Omega Vintage Watch Advice Forum

Gurpreet · 2023-03-16T12:40:28Z

Explore Gurpreet's 1958 Omega Constellation with a Caliber 504 movement and Dennison case. Uncover its unique markings and community insights on restoration and value.

Gurpreet

WPS member · Omega forum

24 replies6079 views3 photos

Gurpreet, a long-time watch enthusiast, recently embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of his father's 1958 Omega Constellation. His detailed examination of the movement and Dennison case, including unique stampings like A.L.D. S1240, provides a fascinating starting point for understanding vintage Omega references. This article delves into the community's insights, offering valuable context for collectors researching similar historical pieces.

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Hello everyone, I've just come across this forum and must say what a lovely way to pass some time! I've been into watches and watch collecting for a number of years now, ever since my father gifted me an omega constellation on my 21st birthday. All these years later (I'm 55 now) I've decided to investigate the origins of my fathers watch. As a result I opened it up and so far have the following. According to its serial number on the movement its a 1958 caliber 504 movement. It's an 18k watch in a Dennison case. The case back has a hallmark dating it to 1959. Interestingly I was expecting to find the reference number on the case back but instead it has A.L.D. S1240 stamped along with the hallmarks and the omega triangle. The inside of the bezel also has 240 stamped onto it, this tells me the case back (S1240) and case (240) are a matching pair. I'm trying to work out any further details, I've posted a picture of the movement and case back in the hope someone can help me. Thanks all. Gurpreet

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'A.L.D.' stamping on the case back likely refers to Aaron L. Dennison, the founder of the Dennison Watch Case Company, a prominent British case maker for Omega during that era. The 'S1240' and '240' markings confirm the case back and case are a matching pair.
It is uncommon to find a Dennison-cased 1958 Constellation Calendar, suggesting Gurpreet's watch might be a rare configuration. The crown may have been replaced during service, though some Dennison cases featured unique crown designs.
Comparing Gurpreet's watch to other vintage Constellations, particularly a 1958 ref. 2852 with a domed dial, suggests the hands on Gurpreet's watch might have been replaced or the dial switched during a past service, as the current hands appear shorter than expected for a flat dial.
The bracelet on Gurpreet's Omega Constellation is not original to the watch. Restoring the watch to its original condition would involve sourcing a proper handset and a Dennison 9kt gold buckle, which could be funded by selling the current bracelet.
Gurpreet's dilemma of keeping a sentimental family heirloom versus acquiring a watch for regular wear is a common one among collectors. The suggestion to restore the Omega to its original condition allows for both preservation of sentiment and enhanced wearability.
The discussion highlights the importance of insurance for luxury watches, especially when traveling to major cities, due to increasing concerns about theft and personal safety. Gurpreet is seeking advice on valuation for insurance purposes.

The Discussion

Dr No

Mar 16, 2023

You have a rare British production equivalent of Omega's ref 2943. I can't say for certain . . .

. . . whether I've seen another Dennison case '58 Constellation Calendar, and I've been actively collecting Omegas for fifteen years. Chances are the crown has been replaced during service, but can't be certain about that as Dennisons are known to have unique crowns in some instances. Dad had good taste! My '60 ref 2943 . . . . . . waves hello. Cordially, Art

Gurpreet

Mar 16, 2023

Thank you sir, silver watches are actually my favourite, very nice wrist jewellery!

Gurpreet

Mar 16, 2023

Oh, regarding the crown I'm sure that has not been changed as well. Thanks for the information with regards to the reference by the way.

Gurpreet

Mar 17, 2023

Actually having looked further into it based on information found at omega-constellation-collectors.blogspot.com l I'm now thinking it would have come with a decagonal crown rather than what looks like a seamaster crown

Dr No

Mar 16, 2023

Right after posting I remembered one of our former community members in the UK . . .

. . . had the very same Omega. Unfortunately he used Photobucket for uploading images so only these thumbnails can be captured. The ref 2943 Dennison equivalent is on the left in the lower pic. That one also has an incorrect crown, but the alternate case design to its right (and above) has an ostensibly correct decagon. Art

golden hands

Mar 16, 2023

'officially certified' on the dials of the gold cased thumbnail photo's-are missing

both dials have been restored and not original. the calibre 504 is classed as chronometer and officially certified the steel case photo proves this point.

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