Andrew C
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Sometimes eBay absolutely sucks - you find a bargain, and it's either a scam, a fake, or just not not in the condition as advertised.
Then sometimes (rarely it seems these days) it just comes through and reminds you of why you waste so many hours on there.
I had one of those such moments today. Casually browsing last week, I found the attached watch listed for about $1,000. In the description I found the seller had purchased it from Antiquorum about three years ago.
Sure enough, it was there on the Antiquorum website, and had sold for 3,000 euros including commission. 3,000 euros sale price, vs. $1,000 asking price. Seemed very weird to me, maybe a little too fishy.
But, and I'll come onto this later, it's by an incredibly obscure maker - so it didn't have the feeling of a scam. Coupled with the fact it was being sold by an account with 500 feedback and a 12 year history - something felt right.
Except, I was feeling a little cheeky. I know - let's lob out a $500 offer on this one. If I get it, it will be a fun research project. Offer was straight up accepted.
In person, this watch is absolutely magnificent. The lugs are insane - you could cut someone with them. I'm very confident this one has barely seen a polish over the years. It's keeping excellent time, and the chrono works perfectly.
Now to the mystery! Who in the heck is the manufacturer. I've been searching for the last week, and literally can find only a couple of other watches by DuPont out there.
Obviously S.T. Dupont is a very reknowned luxury goods manufacturer, but from what I can tell, a watch by them would be signed S.T. Dupont and not just DuPont.
I have yet to have the case back removed yet (it's still got the Antiquorum sticker on), but the details below were provided on the Antiquorum website.
Brand Dupont
Reference 2718
Year Circa 1950
Calibre 13’’’ 1/2
Dimensions 38 mm
Signature Dial, Case and Movement.
https://catalog.antiquorum.swiss/en/lots/dupont-ref-2718-lot-321-632?browse_all=1&page=1&q=dupont
Any ideas???
