Not a very hard quiz. Took a chance on this the lefty 2990-1 Ranchero and it arrived today. Visible difference compared to the more pristine example on the right. Many watchers were probably concerned about the dial as the plots are very dark and appear to lack the 2 tone markers present on a authentic Ranchero dial. Turns out it's all original but lived a 60 year life, mostly in a desk draw, in Hot, Humid, Queensland Australia. Yup, it's an authentic TROPICAL dial and has, IMHO, developed a very attractive patina. Tomorrow it's off to the WM for service and some repair. Needs a main spring, at least. Once the dial is exposed I'll take more pics (original radium lume fully intact btw). Original crystal (I think) is scratched but hopefully can be buffed. Caliber 267 movement number is 1636xxxx. Very close to my black dial 2990-1. Broad Arrow Hands, second hand register at 6 o'clock, radium lume. All original I think. Scratched crystal, yellowed a bit??, has a small crack. Is an issue but it's original and needs to be saved. No much wear. Lugs are fat and sharp. Old DNA is abundant. Two tone markers at 1,2,4,5,7,8,10,11 are clearly visible under magnification. Original crown. Sharp case. Radium lumed dial and hands. Pops the Geiger Counter very nicely. Original crystal?? Hope so.
Great buy mate! Was watching this but sadly I'm not too familiar with Rachero and didn't really throw a sizeable bid.
Amazing piece! Wear it in good health. By the way what brand of black light do you use/recommend? I've been meaning to get one.
I was watching this one too but bought the black dialed one that was on eBay at the same time instead. Looks better in your photos than the ones on ebay
Ranchero hunting is loaded with minefields. Tons of aftermarket dials, altered Seamasters, sketchy hands. There is always room on my ranch for a reasonably priced, diamond in the rough, all original Ranchero.
Noooooo! you have upset the continent balance. I need to buy a watch from our neck of the woods now............... Nice pick up of a all original classic. (Again)
Yes, that was the one that was overwound on ebay? The one time in 10 years I list mine, and I see the only one I've ever seen sold in Australia listed as well lol. I'd go with a brand new authentic crystal mate, I've seen them available on ebay before. I was surprised how much it went for, and have reconsidered that buying new/correct hands for mine mightn't have been sch a bad idea after all.
@gemini4 I saw you used IpadAir2 for these magnified photos. Did you use any contraption on the lens, or are these just using the Ipad magnification? If you used a contraption, which one? Very nice photos!
So I saw this thread from August thread pop again and I thought - woohoo- @gemini4 is thinking of selling a ranchero... no such luck
Probably used this. Good for dials. 7X, 14x, 21x magnification Works well with the iPad although focusing is a bit more challenging About $75 I think