As an aside. I was in touch with Desmond about this watch before increasing my bids, and he was very helpful and courteous.

 

Many collectors will tell you that if you want a nice watch, you will often have to pay market value for it ... if not a bit more.

 

I understand what you are saying, but I am more comfortable buying a watch needing repair with a comfortable margin below market value not having dealt with the seller before and not having an opportunity to inspect the movement under a loop. All it takes is a fractured jewel or a problematic balance to turn a hopeful purchase into heartbreaking disappointment. One had to ask what caused the hour marker rivet to let loose.

Had it come from a trusted source (meaning past positive buying experiences or reliable references) I would be more willing to entertain market value.

 

No need to explain ... everyone pays what he is comfortable with. I'm just teasing you a little because you originally said you were going all in, and then in the end you said you wouldn't go to full value.

 

I'm looking forward to getting my 200 posts in so that I can do a little shopping on the private sale section of the forum. Much safer environment.

 

You can buy at any time. Just send a PM. The 200 post rule only limits when you can post to the sales forum.

 

You don’t need 200 posts to buy...

 

Thank you. I thought the warning indicating I didn’t have privileges to post in the private sales sub forum meant I couldn’t buy.

 

It's a common misconception.

 

Well, well, well. I was given a second chance on this watch, because seller indicates he can't ship to the country of the winning bidder. I'm suspicious that perhaps the high bid was a shill to ferret out my maximum bid, or am I being too cynical?

I responded with a lower offer and we'll see what happens.