Laughable ‘For Sale’ threads recently

ConElPueblo

Re: value addition from service...

You can't use anything near a standard formula of how to assess the value added from a service*. ...

*and by service, I mean a genuine service, not a "service".

redpcar

.......and be honest about the size. If you are selling relatively obscure watch, tell me the diameter WITHOUT the crown.
One of my pet peeves, carry on ☕

gostang9

I keep a file with all of my watches, including purchase price, service costs, as well as my estimated expected net value should I sell someday.

The file is for record keeping, and also a guide for my wife should she face the arduous task of trying to recoup some of the 'value' I insist is there... 🙁

I don't expect to recoup my service cost on most of my watches, but then that's a price I've been happy to pay. Most of them I assume would sell for basically what I bought them for, and that is a shame as they are all in much better shape than they were when I got them. I'm also not a great bargain hunter, I'd rather over-pay for exactly what I want then get a bargain on something less than preferred.

JwRosenthal

The examples I used earlier are painting with a broad brush to illustrate a point. Yes, a serviced and documented watch is always worth a premium over an unknown history- and I actually don't understand why anyone would beleive I don't value a serviced watch- I am always an advocate for servicing and like others, take it into account when I buy a watch with unknown history.
The diver example I wrote was lacking tons of nuance like service history, original bracelet with links, box and paperwork...yeah, we get it- all those things matter- but we need to start with a baseline somewhere otherwise it's just the Wild West.
I take umbrage with the notion that anyone would assume I think a trusted member here is a "liar"- that's really offensive and putting words in my mouth. I would happily trust a veteran member on this forum who states that a watch has received a service but lacks documention- I have several times and do apply a mental premium for it.
To use a real world example of the point I was trying to make about expecting someone to pay for my "mistakes":
I bought a very nice MKII Zodiac Seawolf from a member here who I know and trust- it was sold to me as unserviced, but running. I paid $350 for it, and we both walked away happy.
The watch had some cosmetic issues and would lose or gain time in different positions- but I bought it knowing it was an as-is sale and I assume any risk. I had always wanted a Seawolf so it was worth it to me to invest in it. A year of back and forth with the watchmaker, 2 parts movements, 2 different balance assemblies (neither of which were correct despite being sold as correct so he had to cobble the parts) a handful of other NOS parts, plus having the hands relumed and dial lume stabilized- and having to source an extra link for the long NLA bracelet from a parts bracelet- I got the watch where I want it. Total in on this watch is now close to $1k.
If I were to sell this watch, it has a market value of roughly $6-800 based on comps including the service- it's not a flawless example, I can't ask flawless prices. Sure, I could post it with the list of all that was done to it and hope someone sees the value of my investment, but I can't expect for someone else to assume my loss- I spent far more than the watch was worth- but that was my choice and I did it because I love the watch- as many of us do.
I have spent $2-300 on a service for a watch I bought for $35 and at most would be worth $150 fully serviced and looking fabulous-it's just part of the hobby.

redpcar

JESUS!
I just have a stickie note next to each one for my wife in the case I pass before she does. 😀

janice&fred

Lotta complaining from you. Maybe as mentioned this thread isn't for you? Everyone here seems to be getting along fine even when they don't agree.

janice&fred

Discussions like this are very thought-provoking and enjoyable, but I'm kinda running out of energy trying to type meaningful responses and making sense, and as Dan pointed out would rather get back to the true point of this thread which was mocking and blowing off steam. 😁

airansun

Just to offer an instance: My watchmaker doesn’t provide paperwork beyond my credit card receipt and I don’t ask for any. 😲

The guy is in his late 70’s and has been a watchmaker for about 50 years. He’s an old school guy with an old school shop. In old school days (70’s and 80’s), the watchmakers I used never provided service paperwork; that’s what their marks in the caseback were supposed to provide - proof of their service.

He’s very knowledgeable and patient, even though he can be irascible in the face of laziness or stupidity. He no longer has formal parts access for some brands, although he has contacts and resources. I have sourced parts for him myself, particularly for the 321 chronographs I’ve left with him. He’s also occasionally fabricated replacement bits.

He doesn’t need to do this for a living anymore but he loves watches. Because he’s mostly retired, his turnaround is days and weeks, not months. We see each other face to face and discuss each piece. Some 321s have been back multiple times, as issues are worked out.

He’s not an internet or modern technology guy at all, not even an email address. He’s never in his career provided detailed paperwork or photos to any customer. I don’t feel the need to ask him to start. I am grateful that he’s available, willing and able.

He hasn’t been perfect, but he’s been very very good.

(I can tell you stories about my experiences with watchmakers, but those stories always lead to just one conclusion: an excellent watchmaker is really hard to find.)

He meets two additional criteria for me: (1) I don’t have to send it away and (2) I don’t have to wait three months (or more) to get it back.

I understand that, as a seller, I will have to bear the impact of no service paperwork. It’s a choice I’ve made.

My point: I think there can be legitimate reasons why a really good watchmaker would not be providing adequate service paperwork.

airansun

I understand that, as a seller, I will have to bear the impact of no service paperwork. It’s a choice I’ve made.

airansun

My point: I think there can be legitimate reasons why a really good watchmaker would not be providing adequate service paperwork.

airansun

He’s very knowledgeable and patient, even though he can be irascible in the face of laziness or stupidity.

janice&fred

Within the jewelry district of Manhattan and among high end watch collectors in this general area, of which there are many staggeringly valuable rare watch collections, the best of the best when it comes to service and repair is Julio. He works for himself, mostly out of his home, and is picky who he will deal with. Surely a few of my NY pals here like Bill Sohne know or have heard of him. Whenever someone has a problem with a rare irreplaceable and delicate Patek, mega-rare dialed vintage Rolex or ultra complicated uber-valuable watch they will hear the name Julio suggested. He is simply the best of the best and his clients don't expect fancy paperwork, they are simply grateful he was willing to take on the job.