I like the rigth ones

 

Thanks for that, that 2998-1 is a stunner.
Mine is not far away from it, lugs may have been polished, hard to say from the scan.

 

yup. That's lovely... Wow.

 

the bezel is in wonderful condition for a 50+ year watch, lovely

 

Gorgeous

 

Soooo, the question is, would mine (in the first 2 pictures) be considered "collector grade" as noted on the 101 site?

 

Well that's a question that can really be answered only for sure by holding it.

The idea is that very few watches reach collector grade. The idea being set a price for the absolutely perfect, so then we can reduce for any little issue.

The OP watch is fabulous. One of the best. But is it as good as Mikes unworn 2998? I mean no disrespect when I say, I don't think so.

The collector grade is an aspirational level. As I say in the site, if a collector grade watch is worn for a few months, it becomes "good".

It is similar to diamond grading and pricing. The top level is D colour, flawless. A fraction of one percent of the worlds production falls into this category, but it is from that price all others are hung.

I would also add that I don't think I own a 2998 in collector grade. Close, yes, but not without any possible deduction from the price.

The other thing is, what do I know? I am really just having fun with all this, my opinion is just that. I recently miss- called two auction results. You just never know when the enthusiastic bidders are ready to have a go.

 

Great watches. Well done!

 

Thanks for the rely.
Before I read the 101 grading, I thought mine was as good as I had seen (for a relatively less than rare lowly, '61), but now I think it is the top end of the "good" rating, Mike's 2998, I guess gets into "collector" grade, and quite rightly so.
I've seen some quite fabulous 2998's on here but I'm happy with mine, the '61 makes it a keeper for me.

 

The last point about so called "collector" grade, is that I cannot use or wear them, so really I am not that keen on having them!
I like the idea of owning one, but not the reality!
(Bit like marrying a supermodel)

 

... Who doesn't age, doesn't nag you, and gets better with time.

 

Is it a shame to buy collector-grade and then wear? It would drive me nuts to not wear.

 

For collector grade, like real collector grade like MSNWatch's, yeah, you wouldn't want to wear those.

Turn a $50K watch into a $20K watch in no time.

 

I think the trick is to find a collector's grade and only pay a good price. Then you can do what ever you want. Easier said then done

 

...that you can look at, but not play with

 

Like coins, shouldn't there be an additional category beyond good of uncirculated

 

That is true. However I am not (yet) that rich.
Just dreaming here...
After all, If I had two, and wear one to degrade it to "good", I reduce the number of "Collector" watches, and so increase the price.
Like the stamp collector who bought the only other stamp in the world, and burnt it - so his was unique.

 

Yes! Good idea! New catagory of "Uncirculated" !

I suppose Genuine NOS would cover it.

I'll have a think.

 

I would avoid the term NOS, it seems people are pretty fast and loose with that term, particularly on eBay. "Uncirculated" works well IMO.

 

Wow