Hi, I'm being offered this mystery watch at a low price from a local seller. I don't think they know anything about watches because they can't even tell me if it's a gold, gold-filled or gold-plated case. Browsing through the Chrono24 listing, it's hard for me to pinpoint exactly which ref this is. I'm intrigued though because the only ones on Chrono24 with a smooth case back like this are solid 14k gold. If I go see the watch in person, is there a mark I should look for? It's being offered at $350, but I could probably get it lower. Could I have a winner here? Thanks for you advice!
Yeah - getting the bent lug straightened may be a problem. As for the metal, the back needs to come off - it is more likely to be plated (indicated by 'Plaque' with a micron number) than 14K or 18K gold.
It will be marked between the lower lugs, either 14K GOLD or 14K GOLD FILLED. Plain backs were intended for inscriptions and there were far more gold filled ones than solid. That bent lug is very worrisome, trying to bend it back may cause it to snap off or become permanently disfigured. For $350 it's worth a shot.
This is a front load watch, the back does not come off. They were not made in a plated case, solid gold, 14K or 18K, 14K gold-filled, Bi-color ss and gold (sometimes with a solid cold bezel) or all ss.
You'd be surprised what bends. Regardless of the metal. Due to the damaged lug. Offer $250.00 and be prepared to walk away. I'm sure they paid a lot less and may not be willing to see even $250 walk out the door. I could be wrong, but if you turn around. They'll know you they have you and may only move a little That lug will bug you every time you look at the watch, but at $250. Little less bug you can live with DON