Is this Omega Constellation Chronometer a fake?

[sully]

Hey guys,


I spotted the Omega Constellation Chronometer in this picture at, of all places, my local Sears store. The store had a high-end watch area tucked into a corner, and they were offering this Omega for $600 CDN + taxes for purchase ($590 USD). So, two questions for you fine folks:


1. Is this a real Omega? I've certainly had no luck finding a model of its likeness online. The store also has no documentation for the watch.


2. Is the price decent for purchase? I certainly enjoy the look of the watch, so if it's a good deal...


Thanks again everyone. Have a fine Sunday. :)


http://blog.yllus.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/omega_constellation_chrono.jpg (http://blog.yllus.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/omega_constellation_chrono.jpg)

[767Geoff]

It sure is NOT a fake, it has the Bulova patent tuning fork module as modified by omega beating at 300 hertz, circa early to mid 70's. Mine was 100.00 working at a flea market. The service was done by a bulova trained tuning fork specialist in Calgary for a cost of 250.00 Canadian. Case refinished by me and the hands and dial relumed by me also. So for 600USD? with a guarantee for a year and ask if it has been serviced (that's the expensive part) it sounds okay. Not a great deal, but sears vintage watches are carrying a premium as an outlet. Go to Ebay and track "omega f300" (granted these may not have been serviced) to see their prices. Typically around 300 to 400 USD but if you add in a service your watch is about correct.

Here's mine in a more standard seamaster marked case with rold gold top, note the same hands:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f96/geoff_q/omega/tuningforka.jpg

[eptaz]

I don't have much to add to Geoff's comments, but it's certainly an authentic tuning-fork Omega. Here's a page from a 1973 catalogue (http://www.old-omegas.com/catuk73.html), showing the exact model.
http://www.old-omegas.com/pics/catuk73/p27.jpg
From Steve's excellent old-omegas.com (http://www.old-omegas.com)

These Bulova movements are really quite remarkable and, in my opinion, rather underappreciated. As far as I know, every Omega example is Chronometer rated. A couple of interesting things about these movements, is the amazingly smooth sweep of the second hand and the nice little hummm you hear, when holding them to your ear.

If you're interested in a little research, a great deal of info can be found on this site (http://members.iinet.net.au/~fotoplot/acc.htm).

As for the price, I tend to agree with Geoff; not a bargain but, for a NOS example, it might be worth it, if you really like it. One thing to keep in mind is that not just any watchmaker will service these. So, unless you're lucky enough to be near one of the small handful of experts, you should plan on sending it away for servicing.

It's pretty wild to find a 30 some year-old watch sitting in a case at Sears. Good luck!

eric

[sully]

Hey, thanks guys. :)

I'll stop in today to ask about their guarantee on the watch and its last known servicing date. If both questions are responded to positively, I'll see about their absolute lowest price on the watch and make a decision.

I just love its look - strong, clean, prestigious but not pretentious. Guess we'll see how it goes. Thanks again!

[Kieron]

The thing to check amongst other things is that the date functions correctly. The f300 has a notoriously aggresive date change/finger mechanism and because the date disc itself is made of plastic they can wear, as shown in the photo below;

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/OmegaKieron/f300damage.jpg

As you can see, particularly at the 9'o'clock position in the photo, the underside of the teeth are badly worn and the date discs are virtually impossible to get hold of nowadays. The simple way to check is to first pull out the crown and cycle the date all the way round two or three times and look for any jumping, bouncing (half-flipping over) or sticking in one place. The next check requires a bit more patience but pull the crown out to the second position and change the time so the date changes a couple of times. If it changes crisply and also passes the first test, then it should be ok. It will be obvious of course if the watch itself is working correctly, they have a silky smooth sweep hand and when you hold it to your ear, they emit a pleasing hum. I have two f300s and a Megasonic 720, same principle but higher pitch and an Omega in-house design. I think they're great watches, here's mine...

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/OmegaKieron/Connief300.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/OmegaKieron/Seamasterf300front.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/OmegaKieron/Connief720.jpg