As a collector with limited knowledge of watchmaking, when I have 1 or more movement photos, I look for the following:
Does it look clean, or filthy?
Any signs of case corrosion around the perimeter?
Any signs of rust in movement?
Is there a caseback seal present?
Are there any missing screws, jewel holes without a jewel?
Are case clamps present, with screws?
Are the visible wheels intact- any obvious missing teeth?
Are the screwheads damaged, suggesting amateur work?
Is the regulator way off to one side- fast or slow suggesting dire need of service?
Does the automatic rotor show signs of wear on top edges, suggesting rotor rub?
If its a chronometer does it have the correct markings for jewels and temperature adjustment etc to fit the reference?
Do the various bridges have a consistent color?
The movement above would pass most of not all of these questions BTW
While you cant tell how it runs, the above checks will give insight into how the watch has been kept by prior owners.
Im sure others can add to this list.
As a collector with limited knowledge of watchmaking, when I have 1 or more movement photos, I look for the following:
Does it look clean, or filthy?
Any signs of case corrosion around the perimeter?
Any signs of rust in movement?
Is there a caseback seal present?
Are there any missing screws, jewel holes without a jewel?
Are case clamps present, with screws?
Are the visible wheels intact- any obvious missing teeth?
Are the screwheads damaged, suggesting amateur work?
Is the regulator way off to one side- fast or slow suggesting dire need of service?
Does the automatic rotor show signs of wear on top edges, suggesting rotor rub?
If its a chronometer does it have the correct markings for jewels and temperature adjustment etc to fit the reference?
Do the various bridges have a consistent color?
The movement above would pass most of not all of these questions BTW
While you cant tell how it runs, the above checks will give insight into how the watch has been kept by prior owners.
Im sure others can add to this list.
You can check the cannon pinion by pulling the crown one notch, turn the hands backward.
If second hand jerks backwards or stops, it is good.
If second hand keeps on going like normal, it is bad 😥
That's a great list and should maybe go into some kind of sticky somewhere @dsio
