I just recieved my father's Constellation. He bought new in Beirut in 1965. The serial number checks out as 1964ish 21,271,362. It has a 561 movement and a case number of 168.004. It is a stainless steel model.
At present it has no strap. I measured the case lug diameter at 17.86mm so I assume it takes a 18mm size band.
Here's my question: Were the Constellations avaialble with a ss bracelet in 1965 or did they all come with leather straps? The case number indicates a strap but I would prefer to get an Omega SS bracelet. Would an Omgea 18mm 'Bead of Rice" SS bracelet fit this watch ok? Or should I stick with a leather strap? I woul prefer the SS bracelet. Thoughts?
But the constellation was mostly sold with leather bands
Here is some info about the model from Omega's vintage pages
Reference number: ST 168.004
MOVEMENT
Caliber number: 561
Created in 1958
24 jewels
Central sweep-second hand
DIAL
"De Luxe", with hand-rivetted gold hour markers and "Dauphine" gold hands.
CRYSTAL
Armoured hesalite
BRACELET
Leather
WATER RESISTANCE
30 meters
CASE
Stainless steel
Screw-in
Full metal
FUNCTIONS
Chronometer
Date
MORE PRODUCT INFORMATIONS
Case : round (35,5 mm diameter), "hidden" crown , screw-in case back with "O'ring" gasket.
For leather straps of 18 mm lug-size
International Collection: 1962-1965
Swiss retail price (1962) : CHF 395.-
Also available in 18K yellow or pink solid gold (BA or BB, CHF 980.- both), 14K solid yellow gold (BD, CHF 880.-), 18K solid white gold (BC, CHF 1'230.-), or in 14K yellow or pink goldcap with SS case back (CD or CE, CHF 475.- both).
JLM
I also prefer my connies with straps but an 18mm beads of rices bracelet will fit as you do see them like this on ebay from time to time but personally i dont like it.
hope this helps
mamas
The one I posted is hard to find;-) Looks very close to the ones used on some DeVille models today
My favourite connie strap is this one from ABP Paris
Welcome to WUS! It's always nice to keep them in the family. I'm sure you'll cherish this one for a very long time.
In addition to the photo Jon provided, I'd recommend you take a look at Steve's excellent old-omegas.com. He hosts a number of Omega brochures from that time period, showing Constellations on various straps and bracelets.
Here's a pic I found out on that world wide web, showing a similar Connie on the beads of rice, to show you how it looks.
Omega usually sent out most of their Connies with a leather band, but supplied their ADs with a rage of optional extras. Beads of Rice were available in-shop for 168.005s but like most I like them best with leather.
A number of so-called NOS Beads of Rice come up from time to time - you even see them with bar codes (which werent in existence in the 60s). I have one authentic bracelet that was restored and another coming and I have it on a SS 168.005. Looks nice, but not as speccy as a 18K on a maroon lizard band.
I just recieved my father's Constellation. He bought new in Beirut in 1965. The serial number checks out as 1964ish 21,271,362. It has a 561 movement and a case number of 168.004. It is a stainless steel model.
At present it has no strap. I measured the case lug diameter at 17.86mm so I assume it takes a 18mm size band.
Here's my question: Were the Constellations avaialble with a ss bracelet in 1965 or did they all come with leather straps? The case number indicates a strap but I would prefer to get an Omega SS bracelet. Would an Omgea 18mm 'Bead of Rice" SS bracelet fit this watch ok? Or should I stick with a leather strap? I woul prefer the SS bracelet. Thoughts?
I just recieved my father's Constellation. He bought new in Beirut in 1965. The serial number checks out as 1964ish 21,271,362. It has a 561 movement and a case number of 168.004. It is a stainless steel model.
At present it has no strap. I measured the case lug diameter at 17.86mm so I assume it takes a 18mm size band.
Here's my question: Were the Constellations avaialble with a ss bracelet in 1965 or did they all come with leather straps? The case number indicates a strap but I would prefer to get an Omega SS bracelet. Would an Omgea 18mm 'Bead of Rice" SS bracelet fit this watch ok? Or should I stick with a leather strap? I woul prefer the SS bracelet. Thoughts?
Ofrei has Omega "replacement" beads of rice bracelets for $129 US in SS. The end pieces are an additional $18 I believe. They also carry a gold plated beads of rice for a few $$ more. I'm providing the link to the correct page because the Ofrei site can be a bit difficult to navigate even when you know what you seek!! http://www.ofrei.com/page582.html
Ofrei has Omega "replacement" beads of rice bracelets for $129 US in SS. The end pieces are an additional $18 I believe. They also carry a gold plated beads of rice for a few $$ more. I'm providing the link to the correct page because the Ofrei site can be a bit difficult to navigate even when you know what you seek!! http://www.ofrei.com/page582.html
I put a temporary band on it and it is loosing time, about 5 minutes every three days. Any reccomendations on where to send it for a cleaning & timing?
So where should I send my Constellation for an overhaul/repair? I prefer some one who specializes in Omegas.
Thanks!
Tony
Orlando, FL
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
WatchUSeek Watch Forums
22.5M posts
576.4K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to watch owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about watch collections, displays, watch winders, accessories, classifieds, and more! We welcome all manufacturers including Casio G-Shock, OMEGA, Rolex, Breitling, Rolex and Tudor, Seiko, Grand Seiko and others.