This came up on the bay and wanted to see if if was a real transitional or not... http://www.ebay.com/itm/281907076748?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:ITPurchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Real as in fake or correct? It is a transitional, with the correct serial, 68 caseback, aml dial etc but it looks to have had a recent service with a new bezel, bracelet and hands, although at least the old, correct bezel is included. My feeling is that the dial plots look rough as does the original bezel. 18 months ago this would be expensive. Might be not too far off in today's market.
Judging by the condition of the bezel, somebody has been giving this watch some wrist time over the past 48 years. If you factor in buying a correct band, this doesn't seem overly expensive given the recent spike in prices...
Hands are replacemets, incorrect bezel but correct included - would you be happy with an incorrect bezel or happier with a heavily weathered bezel. Is that a 26mil serial, I can't make it out. I am sure it is 26mil then correct for the reference. Personally it doesn't sing to me as I think there are better examples of 145022-68s but I don't think they come up that often. How bad do you want a transitional? On a closer look, I would agree with Davidt3449, the only thing is that I don't think the price has dropped for these references, if anything the other way. I think this is inexpensive because it's just not a very attractive piece even with the correct bezel in place - which also raises the question why isn't it on the watch even a battered correct bezel has to be preferred, doesn't it? Is there a problem with fitting, maybe not, but worth finding out I suppose if you're keen on it. Interested to hear what the experienced Members say.
I kicked the tires on this one, but given that I already have a couple, just wasn't worth it to add a less attractive piece that would take some work to piece together. I have no issue with the DON being beat-up and the plots, while not the cleanest, aren't all that bad. Biggest thing to me is the replacement hands. You can try to artificially age them, or you can source other hands that look similar. For me, it wasn't worth the effort. For someone looking to snag a true -68 transitional though, I think it can turn out pretty well with the right bezel and a new set of hands.
The hands are why I decided to pass... I like the "survivor" look but trying to find the hands might be more than it's worth
+1, hands are one of the easiest issues to address. Still, exercise caution, but hands are not so bad.
I was debating over this one, but as someone mentioned above, it doesn't look that attractive. The case looks refinished to me and the Matt look doesn't look right (to me at least)