Hi Folks,

My friend is new to the hobby and is considering this SM 321. What are your thoughts on authenticity? I’m concerned there isn’t a photo of the movement. It is offered at CAD 4,500.

 

The fonts on the dial would have me looking elsewhere.

 

My first thought is the seller was careful enough to wear white gloves for part of the shoot, yet was also careful enough not to take any real close-ups of the dial, or to get any movement photos to prove there is a decent 321 inside. And the side shots are also too far away/ too low rez to judge much, although it does look like the lugs are polished a bit. I would want to see much better photos before thinking seriously about it.

 

I hear you, however, it’s tough to know for sure as the photos aren’t of high quality. What specifically has you concerned? And thanks for replying!

 

Sir. Thank you! That 321 will have to show herself first.

 

You could see the fonts? Not a single photo in focus. If I were gonna spend $4.5k, I would at least want to know the seller could take a sharp picture of their watch- at least act like you care.

 

It becomes quite clear when you zoom a bit and compare with an original.

The OP example


Original


As you can see there are some spacing and lettering differences between the two. Notice how the t and the e almost touch in your example.

 

I blew it up to 400%, and it was too blurred to judge the fonts. Definitely needs better dial pics. And I don't feel good about it, as the white gloves are meant to show the seller knows what he is doing, yet the pics are poor and some of the mos important ones are missing. For me that is a warning sign they may be trying to deceive, so that puts me on high alert. Basically "prove to me it is good by sending me much better photos!"

 

Ace comments and advice, Chaps. Thank you. My mate has asked for better photos. I’ll post here if the seller doesn’t run away! More to come!

 

I see the things @jeppehh is point out- but there have been slight variations depending on year, dial maker- etc. Without sharp pics its impossible to tell.

I would prefer sharp pics and hands covered in dog poo over blury and white gloves.

 

Agree here @JwRosenthal. Maybe a too hasty verdict (although I still have my reservations)

Let’s see some better pictures.

 

Found this example with another variation. It’s a bit closer to the OP’s example, but still with done differences.

 

On the positive side, the lume sure looks like vintage tritium, bit much better pics are needed.

 

It's on a well-known Canadian buy and sell website which is incapable of handling high-resolution pictures.

Meaning the quality of the pictures doesn't necessarily evidence that the seller is hiding something. When I buy from that site, I ask for clearer photos to be emailed or texted to me.

That said OP, I don't think it's very well priced, and the current price is stated (at least as of right now) to be "firm".

I would look elsewhere; or, wait a few weeks for this to inevitably not sell on that site with those pictures, and try and move the price down a bit.

 

All good points, Sir. However, the price seems low when compared to similar examples on Chrono24. What would you say a fair price would be for a genuine piece?

 

Chrono24 isn't where I'd look; or, at least I wouldn't use their prices as being "market" - they're inevitably quite inflated.

Try watchrecon.com and set your time range to "All Days" to get a better sense of past pricing. Recent sales have ranged from $2,000 - $4,000 USD depending on condition. At current pricing ($4,500CAD, which is ~$3,500 USD), it's not totally out to lunch, but I don't think it's a bargain either. I'd take your time and keep your eyes open - these don't come along super often, but they do pop up a few times a year.

There are auction apps that are useful as well.

 

What he said.
The price is high, but if I were selling it I would ask top market and negotiate down. But again, clearer pics. That didn’t seem so much a resolution issue as much as an out of focus issue.
I would say jury is still out until we actually can see what’s what.
And as Claven said, the lume does look good which to me is an indication of originality- a redial invariably loses the lume.

 

Okay sleuths, I have further photos.

The script appears crispy to me. thoughts?

There is some damage to the dial at 5h30; one would expect that with a watch of this age.

What is somewhat suspect is the marker at 6h00: it appears slightly wonky/off centre.

The chrono hand seems to reset a gnats cock left of 12h00. Otherwise, seems to run as it should.

We’ve been promised movement pics tomorrow.

 

My opinion - not a redial. Also not a pristine dial. The crown looks period and the seconds marker being off is no biggie. If your buddy wants to wear it, it's going to almost certainly need a service anyhow.

Maybe he can negotiate it down if the movement checks out. People say "firm" in sales ads all the time. Usually reasonable offers are still carefully considered by these chaps.

 

I tend to agree with you on all points.