Omega Constellation Cal. 354 Gold Cap Restoration

Aroma's acquisition of a 1954 Omega Constellation Caliber 354 offers a fascinating look into vintage watch collecting, particularly the delicate balance between preservation and restoration. His detailed account of the watch's provenance and condition highlights the unique stories embedded in these historical pieces. The post also raises critical questions about the original construction and appropriate restoration techniques for gold-capped Omega models, which remain highly relevant for collectors today.

I just thought I’d like to show you my latest acquisition - a 1954 Cal 354 Bumper Constellation in gold cap/stainless steel.

Recently, the previous owner contacted another forum to which I belong and asked for help in identifying his old grandfather’s watch.  Once the back was removed it was clear that the watch was a relatively rare beast and the owner was told.  He decided to put it on a ‘well known auction site’ for it to reach its true value but he informed me first as I’d expressed an interest.  I was going out on the evening of the auction so I just bid the maximum I was comfortable with and left and I was somewhat surprised to find the next day that I had won (just). 

This watch has some provenance – it was a long service award for the previous owner’s grandfather and when he died, it was passed down to another family member before being inherited by the previous owner.  So the watch has been in the same family and used daily for 57 years!  Despite some scratching and marking to the bezel and case, the watch is in remarkable condition and the movement looks lovely (despite having a screw missing).  I can see that it has a generic crown but other than that it is in superb shape.

So the question is: how to proceed with the ‘restoration’.  I am inclined to do as little as possible - maybe the following: (1) service and lubrication (2) new crown (I assume it would have had an Omega 4219 crown originally fitted) (3) new crystal (4) lightly clean the dial and hands (5) lightly polish the bezel and front taking care not to go through the gold cap (6) lightly clean the case back – the Constellation and Waterproof wording is still just visible and I’d like to keep it that way. 

A QUESTION :  I have heard that some Constellations had solid gold bezels and capped lugs – is the bezel on this model solid gold or is it just capped like the lugs? 

Any comments on what I intend to do would be appreciated.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy looking at it.