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99% luck, 1% Skill - Am I now a Jedi Master?

tyrantlizardrex
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Talking to a few people over the last month or so, and it seems that getting hold of cool/interesting/rare watches is nearly all luck, with a little tiny bit of skill on top.

Last week a couple of Omega Seamaster 145.024 "Jedi" went up for sale in the UK, one at auction, the other on eBay.

I was sitting chatting with @neilfrancis about the one on eBay, the pictures were bad, the price was maybe a bit high... we both decided it wasn't worth a punt... we drank a cocktail... we talked watches (Episode 4 of The Time 4A Pint Podcast coming Friday 14th April).

Then at some point on Saturday I ended up buying it.

I'm trying not to buy watches, but you all know how that one goes.

You get talking to someone, something gets offered, you agree a price, they then mention that they have the inner, and outer boxes and the instruction book - and before you know it, you've bought another watch.

It's arrived this morning, and I am pleased to confirm that once again, 99% luck, 1% skill.

Wow.

IMG_9768.JPG IMG_1545.JPG IMG_9181.JPG IMG_6576.JPG IMG_7465.JPG
 
JimInOz
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Looks a bit like the Teutonic series, any connection?
 
shaun hk
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Nice, lovely case, box and papers a great bonus. I like the way the running seconds hand is the same colour as the hour/minute hands while the chrono hands are a contrasting colour on these.
And I disagree that it is was 99% luck and 1% skill, that was an astute purchase.
Edited:
 
MaiLollo
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Congrats, to me the luck factor is a bit lesser but you definetely need it 😀
 
Just Livin
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Box and papers are always a great touch. Especially when offered up after everything has been agreed😀
Nice touch 👍
 
cristos71
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Nice watch, but I disagree regarding your hypothesis. I believe I get out what I put in, maybe not so much with the more common references that everybody knows, these are so well documented with virtually standard pricing these days than anybody can buy or sell one within an acceptable price range.

But certainly with other less commonly seen references, be they from Omega or other manufacturers, this is where depth of knowledge comes way more into play than luck, especially so when the decision has to be made there and then on the hoof without using Google as a pocket help aid.

Most of my best watches I have bought like this, and most of the ones that got away were due to lack of knowledge and not bad luck
 
tyrantlizardrex
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cristos71 cristos71
Nice watch, but I disagree regarding your hypothesis. I believe I get out what I put in, maybe not so much with the more common references that everybody knows, these are so well documented with virtually standard pricing these days than anybody can buy or sell one within an acceptable price range.

But certainly with other less commonly seen references, be they from Omega or other manufacturers, this is where depth of knowledge comes way more into play than luck, especially so when the decision has to be made there and then on the hoof without using Google as a pocket help aid.

Most of my best watches I have bought like this, and most of the ones that got away were due to lack of knowledge and not bad luck

I think you're right Chris - I was trying extra hard to not come across as smug... I went too far into self deprecating and being extra British I think! 😁

It is amazing to me, how much of the knowledge that is acquired over the years, whilst seemingly of little, every day use, can suddenly prove useful at just the right time.
 
tyrantlizardrex
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JimInOz JimInOz
Looks a bit like the Teutonic series, any connection?

It's early 1970s Jim, and I've seen it listed as part of the "pilot line" in the past... but I know what you mean.

Case size wise, it's smaller than the flightmaster, and much smaller than the Speedmaster MkIII.

Will pop up a couple of comparison shots to try and show where it fits in the size/model range.
 
watchknut
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@cristos71 pretty much summed up how knowledge plays a role.

I'll say that it is 99% luck to find, 99% knowledge to make the decision to buy, 99% gut instinct, and 99% brass balls to buy on the spot...

I was never good at math, but those numbers make sense to me.

I have been lucky as hell to be at the right place, at the right time for all of my collection. If I hadn't of been surfing ebay at that moment, almost of my collection would be in the hands of others...so yes, luck definitely plays a role.

Great thread
 
STANDY
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Dial came in three cases ( I think as I have seen it in the larger speedmaster case also )

Jedi case as above

Chrono case ( my watch )
image.jpeg
 
MSNWatch
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Skill is needed to realize you got lucky!
 
khanmu
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tyrantlizardrex tyrantlizardrex
Talking to a few people over the last month or so, and it seems that getting hold of cool/interesting/rare watches is nearly all luck, with a little tiny bit of skill on top.

Last week a couple of Omega Seamaster 145.024 "Jedi" went up for sale in the UK, one at auction, the other on eBay.

I was sitting chatting with @neilfrancis about the one on eBay, the pictures were bad, the price was maybe a bit high... we both decided it wasn't worth a punt... we drank a cocktail... we talked watches (Episode 4 of The Time 4A Pint Podcast coming Friday 14th April).

Then at some point on Saturday I ended up buying it.

I'm trying not to buy watches, but you all know how that one goes.

You get talking to someone, something gets offered, you agree a price, they then mention that they have the inner, and outer boxes and the instruction book - and before you know it, you've bought another watch.

It's arrived this morning, and I am pleased to confirm that once again, 99% luck, 1% skill.

Wow.

IMG_9768.JPG IMG_1545.JPG IMG_9181.JPG IMG_6576.JPG IMG_7465.JPG

That's great - but I'm somewhat miffed, I was watching it and thinking about putting in an offer and you beat me to it - it's still in my watch (ended) list! Still I'm pleased someone on here got it tho!
 
Syrte
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Very nice - congrats 👍
I suppose you discount the level of work involved because when you're passionate it doesn't feel like work....
May I ask why it's called "Jedi"? I like the orange hands!

PS -doesn't the dial look like it's turning slightlly brown, or gray? That's a nice touch.
 
Larry S
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No such thing as luck Chris. You've gotten to the point where you know when you see something worth pursuing. Even though this felt impulsive it was a well targeted buy.
 
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