- Posts
- 5,247
- Likes
- 23,904
Spacefruit
··Prolific Speedmaster HoarderI must say, I have been very cautious recently, especially when looking at project or restoration Speedmasters.
I am also wary of rare references that have a serious flaw, such as a dial scratch, or missing bezel. These used to be financially interesting, where if I did not like the end result, I could always get my money back. However, these mid quality watches have fallen right out of bed. I am being offered watches at $8,000 that I do not think should warrant $4,000 - so I keep my mouth shut. Gone are the speculator buyers who naively hope to make a profit. We have returned to a collector's market.
That means a project has to be cheap enough to make me sit up and notice it, and buy it at what might seem a bargain.
The flip side is that when a good example comes along, I have to pay for it, and if it is good, then I forget how much it was.
Sharp eyes will see the facet lines, and also the short bracelet. If you were a sleuth, you will know it is a 105.012-CB from a small wristed person, so possibly Asia.
It is lovely, and facet lines are strong.
Fat neck pushers look original and the function.
Inside, we see confirmation, and a watchmakers mark. Note there is no corrosion on the lip, something I have been seeing on a lot of offerings recently.
:
The movement looks untouched - which it must have been, but by a skilled watchmaker.
The 1506 bracelet was very short, but came with four links. I must say the bracelet is in unusually fine condition.
I have just spent the afternoon inserting those links. It's a good job this is not my living.
Oh yes, it came with B&P as well.
I am also wary of rare references that have a serious flaw, such as a dial scratch, or missing bezel. These used to be financially interesting, where if I did not like the end result, I could always get my money back. However, these mid quality watches have fallen right out of bed. I am being offered watches at $8,000 that I do not think should warrant $4,000 - so I keep my mouth shut. Gone are the speculator buyers who naively hope to make a profit. We have returned to a collector's market.
That means a project has to be cheap enough to make me sit up and notice it, and buy it at what might seem a bargain.
The flip side is that when a good example comes along, I have to pay for it, and if it is good, then I forget how much it was.
Sharp eyes will see the facet lines, and also the short bracelet. If you were a sleuth, you will know it is a 105.012-CB from a small wristed person, so possibly Asia.
It is lovely, and facet lines are strong.
Fat neck pushers look original and the function.
Inside, we see confirmation, and a watchmakers mark. Note there is no corrosion on the lip, something I have been seeing on a lot of offerings recently.
:The movement looks untouched - which it must have been, but by a skilled watchmaker.
The 1506 bracelet was very short, but came with four links. I must say the bracelet is in unusually fine condition.
I have just spent the afternoon inserting those links. It's a good job this is not my living.
Oh yes, it came with B&P as well.
