Advice Needed On My First Omega!!

[Leighton1812]

Hi all,

I am new to the site and looking at buying my first quality watch. I have been looking for many months and have read multiple tips etc. I am currently very fond of the omega constellation double eagle pre 2009. I am looking at circa 2005 (automatic co axial) with the black face I will try to paste an image below. The model suits me as I feel it's a fairly subtle gentlemen's watch. I personally feel the later double eagles have gone away from the constellation values and have turned to much into a sports watch. Do you agree? I am aware the double eagle is designed slightly sport like but I still prefer the older model to the new one. As said this is my first watch of any value and I have decided to buy a pre owned as I don't want the substantial deprecation you would get get buying new. However I am not looking at making a profit if I do decide to sell but would like a watch that holds it value well. I'm looking at paying circa £1200 Is my choice a good one your advice is much appreciated.

Thanks

Leighton

[WillFly]

I don't know much about the Omega Constellation but, from what I've seen, it looks like a nice watch. eBay prices indicate that you'll probably have to pay more for a s/h automatic. Quartz versions are cheaper and more in your price range.

 

Personally speaking, for the price you have in mind, there are many others excellent vintage, s/h watches that might suit. I'm not the one to advise you on makes, though, because I rarely buy anything later than 1968 or so - just love those old watches! Like this, for example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1951-Jaeger-LeCoultre-Futurematic-10K-Gold-Filled-Dress-Watch-Wristwatch-/271693927745?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item3f42385541

 

I'm sure others here will have some useful opinions. Anyway - welcome to the forum!

 

Will

Edited December 5, 2014 by WillFly

[Geo]

Welcome to the forum Leighton.

Purchasing watches is such a very personal thing that is not an easy thing to give advice on. It would be good if you could post a couple of pictures illustrating the the watches you are talking about as there are so many variations of the Omega Connstellation. Some are possibly better than others, but I doubt if any are to be avoided.

Edited December 5, 2014 by Geo

[Leighton1812]

Thank you both Will this is the watch I'm looking at however not this exact one as I will only buy with papers/warranty cards etc. as said I want something that will hold its value well. http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/331378216508?nav=SEARCH

[Geo]

These are nice elegant dress watches. I have an older version with a gold bezel and gold bars on the bracelet. Mine has an ETA quartz movement, although I would prefer mechanical one. The build quality of the watch is absolutely brilliant.

If you can't do your own maintenance and don't want the recurring expense, you would be better getting the quartz model.

[Leighton1812]

Geo totally agree I will be only going for a mechanical movement like the one posted. I personally feel that's the point of having a quality watch the engineering alone is worth it however I know very little about the various movements from omega this has a co axial 2500. Where are these placed in terms of quality and compared to Rolexs own movements?

[Geo]

Where are these placed in terms of quality and compared to Rolexs own movements?

To be honest, I don't think there is any real difference in quality between them, they are both exceedingly well made. My own preference is for Omega, it is certainly better value. The co-axial escapement is a gorgeous bit of engineering and was designed to run without lubrication, but when fitted in hi beat watches it does have to be lubricated which kind of defeats the original idea of it. It's still a wonderful piece of horological history to have though!