Dr No
[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
37520
Let me offer a possible explanation as to why . . .
. . . the C cases aren't as sought after as their predecessors. The reason is aesthetic - no surprise there! - but not necessarily the most obvious cause, though.
The C cases largely came with elongated markers and slim hands, in comparison with earlier Constellations and Seamasters. My sense is that the dial furniture complements the curved case design, but also amplifies the aesthetic resonance of the angular date apertures. The overall aesthetic effect of enhanced curvature (with the lugs blending into the case) clashes with the focus on angularity, which is especially apparent with elongated day/date apertures.
A couple of weeks ago, I noticed an uncommon C case on our Collectors Market . . .
. . . that piqued my interest because I couldn't recollect seeing any (apart from chronograph models) without a calendar function. I called mrsnak to get his opinion, and he was able to track down the reference in Omega's database.
I find the aesthetics of this model appealing. The absence of a date aperture is, I feel, the reason why this design is successful on a subliminal level.
(Needless to say, I have no connection with the seller, and am not in any way recommending either the watch or the seller.)
Art
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2013-01-14 11:08:48
Omega "C-shaped" cases.../. why no love ?
Hello everyone.... been going over a few watches and cam across this 18k Connie with cal 751.... I have seen C shaped Connies and Seamasters... like a Seamaster 600... they both use a C-shaped case... At first I was put off by the "C-shaped" case and I di...
168.009
Bill, that particular watch has a 561 inside and was only made with the brick 19mm bracelet in 1966. Scrap value alone is well over $4000 now - around $3300 for just the bracelet. While the C-cases look a little clumsy, they actually mold to the wrist qui...
Actually Ralph my watch does have a 751 as its Day date ....
Hi Ralph My Connie is a 751... its a day date chronometer.... The 561 is a Date only chrononmetre... The brick work bracelet is killer... and in stunning condition... I just do not have the heart yet to scrap the watch ! I need to wear it at lest once a y...
Most solid Constellation built like a tank, I reckon
Bill Sohne I agree, amongst all the vintage Omega Constellations, the 'C' is most unpopular for some strange reason or reasons, which I find difficult to understand. It is built solid like a tank and hugs the wrist like no other. I have worn mine on a lea...
Love the C-shaped design but ...
I never got one in great conditions. I have a friend that has many, including this one in white gold: But if one look in detail, the dial already has some aging. The hunt for a SS one in great shape continues. Cheers, Nilo ...
White gold Constellation is indeed uncommon
nilomis The white gold Omega Constellation 'C' in 18k solid white gold is a really an uncommon watch. I know of a dealer in Hong Kong, who has one complete with its 18k bracelet. His asking price is high, I think. Offers were made to him but he was not in...
This one is on the hands of a ...
"Black hole" (What enters his collection NEVER leaves). I believe that's very rare. I only saw this one in my life. Cheers, Nilo
Very uncommon
nilomis The 18k solid white gold Constellation 'C' watch is indeed very uncommon and I am not surprised, despite your exposure and experience, your friend's watch is the only one you have seen. More surprising still is, its bracelet is even rarer still an...
Difference in value between yellow and white gold
nilomis What is the difference in value of an Omega 'C' with bracelet in solid 18k yellow against one in solid 18k white gold with bracelet, assuming all denominators are equal and both are in top condition. I may have someone interested in selling one bu...
No idea ...
Just a guess, that white gold (gold and nickel alloy) may have less value because 1 in 8 persons are allergic to nickel? That is what I know. I don't like precious metal watch cases because I have the feeling that those cases may be more fragile. Cheers, ...
No wonder
nilomis No wonder they do not produce many white gold watches because there is no demand for them.
White gold versions are MUCH more valuable.
There were much less of them made, and they command a 50 - 75% premium over their yellow gold siblings. Pink gold also easily gets a good 25% more than yellow gold all other things being equal. For round numbers, a 1966 yg 168.009 / 368.810 with the brick...
I know what you mean Bill.................
I bought my C shape because I thought it would complete the small collection of Connies that I have but it wasn't cheap and to be honest, it is my least favourite. If push came to shove and one had to go then it would be the first out of the box. I cannot...
NoLoveIsTrue
I never liked this shape somehow, Perhaps due to its lugs lacking elegance, and any nicely formed 'developed' shape. Do however see a big advantage in that this has to be among the most solidly built vintage watch cases one could buy. Rishad
Let me offer a possible explanation as to why . . .
. . . the C cases aren't as sought after as their predecessors. The reason is aesthetic - no surprise there! - but not necessarily the most obvious cause, though. The C cases largely came with elongated markers and slim hands, in comparison with earlier C...
You could have a point there Art......
I always prefer dials without date functions but that 751 date window has a huge visual effect. I've never liked day/dates for that reason but that is just my personal preference. Cheers Andrew
Hypothetical question, Andrew: assuming you owned the Seamaster Cosmic . . .
. . . depicted in my post, would you find more favor with it in a purely aesthetic sense than the Connie currently in your collection?
From an aesthetics point of view Art - yes!
I do prefer non-date dials and to my mind one of the most appealing is the cal 552 SM300. White hands on a black dial with no other competing aspects - absolutely perfect. However, as for Connies, well I do have a great liking for the watch but if I had t...
Always a beauty, the SM 300
aroma I fully support your feeling about how beautifully crafted the SM 300 is. Till today, nothing can come close to it - never ever. ...
ExcellentObservation
Now that, Is truly most exceptional observation, for although its easy for someone to say they like/ dislike a watch, it's far harder to say why and put a good reason behind it. I agree completely, and do also find this particular C shape watch pretty han...
No date - any watch...
..to me, is always going to trump the aesthetics of a date function watch. I'm aged and infirm and can't read dates without readers, but even then... always was more attracted to a very simple dial even in my eagle-eyed youth.
Easy to secure a good one
G99 Since not too many people are in favor of keeping the Constellation 'C', we can always get the better ones, more easily, unlike the pie-pan Constellations or the highly desirable pre-moon chronos. However, I have seen some 'C's being offered at ridicu...
the problem is that i...
the problem is that i am trying to stick to my 1964 theme. i have 2 pre moon speedies, 2 sm300's, 3 connies incl a piepan, but the 'C' didnt come out until 67 i think so i would need to break the theme. having said that i broke the theme to get a 751 cons...
There's a cracker on ................
the dreaded thiefbay at the moment - or I should say it looks like a cracker from the distance the camera is positioned. It's solid 18kt and has the solid gold dial but the seller wants close to £2k and is claiming they can't or won't take the back off to...
some people have stupid expectations...
some people have stupid expectations Andrew and their watches stay listed for months at a time. thats typical of dealers who know that one day some mug will buy it at the over inflated price. i've just bought something i'm keeping secret until it arrives ...
ah speedbird, thats an integral,...
ah speedbird, thats an integral, not a 'C'. it seems that from the 'C' onwards the constellation is less popular. i like the TV case with integral bracelet, but you never see them here. i've owned all of these, but dont regret selling them as they are sti...