Hello everyone, I am relatively new to watch collecting and am hoping for a little bit of help from the community ahead of purchasing my first vintage watch. I have found a Cortébert Grand Prix advertised to me as authentic and original (never polished or refurbished). I don’t have the eye for this yet, so am hoping for any help or indications from the pictures attached on if this appears to be the case. I don’t have pictures of the movement so I understand that authenticity may be difficult to judge based solely on the case and dial. I really appreciate any help and can hopefully give back soon! Best, Mitch
Looks like a nice NOS example Had to look them up https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cortébert_(watch_manufacturer) Price might help us see if it’s a good deal. Search of the brand on this forum gives a few hits you may want to read https://omegaforums.net/search/10544944/?q=Cortebert&o=date
The watch is in beautiful condition but I don't think it should command that price. Unless you have some sentimental attachment, walk away. It is a simple gold filled watch. For the money, keep on looking. You can find more desirable watches for less. This is a $300 watch.
Or four (4) mint ones for $1116 https://omegaforums.net/threads/min...t-dress-watch-cal-unitas-6325-serviced.60800/
Thanks everyone, very appreciative of all of the feedback you’re sharing with me. Is there a way to easily distinguish if this is gold filled or gold plated? From my research, Cortébert made many watches in both and there don’t appear to be any markings on this one saying which it is.
Most gold watches have a gold caseback. The metal caseback is a sign 94.7% of the time. Even if it was gold it’s still way overpriced
If it was solid gold, there would be Swiss hallmarks on the lugs/midcase, caseback and buckle. If it was gold plate/filled, there could be indications on the inside of the caseback. This caseback is marked as Stainless Steel, which is usual for plated cases.
Crazy price for a gold-plated piece from a lesser brand. A solid gold IWC cal 89 with ribbon lugs sold on eBay recently for less than $1800.