So I stumbled on this watch a few days ago and it just came in the mail. Hope to get some better glamour shots of the dial but for now just figured I'd share a little unboxing for you with all the goodies that came with it. I'm not a big box+papers guy so not sure how rare or what to make of it but it's kinda cool and in pretty nice shape for being 60 years old. Figured it'd be interesting for the folks here.

 

Insane! Congrats

 

Full kit! Wait....where is the spring bar tool?

 

Congrats dude, looks pretty sick. Is that second hand tad too long?

 

I don’t think so. Look at the 11th photo and compare it. I think it’s the angle of that shot. It’s a superb piece.

 

Nice set Ben!

 

Very nice set. Congrats! Would look great with a dark brown croc strap!

 

Nice set! I am surprised to see that type of Constellation Box though. From my observations, it is an earlier type used on four-digit references. This is no less than the fourth type of box I've seen with a 14xxx Constellation!

EDIT: Now I think of it... It's a bit odd that it includes the "Officially Certified" on the box that was omitted from the dials

 

You need to go buy a lottery ticket while you are on a winning streak.



Steve.

 

These pictures make me want to respond to that "what's next on your target list" thread!

 

Nice addition Ben! I need to go watch hunting with you!

 

Simply based on anecdotal observation, "better" vintage watches come with box and papers far more often than the mid range or tool watch. If you think about it for all of 15 seconds, that makes total sense. Joe Bloggs has himself a couple or more watches .. his everyday watch; perhaps he has one for those special business meetings; then, he has that watch he's really proud of. The one he wears to dinner on his anniversary. Perhaps he wears it while he carves the turkey at Christmas or Thanksgiving. The rest of the time, it lives in the box it came in. Hell, even the box is something to be proud of, so let's keep that in the cardboard outer. Obviously, best keep the sales receipt and guarantee with it - just in case anything ever goes wrong - because this watch is a real investment that he would hate to have to spend again.

I'm not saying that a 60 year old complete set is common. Just that they're significantly easier to find than a full set for a 60 year old toolwatch or even Seamaster/Datejust. Strangely, I've seen many full sets for things like Gruens and Bulovas. Although Gruens were often compared to Rolex for quality (and I'd agree with that to some extent). Also, when new, certain Bulovas were a significant investment in technology. Now, if you ever find a Hamilton Ventura full set ... let me know. Particularly if the damn thing is actually working!

 

Very spiffy.

 

It's a full kit but it didn't come with the kaboodle!

Why was officially certified taken off the dial? I wonder if that would explain it. Because if it was just a space thing for the dial then I believe they'd keep it on the box. I thought that the fact that it spelled it "chronometer" was a good tell.

Given the matching chronometer certificate and the fact that I got it from a pawn shop I'd be surprised if it was "put together" in that way.

 

Absolutely fantastic. I'm jealous!

 

I'd say that the box is possibly wrong for the reference, but very likely to be correct for the watch

It could be a transitional thing, but it could just as well be a mix-up at the store it was originally bought at. I don't suspect it has been put together either.

 

Congrats on a beautiful watch!

 

Okay better dial photos.

A sunny radium shot. Crystal appears to have superficial scratches or crazing - I haven't tried polishing the crystal.


And a nicer balanced photo in outdoor lighting.

 

Lovely full set. Congrats!

 

Top Notch example