Good evening,
I'm in contact with a guy who lives very close to me and he has a Bumper to sell, it's a genuine sale, no EBay, I can touch the watch. It's a 1953 bumper gold filled F 6231 for the US market (I live in Italy), caliber 344 and it works fine. I like it.
What do you think? Is it legit? Is the watch coherent? He says the dial is original.
What's your advise? I have zero experience in these watches, but I want to learn and start.
Please let me know, and also what could be a fair price.
Thank you very much, as always.

 

Caliber 344

 

Hi

Unfortunately, it really has nothing going for it, in my opinion. The dial is very poor, the case is very poor as well, just look at the area above the crown on your last photo. There is nasty scoring on the inside of the caseback so, the rotor bearings are likely worn and the movement looks like it's been treated badly, look at your second photo and the scratches around some of the screws.

I don't know what your budget is but, these bumpers can really eat the money at a service as a lot of parts are not available or are very expensive. Getting a good 50s watch is not easy either as they are just so old. If you're on a limited budget, as most of us are, I'd look at a solid manual wind 60s Omega. For example something in a calibre 600 to 602. I just looked and don't see anything for sale here but, they are around. This 265 manual sold at a fair price and if you compare it to the one above, it looks a much better buy.

Good luck, Chris

 

Thank you very much, Chris! Your explanation showed me a lot of things completely new to me. Nevertheless, do you think that the watch is legit? I think that while pretty poor it looks original. I think I can have it with 300 EUR, what about this price?

 

To expensive at 300 EUR, could easily spend that for just a service and parts which are likely needed.

Wait for a better example, this one simply has too many issues.

 

Thank you very much, man, I'll follow your advise.