Seems to be a nice example of an 'evil clapton' on Hodinkee. However, it looks like they failed to mention the mismatching (and incorrect) '55' endlinks. The shape looks different from one to the other and almost looks like from the front the one might have been shaved to fit. Are we missing something in our end-links guide or are these just flat out wrong/incorrect entirely and Hodinkee's slipping again... Anything else wrong with the watch that you call can spot?

http://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1...881101-02?mc_cid=3cbf67f6a9&mc_eid=9072eb9498

 

Thanks for the notice, we had indicated the 55 endlinks in the description (in the "Fine print" category), and you are correct the upper one is looser than the lower one as it can be seen on the movement shot (last picture), we made sure it is now fully reflected on pictures, you can find it flagged on the What you should know, the 4th picture on the left.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Louis

 

I don't like to criticise but feel I have to in this case as Mr. Hodinkee is clearly well below the expected standard on this particular watch !

I would expect some sort of inspection and service of a very pricey tri compax moon before it being put up for sale for what I consider the very top end of its value. I would retain the following issues to be unacceptable from such a reputable dealer and I am at odds how they could have been missed ...

1. No case gasket
2. Bits of fibre on screw fastening chrono start lever
3. Damage to screw heads (all round)

Coupled with the other issues that have been identified I would not consider this watch to be worth anywhere near what is being asked and would recommend anyone considering a purchase to conduct a thorough due diligence.



Disappointing

 

I don't have the expertise to comment on this particular watch, although the price is clearly in fairy tale land.
What I have noticed in looking for other tri compax last few months is that 75% or more listings are redials or have other major issues, which are either omitted or intentionally misrepresented.
Buyers beware seems to be the accepted practice. I wonder if it's like PEDs in sport...... "you have to do it because everyone else is"

 

Since I have met Diabolik, had his help on a few purchases and have seen some of his collection I would hang my hat on his assessment here.

 

I am just sitting here in sorry considering the fine and rare examples I have sold over the years - for a combined price lower than this one.....

 

I'm sitting here saddened that I missed the boat on these.

 

yeah - not sure what is worse. Missing the boat all together or jumping ship way too early... These plus four others over the years. I still have one, for now.

 

Hope you kept the Panda.

 

@Diabolik you are absolutely correct regarding the condition of the movement, as for the gasket it was not pictured on the movement shot as this part was on the side, with the caseback.

The watch was fully serviced prior to the listing but it seems the job performed was not optimal... The seller reached out to his watchmaker and made sure those issue would be resolved for the new owner.

Thanks for your following of the Shop

Louis

 

Thanks for that.



For your information, the later (60s) tri compax case has a channel machined for the gasket (which should have a square edge profile) that I have marked in red. It should fit snugly producing a seal against water ingress. If the gasket has stuck to the case back, it is highly likely to be the wrong one for this case and will not be positioned correctly (on channel) when case back is fitted.

Case back should screw on to gasket and seal against it ...

 

dear all

one question regarding the box, what is the original box ?
i see different models, may be you can explain ?

ps: i have this one (not for sale)

but a famous french watch deal sale one (full set with a square blue box...then i wonder which one is legit?

rgds
pierre