perfectly possible .
I would guess it will sadly be worth more as scrap if it's gold - a steel hummer like this in really nice condition would be worth approx £500 .
These are my amateur musings so treat them as slightly better than guesswork and seek more opinions please - someone with far more knowledge will be along soon to put you completely right .
ThanksThe movement is shared amongst a few others and is known as a 'hummer'
Whilst very desirable and expensive in its day , automatic equivalents remain more popular as these can be tricky to maintain although perfectly possible .
I would guess it will sadly be worth more as scrap if it's gold - a steel hummer like this in really nice condition would be worth approx £500 .
These are my amateur musings so treat them as slightly better than guesswork and seek more opinions please - someone with far more knowledge will be along soon to put you completely right .
It's a difficult one really. I, for one (being in my 30's) wouldn't want to wear such a thing - it's a bit old fashioned and "flashy" for me.
However, someone out there may like the old school style and bling factor!
I'm with you though in relation to the scrap gold value. I just want to be absolutely sure that it's not worth more as a whole watch to someone first.
Really difficult.
In gold plated, or stainless cases, these fetch £250-£350 on ebay.
Not seen on in 18K solid before but solid gold 50's/60's seamasters seem to go at around £900 (compared to £400 ish for stainless/plated).
So I guess if you add 125% of the original price (900=400+400*1.25), you get about £675. That said, this model is not very popular. Ebaying it could leave you very disappointed.
In gold plated, or stainless cases, these fetch £250-£350 on ebay.
Not seen on in 18K solid before but solid gold 50's/60's seamasters seem to go at around £900 (compared to £400 ish for stainless/plated).
So I guess if you add 125% of the original price (900=400+400*1.25), you get about £675. That said, this model is not very popular. Ebaying it could leave you very disappointed.
I've just registered on that watch forum and will be posting shortly.
I'm not going to ebay it as I know we won't be offered what it's worth.
It seems that we may just be better selling it as scrap gold for circa £2,250 - it just seems a shame having to melt down what was once a very nice watch.
I'm not going to ebay it as I know we won't be offered what it's worth.
It seems that we may just be better selling it as scrap gold for circa £2,250 - it just seems a shame having to melt down what was once a very nice watch.
RichB said:
While £2k+ is a nice amount it seems a shame to sell off something belonging to your grandfather unless your dad is desperate for the money.
I can totally see your point but he isn't the sentimental type i'm afraid and would rather put the watch (and the proceeds from the sale of it) to good use and buy himself something which he actually wants, such as a more modern Omega etc.Nezquick said:
RichB said:
While £2k+ is a nice amount it seems a shame to sell off something belonging to your grandfather unless your dad is desperate for the money.
I can totally see your point but he isn't the sentimental type i'm afraid and would rather put the watch (and the proceeds from the sale of it) to good use and buy himself something which he actually wants, such as a more modern Omega etc.Nezquick said:
I've just registered on that watch forum and will be posting shortly.
I'm not going to ebay it as I know we won't be offered what it's worth.
It seems that we may just be better selling it as scrap gold for circa £2,250 - it just seems a shame having to melt down what was once a very nice watch.
My first thought was that it will achieve the highest return if you sell the presumably good hummer movement and then scrap the case and bracelet.I'm not going to ebay it as I know we won't be offered what it's worth.
It seems that we may just be better selling it as scrap gold for circa £2,250 - it just seems a shame having to melt down what was once a very nice watch.
A shame though, in more ways than one.
^^^ This.
Scrapping it is a horrible thing to do, but it's the most lucrative. They don't make them any more, it can't be replaced, plus it was your grandfathers watch which makes it special in a way that you may not appreciate now, but could well come to in the future.
Hummers are rare. Read about their history here: http://www.accutron214.com/AccutronHistory.htm . Bulova made the movement in yours for Omega. The hummer movement is pretty special. Have you seen this thing going? The super smooth sweep of the second hand can only be seen on hummers and the expensive Seiko Spring drive.
If a Model T could be scrapped for more than it's sale value, should it be scrapped or kept for prosperity? I'd suggest that it would take a pretty materialistic person to destroy it (and I'm being as polite as I can).
Best thing I can advise you to do is to get your dad to treat it as a family heirloom. An investment in gold bullion (but in the shape of a watch) if you like. Spend a few quid on getting a new crystal fitted and, occasionally, wear it.
It's a very nice watch. Yes, it's scrap metal value is worth more than the watch but that's really not the point here.
Scrapping it is a horrible thing to do, but it's the most lucrative. They don't make them any more, it can't be replaced, plus it was your grandfathers watch which makes it special in a way that you may not appreciate now, but could well come to in the future.
Hummers are rare. Read about their history here: http://www.accutron214.com/AccutronHistory.htm . Bulova made the movement in yours for Omega. The hummer movement is pretty special. Have you seen this thing going? The super smooth sweep of the second hand can only be seen on hummers and the expensive Seiko Spring drive.
If a Model T could be scrapped for more than it's sale value, should it be scrapped or kept for prosperity? I'd suggest that it would take a pretty materialistic person to destroy it (and I'm being as polite as I can).
Best thing I can advise you to do is to get your dad to treat it as a family heirloom. An investment in gold bullion (but in the shape of a watch) if you like. Spend a few quid on getting a new crystal fitted and, occasionally, wear it.
It's a very nice watch. Yes, it's scrap metal value is worth more than the watch but that's really not the point here.
May be worth speaking to Paul HERE
He is well known as an expert on these things and should have a few contacts who may want it as a collectable item as opposed as scrap.
Just a thought really.
I've no affiliation, but in the odd contact I've had with him he's always come across as fair.
He is well known as an expert on these things and should have a few contacts who may want it as a collectable item as opposed as scrap.
Just a thought really.
I've no affiliation, but in the odd contact I've had with him he's always come across as fair.
Whilst I dont really like the watch, it'd be a shame to scrap it.
I don't know... I'd be similarly torn between sentimentality over my grandad's watch and the fact it's worth more as gold and I could buy a much nicer new watch with the proceeds.
Tough question, there's only one guy who can answer it: you.
I don't know... I'd be similarly torn between sentimentality over my grandad's watch and the fact it's worth more as gold and I could buy a much nicer new watch with the proceeds.
Tough question, there's only one guy who can answer it: you.
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