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El Primero Rainbow Flyback from Yahoo! Japan. How'd I do?

bradurani
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Hi all, this is my first post on the Zenith forum. I just bought my first El Primero from Yahoo! Japan (via buyee.com). Here's the listing: https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/...ogroup&photo=2

Seller photos:

i-img240x320-1581997869d7rsnc468785.jpg i-img240x320-1581997844v1wcct475312.jpg i-img240x320-15819978601p3nkk233074.jpg
I'm not a Zenith expert (my expertise is vintage Seiko). How did I do? Any red flags? *crosses fingers*. I'll follow up when I receive it (which could be months from now with all the shipping disruptions). Thanks for your input!
 
krogerfoot
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What did you hear about shipping? I’m in Tokyo and had to give up sending a watch to the States for service a couple of weeks ago. I’ll check Japan Post again but yes, you may be waiting for some time.
 
amcclell
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Hi, This model is an excellent watch but it is hard to tell the condition from the quality of the photos. I have a standard bow EP that came from Japan and is in immaculate condition. 298,000 yen would be the going rate for one that is in good condition. The lume pip at 60 on the bezel appears to be missing on yours, and the photo only shows 2 spare large links for the bracelet. There should be 4 small, connecting links along with pins and screws to go with these if you need to make the bracelet larger. I guess you'll find out when it finally arrives.
 
Meme-Dweller
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krogerfoot krogerfoot
What did you hear about shipping? I’m in Tokyo and had to give up sending a watch to the States for service a couple of weeks ago. I’ll check Japan Post again but yes, you may be waiting for some time.
I think they stopped EMS for the US which sucks. You're pretty much stuck with Surface Mail which could take up to 60 days.
 
wsfarrell
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Meme-Dweller Meme-Dweller
I think they stopped EMS for the US which sucks. You're pretty much stuck with Surface Mail which could take up to 60 days.
I just bought a camera from Japan. I asked the seller specifically if he could ship EMS. He said "We cannot use EMS right now because it is suspended by Japan Post. We currently use FedEx instead." Camera was ordered 5/26 and is arriving tomorrow, 6/9. Not too bad.
 
impalla62ss
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I just had bought a watch from Japan and DHL will have it here by the 16th. Hoping that is the case.
 
amcclell
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I am in Canada and have purchased a few items from outside the country with DHL shipping and they are lightening fast. One watch was purchased from Poland onSunday, shipped Monday, and delivered on Friday at my door. A couple of straps were shipped from the UK and arrived in 5 days. FedEx used to be my favourite but DHL is reasonable and quick.
 
timoss
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I had a watch part shipped from UK to US via DHL that took just a day or two.
 
bradurani
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Buyee had the regular shipping option greyed out, but is still offering DHL, or economy overseas. I went with DHL for about $50.
 
bradurani
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It finally came. I had to pay a customs bill of $64 (hint: attribute most of the value to the movement), then there was a long delay because DHL didn't acknowledge that I had made the payment, but it's finally here, and it's a peach! It came with the box, surprisingly, which was not advertised, and the spare links are complete. I'm elated!
IMG_20200625_171438~2.jpg IMG_20200625_171403.jpg IMG_20200625_171339.jpg IMG_20200625_171319.jpg
 
amcclell
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bradurani bradurani
It finally came. I had to pay a customs bill of $64 (hint: attribute most of the value to the movement), then there was a long delay because DHL didn't acknowledge that I had made the payment, but it's finally here, and it's a peach! It came with the box, surprisingly, which was not advertised, and the spare links are complete. I'm elated!
IMG_20200625_171438~2.jpg IMG_20200625_171403.jpg IMG_20200625_171339.jpg IMG_20200625_171319.jpg
Which box came with this purchase?
Edited:
 
Jonathan40
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Love these watches and a good price paid. You did so well that I’ve registered with the site to hunt a little harder for a bargain myself.
 
krogerfoot
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Spiffy. We have an interesting vintage-watch ecosystem here in Japan.

Did we establish where you are, @bradurani? DHL shipping from Japan for $50 is more reasonable than I would have expected.
 
bradurani
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krogerfoot krogerfoot
Spiffy. We have an interesting vintage-watch ecosystem here in Japan.

Did we establish where you are, @bradurani? DHL shipping from Japan for $50 is more reasonable than I would have expected.
California
 
Braindrain
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bradurani bradurani
It finally came. I had to pay a customs bill of $64 (hint: attribute most of the value to the movement), then there was a long delay because DHL didn't acknowledge that I had made the payment, but it's finally here, and it's a peach! It came with the box, surprisingly, which was not advertised, and the spare links are complete. I'm elated!
IMG_20200625_171438~2.jpg IMG_20200625_171403.jpg IMG_20200625_171339.jpg IMG_20200625_171319.jpg

Awesome pickup. Over the years, I've noticed some really great condition flybacks being sold in Japan. Just never pulled the trigger.

Yours looks fantastic.
 
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