Diamond in the rough?

[drpaul]

Some bidding action going on in eBay for this one.
A very desirable SS piepan constellation, no date.
Seller seems to be a pawn shop or antique dealer.
He says she is not running and has not opened her up either.
The case looks pretty sharp though quite dirty with gunk in all crevices.
Dial looks original and very few slight blemishes that may be even on the crystal.
Ha the decagonal crown too.
Looks like a pretty tempting gamble. But on the flip side, the top bid has already reached $700 from a very reasonable seller base price of $200. A bit too much for a gamble and after factoring in the service cost is it worth it?
What do you guys think?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/354750038055?hash=item5298c00027:g:b~sAAOSwL0JkS~Sx

 

[MtV]

Ask for daylight pictures of the dial in a few angles to find out the condition - there might be some scratches / bubbling. But this won’t stay at 750$, it might well clean up to be worth more than twice that. Yes, it’ll need a service and who knows how the movement looks like, but even a full spare 551 is easily available.

 

[connieseamaster]

This is going to hit $1k before the bidding is done, IMO.

 

[theluckyluke]

It’s crazy how watches can get that dirty, while the dial stays pretty immaculate

 

[gatorcpa]

It is obvious that English is not the first language of the seller from the conflicting information in the description.

the watch is good , not broken ! but it does not work!

I take this to mean it is running, but not keeping time. Note that there is a difference in the position of the seconds hand between the first and second pictures with the dial showing. It had to get there, but how?

Probably in desperate need of service of some kind. What parts would needed? Well, that’s where the gambler has to take over.
gatorcpa

 

[DON]

It’s that rare wrist cheese that brings in the money😀

 

[drpaul]

It's gone over 800$ and mostly will go abov 1k as the good folks here predicted. I have stopped bidding as it will be too much of a gamble for me. I am yet to find a good watch maker for reliable service. Even routine oiling for the simple hand wound Indian/ Chinese movement do not go smoothly sometimes. And I can't even change the strap on my own.
But I guess it can be a reasonable project watch for someone who has the resources to set her straight. Hope some one here picks her up and show us the transformation. That would be awesome to see.

 

[drpaul]

Went for $990/-

 

[OllieOnTheRocks]

I was very tempted to bid, and watched to the end had i bid, I would have bid to win... just can't justify spending anymore money at the moment. I think the winner will do well with this one 😀

 

[jjen]

I find it’s pretty hard to wind with a worn decagonal crown but doesn’t look as good with a replacement. Anyone have luck finding NOS decagonal crowns?

 

[MtV]

jjen

I find it’s pretty hard to wind with a worn decagonal crown but doesn’t look as good with a replacement. Anyone have luck finding NOS decagonal crowns?

Very regularly on eBay.

 

[Eric J]

I just won the bidding on a 2852 at $1000 with similar wear, watch is looking all original including crystal but the dial had more wear than anticipated

 

[drpaul]

Eric J

I just won the bidding on a 2852 at $1000 with similar wear, watch is looking all original including crystal but the dial had more wear than anticipated

Congratulations on your purchase.Do share pictures. Before and after pics

 

[Eric J]

drpaul

Congratulations on your purchase.Do share pictures. Before and after pics

Here is the ebay listing photo and the movement before photos. Got it running nice, should be back in the case shortly

Edited: May 10, 2023

 

[drpaul]

Dial is a bit too far gone? Planning any restoration attempts? Replacement might be the best way forward right.

 

[Eric J]

drpaul

Dial is a bit too far gone? Planning any restoration attempts? Replacement might be the best way forward right.

Not bad when it isn't under the scope, the text hasn't been touched and the shine on the pie pan is excellent.

 

[drpaul]

Eric J

Not bad when it isn't under the scope, the text hasn't been touched and the shine on the pie pan is excellent.

Yeah. Looks good on the wrist. Thank you for the pics. Happy wearing

 

[theluckyluke]

Eric J

Here is the ebay listing photo and the movement before photos. Got it running nice, should be back in the case shortly

One can see some small damage on the dial but it’s true that it’s not that evident to distinguish from wear on the crystal on that photo. Nice pick nonetheless!