H(od)i(nkee)larious!

Well, it's been a while since I've thought about making fun of Hodinkee, but they're apparently begging, yet again, for that kind of attention.

As usual, this type of criticism is related to their vintage watch offering, which, as at least some members know, occasionally include either remarkable sloppiness, shocking lack of knowledge, or outright misrepresentation. Take, for example, this vintage Vacheron & Constantin:

https://shop.hodinkee.com/collections/vintage-watches/products/2933-vacheron-18k

Setting aside the price, the watch in question is a decent example, and not over-polished. The photos are also of good quality.



Like most collectors, I looked at the photos first, and was surprised, and more than a little amused, to see this:



So, having perused the photos, let's get to the accompanying text. Wait! Before we do that, let me, for the umpteenth time, point out that it is ridiculous to fail to provide at least one image of the movement, and especially for a watch of high value. And such omissions are typical of Hodinkee!

Now, on to the description. First:


I'm nit-picking a bit here, but the thin bezel reference is inappropriate, as anyone looking at the above photo can see. What I mean is that while the bezel is thin, it is, in a sense, extended by the case, and to roughly twice its width, so relative to the dial (which is the whole point), it has nothing like the (visual) effect of a typically "thin" bezel.

Next:


Um, no. "Excellent" would even be a stretch. Note, among other things, the inside of the lugs, close to where the straps are attached. Tiny mice nibbling away, perhaps? 🙄

Finally, my favorite part:


To give credit where it is due, that description is technically accurate, and ordinarily, congratulations might even be in order. Except for one little thing: in this instance it's a crown from a vintage Seiko!

So, in summary, a vintage V&C in "outstanding condition", yet lacking both photos and a description of the movement 🤦, with scratches on the case back and other flaws, capped off with a replacement Seiko crown, which Hodinkee's crack team failed to recognize. 😁

The crown is probably my favourite part of the watch. 😉

Beans!

Hmmm, “SW” …
Slippery Weasels?
Should Walk (away)!
Say WHAT?

You can downgrade them because there is no movement pic, but the rest of the description is not very far off base. A lot of their comments are opinions so it is hard to argue with them, or say they are being dishonest. Hodinkee draws a certain clientele, it is what it is.

Someone had this on a Fix-o-flex


Calling it even “good condition” would be generous. The corrosion around the indices and the bright coloring of the hands in relation to the rest of the furniture raises an eyebrow. Not to mention the edges of the case have become vague. If this were a Bulova in the bargain thread at $100, we would all be saying -pass, you can find better.

I wonder why they would do this. I mean I know money is the main driver but doesn’t it benefit them to sell only damn near perfect examples to back up their name? IMO that is a beautiful dial. Could be a beautiful watch and in a way it still is but it does not seem to jive with that which hodinkee likes to project, although tbh I’m not that big of a follower of them but let’s face it if you are looking up watches you will come across hodinkee at some point, and I have enjoyed a few articles I’ve read.

Some of my best sweaters are vintage Brooks Brothers lambs wool or cashmere from thrift….but that is for a whole other thread 😉

[/QUOTE]There is better watch content and writing on OF.[/QUOTE]
This I whole heartedly agree with!

But years ago before they became a $$$ business the Hodinkee advice was never buy a vintage watch without a movement picture……Funny how since now they sell vintage watches that own advice seems to be missing every time.

I’d take a JLC movement even if it was in a Timex Indiglo. 😀

Sorry, I find that to be a very poor rationalization. It takes time to open the case, and photograph a movement inside of a ~$9k watch? Seriously?

And the central point of my original post, and many like them over the years, is that Hodinkee absolutely cannot be trusted. The fact that they prey on inexperienced and/or naïve collectors reflects extremely poorly on them.