Hi everybody! I was told to come down here from reddit and share with you my recently discovered grandfathers watches. I was told a lot of you will be skeptical as well, as theres two of them. After being schooled over at reddit, I was told coming here would be like getting my Master's in Speedie knowledge and history. After going to a collector to have them looked at, I now know they're both caliber 321 which is a good thing, They've both had their hands replaced/serviced which isn't good. They're the "DON" version which is desirable. I know the box doesn't match with those models now and that the metal band is also not a match. One is a "105.003-65" and one is a "2998-3". I was nonchalantly walking around with the one my grandfather wore for a couple months, till I decided to have the strap changed. The repairman who saw it, said it was a really nice watch and not much else, I didn't think too much of it. A couple days ago I saw a post on a speed master and it looked quite similar, thats what peaked my interest and so I decided to post on reddit, and now here. So please ladies and gents, if you've got any suggestions for me I'd love to hear them. The gentleman I saw yesterday who is a collector and kind enough to open them for me, showed me some he sold in the Christies catalogue below one of the shots. Im a noob through and through guys (and again, I was warned there would be skepticism, so again NOT A DEALER) I couldn't pin him down with a valuation, as he had me guess and sort of nodded at 10k each, so that was when I decided I wouldn't be wearing them out again LOL. and I know thats frowned upon/not allowed here so I'm not doing that! Ive read the stickies, and so I do feel this is an acceptable question, I do intend on liquidating one, and I'm looking for advice on whether you all think it should be the more "sought-after/rare" one because it will bring a higher premium or definitely NOT that one, because its so uncommon? I feel thats fair as its an opinion on the models, not really "whats it worth types". Also they both look beat up to me, and the first thing I thought to do was get a new bezel, I now know thats blasphemy. Would anyone care to rate the conditions of them though? Anyways, time for the pics. I was told these shots were the "money-shots" haha. Cheers!
Keep the 2998-3 Sell the 105.003-65. Although the 105.003-65 is not the best condition, it can still sell with good money. Good luck!
If you can wait a few years, you're likely looking at some good money. I wouldn't sell either right away Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have and thats why Im not fishing for a value here, but I guess I do need to know what the condition would most likely be labeled as? I think ill edit now to include that
Yups, older and rarer The steel bracelets also rare, so keep it, some nice 7912 bracelet with 6 end links worth $3K The 2998-3 has wrong chronograph second hand though... but can be replaced with similar patina hands, maybe from the 105.003-65, that is the correct chrono second hand Keep both if you can But if 1 must go, then 105.003-65 can go... With that condition, 105.003-65 without bracelet maybe around $7-8K? Don't quote me on the value, it's just my personal guess
Do not rush. Take your time. Do not further alter the watches. Do not polish. Do not change the bezels. You are sitting on a boat load of money.
awesome post, keep both, wait a few years, sell the 105.003-65 and pay of your mortgage or buy a 911 (judging by the way prices are rising) In all seriousness: welcome to the forum and a great first post, you have two lovely watches and I would advise if you can on keeping both as they are FAR better than money in the bank at the moment and showing no signs of going anywhere other than up
I was going to counter with "You can only buy a scooter with money from selling inherited watches" but then I realized that's for vintage Constellations.
Yes, and welcome to the flock! Interesting that you already had a few watch books laying around to use as backdrops for your pictures.
Seriously..your grand dad was probably one of the first hoarders! Good watches in fair condition but very desirable regardless. It seeems that he wore both quite a bit judging by those casebacks. Take your time, do some research and enjoy your inheritance if you aren't strapped for cash..
as i said the collector recommended I take the shot over the catalogue. Certainly it looks a little better or where it belongs