Omega Constellation Watch

We’ve been so lucky to see some fantastic pre-owned watches recently – from old gems to real treasures.

The latest we’ve had in is this original Pie Pan Omega Constellation watch, which dates all the way back to 1962. ‘Pie pan’ refers to the unique shape of the dial – if you look closely, you can see it drops away at the edges. The dial on this watch was immaculate, such a rare find.

The watch came to us as only the watch head, and we’ve had a great time restoring it. It has the legendary Omega 560 chronometer movement, which is arguably the best ‘non complication’ movement of its time.

Often these watches have lugs (where the strap fits) that have been over polished, causing damage, but this wasn’t the case here. The ‘dog leg’ lugs on this watch are so stylish and really set off the watch – showing great attention to detail from Omega.

After stripping and servicing the movement, we found the watch was probably designed with a BOR (bead of rice) stainless steel bracelet. After hours of searching and using our industry contacts, we found the perfect one – you can see it in the photo with all its magnificent detail.

 

When this watch was made it was certainly the watch to get. And there’s no doubt it’s stood the test of time. An Omega watch like this can fetch around £700 in poor condition. One in great condition like this one could sell for £1,700 or more.

Now the only question is, can we bring ourselves to offer this superb watch for sale?!!

Restoring a Masterpiece

We love it when we get asked to do a restoration.

We get to see pieces from different eras, in many interesting styles.

 

A gentleman recently brought in a beloved Omega watch he has owned for many years.

It’s clearly been very loved and worn with pride. He asked if we could restore the dial to its former glory, and we jumped at the chance to have a look.

 

First, we opened the case to get a closer look at the dial and the condition it was in. On inspection we found we could save it, so we got to work.

The restoration included overhauling the movement and fitting a new crown. In the end it worked like a new Swiss watch!

Our customer was over the moon, and he can now wear his cherished watch with pride.

We could also have restored the case, but the customer chose to keep it in its current condition on this occasion.

We loved having the chance to resurrect an old time piece to its former glory.

 

What does watch restoration involve?

Watch restoration can be a very time consuming process, and must be done extremely carefully. With the movement, every screw is removed and all plates supporting the inner workings are removed. This includes cams, wheels, cogs, rotors, jewels, bridges, posts, springs, clips and so on.

In some watches this can add up to hundreds of parts!

Each part is then meticulously cleaned, oiled and assembled. We then test the watch for positional errors – this is to ensure the watch remains accurate through various positions during everyday use.

The dial is also a very specialist job. Dials show wear with age and also when exposed to light, rust water, etc. Where the enamel of a dial has been damaged, the only way to refurbish this is to recover the whole dial, but first the dial has to be completely stripped. Any base metal that is damaged must be filled and polished, leaving a smooth surface to apply the new enamel.

A colour match is worked out, and all time indicators cleaned and refitted.

 

Do you have any treasures that could be restored back to their original beauty? We’d love to take a look.

Restoring jewellery gives it a new lease of life, and can often make it last for many more years to come.

Bring your watches or jewellery into store and we’ll take a look and tell you what we can do to get them ready to show off.

Pop into our store at 50 High Street, Redcar TS10 3DR

Why is Moissanite Being Used for Engagement Rings?

Ever heard of moissanite?

Discovered by the French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893, Moissanite is so realistic looking that many experts find it difficult to tell apart from diamond. Better still, it costs much less than diamond.

Moissanite very rarely occurs naturally, but it can be grown synthetically in a lab. Because of this, it can be made with few to no imperfections, giving a flawless sparkling finish.

Diamonds have naturally occurring inclusions which many see as unique beauty, yet some see as imperfections.

More and more people are choosing moissanite for engagement rings for many reasons:

• The stone costs approx. a tenth of a diamond of the same size.
• They look so similar to diamonds even experts have trouble telling them apart.
• Every diamond cut is also available in moissanite.
• Moissanite is a very hard stone and is far more resistant to scuffs and scratches than any other diamond simulant.

Moissanite has a very good colour, and is clear to look at. Some say it sparkles more than a diamond. A thermal probe is often used to tell if a diamond is real, but moissanite is so similar even this tool can’t tell the difference!

Despite all the benefits of moissanite, many people prefer the ‘real thing’ and will always choose genuine diamond. Others say that if it looks like a diamond, sparkles like a diamond and lasts forever, it’s equally as beautiful.

 

Is there a noticeable difference?

Not to many people, but a gemmologist can often tell. Diamonds and moissanite are both cut the same way. But when looking through the crown or upper section of moissanite with an eye glass, a gemmologist may be able to see two facet edges instead of a clear single facet edge. This is because unlike a diamond, moissanite is doubly refractive, so light coming from the facet edge through the stone is split into two. Also, the rim around the stone of moissanite often looks totally different to a diamond.

Thanks to its high quality diamond look and low price tag, moissanite is quickly gaining in popularity. Would you consider wearing a moissanite ring?

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We can source any diamond or moissanite ring, and you can even create your own. Speak to us to find out more.

Call us on 01642 485326 or pop into store at 50 High Street, Redcar TS10 3DR

Seksy Rocks… Now Back in Stock!

We have big news here at Hallmark… we now have Seksy watches back in stock!

These gorgeous watches are so popular they were a complete sell out at Christmas. Many of you have been trying to get your hands on one ever since, and now we have a range in store here in Redcar.

The Seksy Rocks model features the use of crystal fine rocks and crystal fabric, creating beautiful timepieces with a unique and fashionable edge.

The stunning rocks glisten and shimmer in any light, creating the perfect accessory to any outfit. The range includes rose gold and silver cases, with a range of shapes and sparkling straps.

 

If you’re looking for something you can’t take your eyes off, the Seksy range has it all!

You can view the Seksy range along with our 40+ other brands in store today. We’re open Monday – Saturday 9am to 5:30pm.

 

Design your own unique engagement ring with Hallmark the Jewellers

Did you know you can design your own engagement ring?

Every princess deserves her very own ring, and what could be more perfect than an engagement ring that is 100% unique to her?

Whatever ring you dream of, we make it come true!

 

Your one of a kind ring will become part of your wonderful engagement story and add special meaning to this unforgettable time.

Many of our customers treasure their ring so much it becomes a family heirloom, cherished by children and grandchildren to come.

 

How does it work?

It’s very easy to design your own ring, we just need your imagination:

Step 1:
Have fun deciding how you want your ring to look. We have lots of ideas to share or you can bring your own.

Step 2:
Choose your diamond or gemstones. We have a selection in store and we can source any shape and colour you desire.

Step 3:
Choose your setting – the finishing touch to really set off your ring.

Step 4:
Leave us to work our magic and we’ll make your dream ring come true!

 

Top tip: You can use gems from existing jewellery to create your ring. Many people take gemstones from a family heirloom to give their ring extra meaning.

 

What does it cost to design your own ring?

We’ve all heard of the tradition of spending 3 months’ salary on an engagement ring. The truth is that what you spend is as unique as your ring – we work to your budget. We do recommend a minimum spend of £1,000 to create something special.

 

We’re always happy to offer advice on your design. Speak to your local qualified gemmologists right here in Redcar.

Ready to make your fairy tale dream come true? Speak to us and let us work our magic. Call 01642 485326 or come into store Monday – Saturday.

Did you know we can create any kind of jewellery – earrings, necklaces, whatever you want to make your own!