Crimes against watches

JwRosenthal · Jun 25, 2020

This made me sick to my stomach-someone melted down the fu#%ing case for the gold! I would have handed the guy the $100 he got in scrap value for this watch in a heartbeat.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264775833938

If you have a nice Mido case and ratty dial- please give this thing a proper home again.

Dan S · Jun 25, 2020

We're going to see a lot of this given the current price of gold.

Evitzee · Jun 25, 2020

Many owners of gold, whether jewelry or a watch, just see the value of the gold that a scrap dealer is offering. They don't care about the collector value of the watch, they just want instant cash. Back when it was illegal in the US to own gold bullion or coins (1933) many watch cases and jewelry were melted down even though they weren't prohibited under FDR's Executive Order 6102. You'll soon see ads in your area for scrap gold, the buyers travel from city to city and suck up all kinds of gold. A nice gold watch case is just $$$ to them.

From the eBay ad it appears the movement and dial is part of an estate, quite probable the original owner gave away the case for a few bucks, leaving the estate to try to sell the innards. Stuff happens.

killer67 · Jun 25, 2020

$1700/oz is tempting to people that don’t care about watches. I think record high was $1900

JwRosenthal · Jun 25, 2020

I get it- but I was physically nauseous when I saw this- I know what these watches look like. Please spread the word to anyone who has a Grand-luxe, that dial is sensational...and the box...and the papers!

killer67 · Jun 25, 2020

JwRosenthal
I get it- but I was physically nauseous when I saw this- I know what these watches look like. Please spread the word to anyone who has a Grand-luxe, that dial is sensational...and the box...and the papers!

@JwRosenthal We’re on the same team with this Mido or any good condition watch in any metal, but I understand a person that finds a gold watch at an estate sale and does the easiest thing that comes to mind. I see signs and banners everywhere “We buy gold” targeted to joe consumer

Canuck · Jun 25, 2020

I was recently asked for an opinion on a 24-jewel, Illinois Bunn Special pocket watch in a 14-karat gold hunter case, in exquisite condition. Reasonably scarce. He wanted the movement removed because the case was going for scrap. I offered him more for the watch than he was going to get for scrapping the case. He had shaken hands on the deal with the scrapper, and wouldn’t take my offer. He later phoned me and offered the movement to me for $500. I told him to put it where the sun don’t shine!

I am often asked to quote prices on the repair of karat gold watches, many of them in rough shape. Rusty, worn out, broken parts, obsolete. Mostly, my estimate is turned down. I then buy them for scrap, and fix them up for myself. I have acquired a number of nice watches that way.

wsfarrell · Jun 25, 2020

JwRosenthal
I get it- but I was physically nauseous when I saw this- I know what these watches look like. Please spread the word to anyone who has a Grand-luxe, that dial is sensational...and the box...and the papers!

The Flavor Flav robot on the box is precious.

Dan S · Jun 25, 2020

Canuck
I was recently asked for an opinion on a 24-jewel, Illinois Bunn Special pocket watch in a 14-karat gold hunter case, in exquisite condition. Reasonably scarce. He wanted the movement removed because the case was going for scrap. I offered him more for the watch than he was going to get for scrapping the case. He had shaken hands on the deal with the scrapper, and wouldn’t take my offer. He later phoned me and offered the movement to me for $500. I told him to put it where the sun don’t shine!

I am often asked to quote prices on the repair of karat gold watches, many of them in rough shape. Rusty, worn out, broken parts, obsolete. Mostly, my estimate is turned down. I then buy them for scrap, and fix them up for myself. I have acquired a number of nice watches that way.

That story about the Bunn Special is tragic, and crazy that he turned down your original offer.

Scarecrow Boat · Jun 25, 2020

wsfarrell
The Flavor Flav robot on the box is precious.

Hahahahahahahahaha oh my god I love this

Scarecrow Boat · Jun 25, 2020

JwRosenthal
I get it- but I was physically nauseous when I saw this- I know what these watches look like. Please spread the word to anyone who has a Grand-luxe, that dial is sensational...and the box...and the papers!

How long do you think it would take to bring this back to glory? I can’t imagine finding an empty case would be easy or a quick search.

Vercingetorix · Jun 25, 2020

It seems as though 98% of the solid gold cases presented on this forum are overpolished. Everybody says not for me, not at that price, lugs too thin, overpolished POS. Then somebody scraps one sight unseen and all of sudden its a crime.

Vercingetorix · Jun 25, 2020

Never saw any bitching when a ladies watch is scrapped.
Q: How much is my solid gold Omega Ladymatic worth?
A: Scrap + $20 for the movement.

JwRosenthal · Jun 25, 2020

Dan S
That story about the Bunn Special is tragic, and crazy that he turned down your original offer.

Honor among scoundrels I guess.

JwRosenthal · Jun 25, 2020

Vercingetorix
It seems as though 98% of the solid gold cases presented on this forum are overpolished. Everybody says not for me, not at that price, lugs too thin, overpolished POS. Then somebody scraps one sight unseen and all of sudden its a crime.

Fair point. But looking at the condition of the dial, and that fact that it was full kit (aside of the fix-o-flex)- makes me imagine the case was in very good shape.... but you’re right- it could have been polished to a lozenge for all we know.

X350 XJR · Jun 25, 2020

This could also be titled biggest pile of shit of the month.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OMEGA-SEAMASTER-AUTOMATIC-SWISS-MENS-WATCH-MOVEMENT-CAL-552/174321759934

gostang9 · Jun 25, 2020

Crimes against watches... and here I expected this thread to be about someone found swimming with a Speedmaster.... doh. 😲 😉

Mad Dog · Jun 25, 2020

Sometimes thought to be a crime against a watch...a dad unit wearing a modern Speedy Gonzales Moonwatch at a Metallica concert [see red boxes below]...

...but we won’t talk about other crimes [see red arrows below]...like a dad unit wearing cargo shorts at a Metallica concert...