Ebay wristwatch translations

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redpcar

·May 23, 2021

Years of surfing ebay, several translations ring true:

"No box or papers." Translation: Fake watch
"Unisex." Translation: 30mm diameter watch
"Untested." Translation: tested and doesn't work
"Military style." Translation: not military and 30mm case

 

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timoss

·May 23, 2021

“Pictures are an important part of the desperation.” Translation: see if you can spot the fake/incorrect bits.

 

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timoss

·May 23, 2021

“Rare” Translation: Old.

 

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timoss

·May 23, 2021

“From my personal collection” Translation: “Trust me, this really is rare NOS authentic bargain you are getting.”

 

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JwRosenthal

·May 23, 2021

Lovely patina = waterlogged

 

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JwRosenthal

·May 23, 2021

Appears unpolished= have never seen one that is actually unpolished

Should clean up beautifully = I tried to fix it and it was a disaster, buy my failed project please

Fresh from an estate = found it at Goodwill

I don’t know much about watches = I know how to take the back off and have a case holder- but this is a piece of shit

no returns accepted = I know how eBay works but hope you don’t

Recently serviced = I know a guy

inspected, adjusted and keeping excellent time = see above, don’t look at the regulator pushed all the way to one side

Solid gold case = note no picture showing gold content

original dial, professionally restored = redial, but maybe you are too dumb to know what that is

 

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ghce

·May 23, 2021

Hey guys, I am taking notes for my next eBay listings 😜

Edited: May 23, 2021

 

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wsfarrell

·May 23, 2021

redpcar

"Unisex." Translation: 30mm diameter watch
"Military style." Translation: not military and 30mm case

"Midsize." Translation: 30mm case

 

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wsfarrell

·May 23, 2021

"Unpolished." Translation: polished

 

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ghce

·May 23, 2021

"Ticks but needs a service" = broken balance wheel.
"untouched watch and movement" = badly cleaned dial, polished case and missing parts in the movement (normally the broken balance wheel)
"Original condition" = bent lugs, scratched/ hammered case back, broken balance wheel.

Edited: May 24, 2021

 

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Professor

·May 24, 2021

Service history unknown.

 

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Spruce

·May 24, 2021·Sunburst dial fan

redpcar

Years of surfing ebay, several translations ring true:

"No box or papers." Translation: Fake watch

😎😎😎 But, to be fair, apart from a fifty year old gold plated Rotary watch with a box, a receipt and a Christmas sentiment engraved on the back (and they’re all there 'cos the recipient didn’t like wearing it but didn’t want to offend his wife/girlfriend and stuck the whole caboodle in a drawer “for best”) I’ve yet to come across any 60 year old watch with a 'box or papers' on eBay.

 

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cineaste

·May 24, 2021

Jumbo size: maximum 34mm

a similar example was sold for 3x on Hodinkee: I am also looking for suckers without having to pay the Hodinkee premium

you are getting a bargain, please check chrono24: slight variation of my previous example for the non hipster crowd

Edited: May 24, 2021

 

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cineaste

·May 24, 2021

Spruce

😎😎😎 But, to be fair, apart from a fifty year old gold plated Rotary watch with a box, a receipt and a Christmas sentiment engraved on the back (and they’re all there 'cos the recipient didn’t like wearing it but didn’t want to offend his wife/girlfriend and stuck the whole caboodle in a drawer “for best”) I’ve yet to come across any 60 year old watch with a 'box or papers' on eBay.

I recently bought an Eternamatic from 1962 or earlier with original buckle and box and it even includes a French instruction manual. So, yeah it does not include a receipt, but you can still find the occasional gem on Ebay.

 

M

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mountainunder

·May 24, 2021

"Please look at the pictures and judge for yourself.” Translation:
I do not want to write the truth in the product description.

 

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omegastar

·May 24, 2021

What you see is what you get = There is something wrong you can't see.
Keeping excellent time = Keeping time.
18k gold bezel = 14k gold on steel.
Rare case design = Unsigned custom case.
Runs strong = Keeps time for the moment.
Stunning dial = Refinished dial.
Rare gold plated Omega = You know nothing about watches and you are going to pay for it.

 

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timoss

·May 24, 2021

"Rare Prototype" = Franken

 

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micampe

·May 24, 2021

I’ve always assumed “military style” meant “has arabic numbers”

 

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JwRosenthal

·May 24, 2021

micampe

I’ve always assumed “military style” meant “has arabic numbers”

Generally yes- lumed numerals and a second track (if center second), and typically black dial- although many were indeed white. The term though is heavily overused and misrepresents standard civilian watches made in the post war era having shared the style of military pieces which was popular at the time. I’ve seen 50’s gold dress watches with black dials and Arabic numerals described as “military”. It’s all about trying to keyword farm (I know there is a term for that).

 

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TimeODanaos

·May 24, 2021

cineaste

I recently bought an Eternamatic from 1962 or earlier with original buckle and box and it even includes a French instruction manual. So, yeah it does not include a receipt, but you can still find the occasional gem on Ebay.

Photo please! 😜