I bought a vintage Bucherer certified chronometer a couple days ago. Cons: - Advertised as 38mm, was 34mm - Claimed recently serviced and keeps good time.....timegrapher shows +74s/Day, 5.8 BE, so no not recently serviced, maybe never. - This is a top opening case....has loose poly crystal and bezel (almost like wrong crystal..too thin to capture case edge tightly. Some resistance when pressing on, but comes loose too easily). Pros: - Very attractive watch - Virtually perfect Dial and Hands paid only $140. Question: do I keep this and find right crystal and service the movement(at least regulate it), or return it and be done with it? Thanks to all!! BTW, does anyone know how to remove this movement (no slot in case for crown stem to slide out, so does crown just pull out?
A thread for your reading pleasure: https://omegaforums.net/threads/how-come-bucherer-is-generally-un-loved.28173/ I think @citizenrich is our resident expert on these...
Good info, thanks....and confirms my recent discovery that Bucherer is unloved but a great value. I really know nothing about them but saw a small boutique in St Maarten last week and was stunned by the beauty and quality, certainly equal to the rolex/omega/cartier stores around it. A new certified chronometer chronograph auto watch for $2000US. Wow. So I looked up up the name on auction sites and saw a surprising number of good looking vintage in the $150 price range (many certified chrono). The one above was the nicest looking (and I was only bidder).
Well heck, I thought there would be more comment on this....sad unloved Bucherer. Should I keep it? Anyone know how to remove this movement from the case? Thanks again!!
UPDATE: Decided to keep it. Removed crown (never removed a 2pc...gently, gently!..used tweezers, worked like a charm) and removed movement...spotless clean. ETA 2520...regulated it to 3secs on timegrapher.(as shown). Still needs a service but I can live with what I've got for sure. Found correct crystal for $8 at flea market from retired watchmaker. Couple hours spent fixing both issues and now I'm good to go.
Can always earn the $140 back, now you have a pristine looking Bucherer as your property. You will love it down the road...