Would appreciate input on this SM from the experts here.
It has been pointed out by a friend that the bezel is way off, and oddly enough it looks as aged as the watch. But yeah that font is nothing like anything I have googled.
The movement number seems correct at
1936xxxx for 1962 as too the caliber 552.
The caseback a little concerning with its corrosion, waterproofness may be compromised.


I would appreciate feedback on the dial, hands and case. Have been advised the watch runs well and crown winds smoothly.
If all else is fine, what value does one place on this less bezel and obvious lack of a 7912 bracelet?

Not too much sales history in 2018 for this reference.

Would appreciate your time and feedback
@kox

 

Is it corrosion or gunk??
Aldo bezel £1500 ish and bracelet £2500-3500.
5-6k as is I’d say.

 

Hi

Don't talk to me about Case corrosion on these....and your example does appear to have a number of nibbles between the lugs. I too would be concerned ( infact it would be a deal breaker for me )....plus it needs a Service ( rotor wear ) and I can't quite make out the crown ?

If you ask Aldo to do the bezel ( and I would highly recommend his work ) then be prepared to wait 12 - 18x months.

Hope it was reasonably ' cheap ' & most of all , enjoy wearing it !

Best - Neil

 

It's been a year or 6 since I last used Aldo's bezel service, is it now really a 12-18 month wait? I really wonder why it takes such an unreasonable length of time...

I know when I was waiting for one of mine to come back he mentioned to me that he was waiting for more bezels to arrive so he could work on them as a batch. I'd have thought in the intervening years there would be more demand for his work leading to a faster turnaround due to the speedier fulfilling of a batch to work on....apparently not

 

Hiya Chris

Easy....Aldo likes his very long holidays...perhaps we should all learn to relax a bit more

Best - Neil

 

Thank you Castle

 

Thank you Neil

 

I think it's just gunk and old grease from the seal - Will need a service for sure.

 

Any thoughts on current pricing range for these. Some indications I have heard lately are starting at USD8 ??

 

Yes I would be most grateful if more could throw in their 2c.
The seller isn't budging on price, the watch has obvious issues but nothing that can not be rectified

 

Hi Mr W

Macro shots of the rear outer case seal between the lugs please !

Dial & handset look ok.

Best - Neil

 

These are all I have Neil.
Thanks
George

 

Hi George

I'm not convinced -

Magnified copies for discussion:

 

Ok, let me reach out to him again.
Thanks

 

@blubarb @flame
So John and Neil some fresh photos from the seller.
Hadn'y seen the case in between the lugs before but some obvious pitting.
The case seal looks to be corrosion free

 

Interesting but corrosion is often overlooked and certainly not reflected in the pricing of some examples I see for sale. Once it starts........

 

Hi George

Thanks for posting the additional images...I think this one and in particular the top left lug underside just goes to show how much human gunk has been allowed to build up and attack the SS previously.

The rear outer case seal actually looks acceptable , although the first few nibbles are there....however , I'm not expecting you to need WR

So , how much is it ? I suspect $6k - $8k and you would want to be at the lower end IMHO:



Best - Neil

 

The case would not be a deal breaker for me. The dial and hands look strong. I like it.
If you pass on it let me know.

 

Hi Neil,
the buyer won't move from €7000 so we are more or less at the higher range. I mostly likely have the next 24 hrs to make my mind up.
He has this bezel for an additional €250, says it's from Italy but surely its not be an Aldo?
Do you consider this bezel an improvement, perhaps as a package at €7k it may be worth it?
Really appreciate your help @flame
Thanks again

 

Hi George

I really like the alternative bezel - looks like Aldo's handy work to me....and it would be a significant improvement to the overall appearance of the Watch & also save you a long wait too !

Good luck with your negotiations

Best - Neil