How early is this early Omega Constellation?

Hi there,

I recently saw an Omega Constellation reference 2648 calibre 352 in a solid 18k gold case with a very low movement serial number (12280xxx) and case number (11000xxx).

Both these numbers are the lowest I have seen on a Connie, and I say this after conducting quite a bit of online research, scouring numerous forums and looking at dozens and dozens of photos of 352 movements.

Has anyone here come across a Connie with a lower movement and/or case serial number? If so, I'd appreciate hearing from you...

Thanks in advance!

ghoti

PS Below are a few images of the watch.

Dial

Dial (different lighting)

Caseback

Movement

Inner caseback

Strap

Buckle

The one cal 352 in my files . . .

By: Dr No : March 28th, 2015-13:53

. . . which, incidentally, doesn't belong to me, has a movement number of 12,334, xxx. You're on the trail of an early production piece; here's hoping it ends up in your collection! Cordially, Art

There's no doubt it's very early, the question is how "very"...

By: ghoti : March 29th, 2015-00:21

Thanks for sharing your info with me, Art. In the few weeks since I first saw the watch and started my research I've probably come across 50+ early-1950s Connie serial numbers, whether via enthusiasts such as yourself sharing with me or images of watches ...

The 1/5 second hash marks . . .

By: Dr No : March 29th, 2015-11:16

. . . and serrated crown are also atypical attributes of this example. Please, cut to the chase and order the extract - utterly fascinating, this. (Assuming it's yours, of course!) Art

'Scientific' chapter ring and serrated crown on early Connies

By: ghoti : March 29th, 2015-12:23

Once again I must defer to Desmond's extensive knowledge when responding. According to what Desmond wrote to me, the 'scientific' chapter ring was in fact a feature in some early Connies from the 1952 production slate. In fact the first Connie dial -- acc...

Since the Centenary models were fitted . . .

By: Dr No : March 29th, 2015-12:41

. . . with serrated crowns, there's at least an even chance the original owner is correct. Art

You're probably right but...

By: ghoti : March 29th, 2015-14:34

...I'm illiterate when it comes to Connie crowns so I bow before your experience. All I know about Connie crowns I learnt from Desmond, either directly or from the illuminating article he wrote on the subject. Definitely recommended, it can be found on hi...

Omega