[thethomasboy]

After a year of looking and several months of research I'd really like my first Omega to be a vintage Connie (stainless, silver or rose gold). I think it would make an excellent dress watch especially with it's thinness and classic size. I'm looking for the following features (in descending order):
1. a pie pan dial
2. the onyx inlays in the hour markers
3. I know it's not for everyone but I would like a date marker
4. Sub seconds dial
5. Maybe the crosshair on the dial
6. Jumbo size if possible, but I doubt this combo exists

From what I've been able to find, the models that fit are 168.005/168.025/168.015. I've included photos of my ideals to illustrate, I believe a '63, '67 and '69. All the 168.005s or similar I've found have been $1k-$1.5k, and I was hoping to find something under $800. So if you could recommend other models to search and possible places to buy would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance for your expertise and time.

 

[thethomasboy]

Anyone? I especially love the 4th pic, which I believe is a 1963 Connie with a 561 caliber movement.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks to the expert community here on WUS.
Chris.

 

[aardvarkbark]

If $800 is your cap, you may want to consider Seamaster and Geneve models that have the 562 or 565, which are identical to the 561 and 564 used in Connies except they weren't tested and adjusted to ensure they met chronometer standards (which, now 40 yrs later, is irrelevant for a given movement). Do a search on ebay for these, and just check closed listings and feedback to confirm seller has experience with vintage Omegas and many happy buyers.

 

[base615]

Don't rule out the 168.004 which is a larger size and has a hidden crown. $800 for a good Pie Pan is going to be difficult to find these days though.

 

[thethomasboy]

Thank you for the reply! I was afraid I'd probably have to compromise if I wanted to get close to that number.

But if I found $400-$500 in the couch am I correct in assuming the photos I listed (with the black onyx inlays) is a 1963 with a 561 cal? You know how it is... Find the perfect job, you'll accept a pay cut. Find the perfect watch, suddenly my budget gets more flexible. The original goal was $800 to $1k, but for (my current) grail watch I'm open.

Just want to be sure I'm searching for the right models. Am I completely out of my league on this one? Or is it possible to find at a decent price given the recent popularity? Thanks again

[aardvarkbark: "If $800 is your cap, you may want to consider Seamaster and Geneve models that have the 562 or 565, which are identical to the 561 and 564 used in Connies except they weren't tested and adjusted to ensure they met chronometer standards (which, now 40 yrs later, is irrelevant for a given movement). Do a search on ebay for these, and just check closed listings and feedback to confirm seller has experience with vintage Omegas and many happy buyers."]

 

[thethomasboy]

I ran across one of those today, but I hadn't considered it until you said something. Thanks for the insight!

Don't rule out the 168.004 which is a larger size and has a hidden crown. $800 for a good Pie Pan is going to be difficult to find these days though.

 

[aardvarkbark]

Well, if your budget is now in the Connie range...

Spend a few hours at this web site: Omega Constellation Collectors

Scroll down and find numerous informative essays along the right margin. Learn what you need to know about pie-pans, movements, case shapes, how to spot a fake, etc.

If you want a date fxn (I always do, too), 561 or the 564 with quick-set are what you seek. You won't get a sub-seconds with a pie-pan, so that has to come off your list. Insist on pictures of movement and inside of caseback to ensure no corrosion, confirm caliber # on movement and reference # inside case back are a match (using vintage data base on Omega site), determine yr of production using any 'omega serial number by year' charts on the web, and to confirm consistency of patina across plates and bridges of movement (not frankened).

And no, there is no 'perfect job' for which I would accept a pay cut!