Hi all,

I wasn't sure if I should post this in open discussion or other high-end watch brands, so I went with open discussion!

I'm looking into a Jaeger-LeCoultre chronograph that is in need of a service and does not come with the original box or papers (obviously, in most instances), and it is on leather band. I'm not 100% sure if every part is original (it appears to be on inspection). The asking price is $4300 and I'm most likely going to turn it into a flip project.

After researching, it appears to be a 1960(it) LeCoultre Shark chronograph diver watch with a Val-joux caliber 72 manual wind movement. It's in pretty good physical condition and has aged well. Here's a link to an old listing for what appears to be the same watch.

Can anyone give me some advice as to whether I should purchase this? This would be my first jump into vintage watches and, quite frankly, I'm a bit scared to start with a $4300 purchase that'll also have another $700 (at least) going into a service.

The picture here is a photo of the same model of watch, but from a previous listing. The photo is infinitely better than the ones of the actual watch. Click the old listing link for more photos.



Here are the photos from the listing:


Thanks for the help guys, and sorry if I posted in the wrong forum!

 

I forgot to add these listings on Chrono24. They are the same year and same dial and movement, but a different bezel.

Listing 1

Listing 2

 

Have you done a survey on which way is preferable: value assessment sight unseen or based on a picture of another watch?

 

Good point! I'll upload them

 

Do you know when Matthew Bain sold his for $6.800? He is a very well know seller and gets a price premium due to his reputation, movie star customers etc. If he can get only $6.8k I'm not sure what it would be worth on ebay. You are obviously taking some risk but with great risk sometimes comes great reward

 

I do not know Matthew Bain, personally. And that's what I'm thinking. It's odd why the ones on Chrono24 are at AU $14,000, and the other one is starting on an auction at like AU $12,000. That seems insanely high.

I think I could at least get my money back, but I don't want to go through the hassle and take the risk to break even!

 

It would make sense if the sales listing was from 3 or 4 years ago, you could always give them a call, they may not give out any info but it would only take a few minutes

 

Good point. I'll call tomorrow. I only have 7 days to finalize the auction, otherwise it goes to the second-highest bidder. The stress is on!

 

Ehhhh, this isn't good. This recently sold on eBay for $5k.Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

In fact it did not sell at $5k, (has been relisted) and has received three offers (obviously unknown amounts). Though yours does have a nicer dial and as you know they way to make the most on the bay is the straight auction...

 

Gah. This feels so risky. If they were selling for $7k+ I'd feel comfortable, but this feels like it would be cutting it close... Hmm. This is a tough decision.

 

It was not sold.

I think these sell for $4-5k in an open auction on ebay depending on condition. I once won and paid $4.2k for one on ebay but unfortunately the watch never came. By the way I've also never seen a Shark with telemetre bezel though not saying is not original.

 

This one sold for $7000 in December in nice condition: http://www.ebay.com/itm/191218725957Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network. Not sure how good is yours since the pics are not clear and small, but I don't think you'd lose money on it. Trying to making money is a different matter, and since you have to ask, I'm not sure if the pros would tell. Most of the time on this site, I've seen, buy first and ask question later is not exactly profitable. Good luck anyways.

 

Wow. That was one nice piece. It did have the strap going for it, which mine would not. If I could be 90% sure I'd get at least $6000 for it, I would definitely go through with the purchase. It's just so hard to be sure. Does anyone know someone who is extremely knowledgeable on vintage pieces?

 

For comparison, here is one that just sold last week on the 'bay for a bit under $5k. Looks very good and claimed to be serviced.
I would expect to pay US$500+ for service on one of these.

 

The $5k mark seems to be pretty common for these pieces. Damn.

 

This is a tad sketchy looking, but it also points to a lower price.

 

That's a nice one, and given the seller would be confident was fully vetted and serviced. I suspect this listing is somewhat old, given the price shown. If you see one as nice for that price... grab it.

 

The watch is priced to market at C24. You may sell it for a bit more once the glass is polished or changed, but not more than 5 so you'll break even.

If it was a deal at the level you're looking for it would not be in c24

 

I serviced this one last year - also telemetre bezel:





Cheers, Al