Well, I fell for it. Said I was a caliber 321 guy through and through. Ignored auctions for 861's. Ignored sales posts too. Never say never... It has it's faults: polished with skill, but edges are soft. Lume carefully removed from the indexes. Hands/crown/pushers/bezel replaced (and crystal but I don't care). The back is worn. The good news? Serviced in 2012. Original hands/crown/pushers/DO90 bezel included (and boy that bezel has, um, "character"). I just got it so I haven't even looked under the hood (may not since it was serviced and opening it may compromise the water resistance it met at service). I think it's an original dial (very pronounced step and sub dials). What if anything would you do to re-lume the dial, or is that just not gonna happen??
Ummm... No chance this is not a Franken, is there? An 861 in a 105.012-65 case? Serial #27,323,xxx? What's up with that? The ad said 145.022-68 case. I'll call the seller tomorrow. Dammit!
I looked at that watch and pushed the guy for pics of the insides which he would not provide so I passed. Suspected that there might be an issue.
Aesthetics aside, would someone be kind enough to advise the approximate dollar value of this example in its current state? Serviced clean 861 ser# 27,323,XXX, polished case with heavily worn case back and ref. 105.012-65. Thanks.
Value? Honestly not sure! But...Man ... Perhaps, IMHO, a daily wearer? [[ Look for proper caseback? IF initial cost was low ]]
Initial cost was fair for a true example, but not this example. I am looking for a valuation to help the seller, who impresses me as an honest individual. I don't have an interest in keeping this at a reduced price, so I am not looking to make an offer. I was guessing $1,500-$1,800 USD as-is? Or is that being generous?
IMHO. dont waste ur time. Guessing, but can't be first time this has happened, right? Besides, you may assign a value on individual parts but what is it that would be sold?
No the watch is not for me. The seller is looking to represent it for what it is and wonders what price would be fair? Or did I misunderstand something here?
I was trying to think what the seller would be selling, meaning what he would name the item. Because I would tend to think the only decent part may be the movement ... best to sell on auction perhaps and add more pictures this time. BUT, Seller is likely to repeat this scenario until a buyer who is unlearned keeps it as is and at a high cost
That may be true, but I'll hold out hope that it isn't the scenario. I don't get that "vibe" but I've been mistaken before. Ever optimistic...
I get it now, Ok. Then imho this is a possible Transition Speedy, based on the movement. Should list several clear photos [ or face your wrath ] List as an auction ( I can't even venture a guess price )
Personally I think $1500 -1800 would be optimistic for the seller. For slightly more you could get a decent '69/70's model. Given the choice I can't think many people would choose a franken. I'd guess the value would just be of the separate parts?
As I stated previously I looked at this watch and the seller sent me some pics but when I requested information about the case back and pictures he kept avoiding the issue and would not supply. So I suspect he knew what he was representing was not the case.
