Ever buy a watch on eBay just to see what it is?

I pour through "broken watches" on eBay looking for parts and projects. Ever buy one just to see what it is?
For instance, this one. Paid $44. Can't figure it out (well, yet). Sub seconds on top or maybe a power reserve. Crown at 3 and 4 or is it just a bad pic? Could simply be a one jewel wonder.
I never ask questions on bundles of crap for fear that the seller might say: HOLY S#$T! This is a....
Check it out. Think it's a pile or is it something?

I'm looking forward to better pictures 😁

I have to many pet projects like that. With luck you will have a nice AS 1187 movement or something nice. The one may be an alarm wach with the sub-dial.

Been building up a 752, but needed a calendar wheel and automatic works. Wound up getting a second one almost complete with a dial and hands. Does not really solve the issue as I still have a movement missing parts.

Another was a Val 22 with a bunch of Landeron parts mixed in. I bought it to see what was missing. I buy a lot of watches to see what is missing.

Also do not really want to tip off the sellers with questions. Most of them are into volume business, and can not be bothered with specifics. Some of the details are quite subtle. Like the height of a sweep seconds pinion that matches the dial, hour wheel and cannon pition.

Quite a bit of the listings seem to imply such stuff is the best thing that was ever auctioned.

These days I am looking for empty cases. Surprising how many seem to have been 'lost' once the buy it now is chosen. I half suspect these are sweeteners to get one to look at their other listing and possibly like and subscribe to their store.

I have pretty much given up on leaving feedback. It is completely meaningless. Any hint at criticism, is taken as a personal attack. Most transactions should be neutral. But a neutral rating is worse than a negative one. I guess this is another game, where everyone gets a trophy for participation.

Dibs! 😁

Both of these on eBay as BIN for about £80 each on separate occasions. Both had been serviced by the seller.

They both work perfectly but I rarely wear them. The Rotary is a nice looking 37mm watch with a quick date change


The Perona dial is a denim colour and doesn’t get very much wrist time.

Found these two together a couple of years ago!

My watchmaker asked me politely if I had lost it....
🤥