i'm being offered this black AT locally at a fair price. the pics are not the best as it is, plus i'm having trouble telling real vs fake 2500 co-ax movements. must be my eyesight slipping.
would greatly appreciate if anyone would chime in as to whether this could be an ETA/china fake or, the way i'm leaning, the real deal at a fair price (little less than 2k)

 

Google the serial number and see what (if anything comes up). If it's a fake then there will often be reference to that number as it's too cost prohibitive to make unique serial numbers.

Also, the serial number on the case (located on the back side at about 7 o'clock) should match the serial number on the movement which you bill able to see since it has an exhibition caseback.

 

Has the case diameter been specified? Be sure you're getting the case size that you want and expect.

 

Based on the end link numbers (897), this is a 41.5mm watch.

 

correct, it's the 42 (41.5, to be exact) mm one.

 

Go for it!

 

Owned a 36.25 mm version of this watch before. Looks kosher to me. Be aware that some of these calibers had problems with the movement locking up due to a problem with the escapement.

 

As always, very grateful to all of you guys for your very helpful and timely feedback!