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real deal or frankenwatch

sheepdoll
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Limited time, and watch collecting are apples and oranges.

Limited budget here is probably more of the factor. On the other hand nickel and diming watch parts probably costs more in the long run. Parts watches become more watches.

Of course the fewer interested in rusty rat watches the more for me.

I won zero auctions this morning from the 99 cent seller, so that means I am not alone.

I do agree though that it is nice to have a cross section of both volume/technical collectors, and those who can restrict themselves to 1 to 5 really nice examples.
 
Pixitfecit
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I'd say the longer one is into collecting watches, the lesser one accepts mediocore or bad watches. But for a beginner at a nice price a heavily worn watch can be a good way to start!
 
zedlebowski
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For the OP, I think if you really like the looks of the watch and you'll be one-and-done, this could indeed make you happy. But if you go down the rabbit hole of collecting and learn more, this one may bother you in the future. Speaking from personal experience.
 
kfranzk
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Friends:
The shown watch is not heavily worn!
Which newcomer wants to go into a rabbit hole?
Who wants to pass 2000 watches before to get one?

Of course I prefer a watch:
- new old stock, no scratches, no wear, no polish..
- original papers and box
- lastly reoiled by a trusted watchmaker without changing parts

And of course it should be a nice reference with at best:
- pie pan, dog leg, arrow head, 10-sided crown...
- 18k case, dial, crown, clasp or bracelet...

With these standards I would not own one watch....
Yes, we can en- or discourage newcomers by our own obsessions!
Konrad
 
SOG53
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kfranzk kfranzk
Friends:
The shown watch is not heavily worn!
Which newcomer wants to go into a rabbit hole?
Who wants to pass 2000 watches before to get one?
Of course I prefer a watch:
- new old stock, no scratches, no wear, no polish..
- original papers and box
- lastly reoiled by a trusted watchmaker without changing parts

And of course it should be a nice reference with at best:
- pie pan, dog leg, arrow head, 10-sided crown...
- 18k case, dial, crown, clasp or bracelet...

With these standards I would not own one watch....
Yes, we can en- or discourage newcomers by our own obsessions!
Konrad
Greetings Konrad
I understand and respect your point. Some compromise is needed if you want to own a vintage watch. But the point with this one is that most or all of those who have commented agree that this one requires too much compromise.
 
Peemacgee
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@kfranzk
Everyone has their own level of acceptable wear when it comes to vintage watches and there are very very few genuinely ‘NOS’ watches out there.
Also everyone has their own financial limitations and must ‘cut their coat their coat according to their cloth’.

On this particular watch there are a couple of things to consider:
Firstly, a rose gold case and furniture is quite a desirable combination and there is always disappointment amongst collectors when one turns up in ‘less than optimal’ condition. ( and this watch is significantly polished and has a degraded dial)
Secondly, the beauty of a dogleg case is not just that is has ‘bent’ lugs but also the rather beautifully arranged facets on those lugs which are pretty much entirely missing on this watch.
Finally, you allude to affordability and, whilst we don’t know the price of this watch, you often find sellers asking ‘collector grade’ prices for much lower grade offerings like this one, so you end up with the worst of both worlds - and members habitually try to save less experienced posters from overpaying for an overpriced watch.

If you can populate your collection with worn but less expensive watches and be happy, that’s great but please don’t join a collectors forum and berate the members for taking a different view and valuing originality.
 
sheepdoll
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
...you often find sellers asking ‘collector grade’ prices for much lower grade offerings like this one, so you end up with the worst of both worlds...
+1

Buying junk watches for junk prices is one thing. Paying premium only benefits those who do not really deserve the reward.
 
cicindela
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M milkidj
how do they actually menage to polish it out that much without removing the gold plating?
Slowly.
 
kfranzk
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
....but please don’t join a collectors forum and berate the members for taking a different view...
I am not a native English speaker understanding the nuances, but I think, its a strong statement in a legitimate discussion.
Konrad
 
Peemacgee
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kfranzk kfranzk
I am not a native English speaker understanding the nuances, but I think, its a strong statement in a legitimate discussion.
Konrad

Yeah you’re probably right.
I probably should have said ‘harangue’ 😉
 
Canuck
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Speaking as a watch collector whose collection consists of about 125 watches (pocket & wrist), none of which would pass the scrutiny they would receive on this message board, I couldn’t care less! I enjoy my collection for personal reasons. Everyone has that right.
 
Dan S
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Yeah you’re probably right.
I probably should have said ‘harangue’ 😉
I have to agree. The repeated diatribes by @kfranzk feel like more than just a simple expression of opinion.
 
Peemacgee
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Dan S Dan S
I have to agree. The repeated diatribes by @kfranzk feel like more than just a simple expression of opinion.

Everyone has a right to express their opinion on OF and I certainly don’t want @kfranzk to think he can’t express his.
But you would normally only do that once in a thread and to repeat the point can come across as being belligerent.
Still, we also have to be mindful that a lot of members are operating in a second language and sometimes energetic enthusiasm can come across as being forceful.
 
SOG53
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
Still, we also have to be mindful that a lot of members are operating in a second language and sometimes energetic enthusiasm can come across as being forceful.
I second this- nuance is hard enough in one's native tongue, and probably next to impossible in another language. And I do recall some advice given by William @Spacefruit on one of his instructional videos, that if one waits for perfection they will not have a watch- he prefers to buy the watch and enjoy for what it is, or words to that effect. I think we all do that in our own way as said by @Canuck above.
 
Winston_Smith
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I wanted to share my experience earlier because I've thought that my story follows a transformation from an enthusiastic recent collector to a more selective one. The former wanted to get a watch based on a few things he likes in it and turn a blind eye on all of its red flags. The latter is on the other hand takes his time and distance before pushing the button, all the while being more dismissive rather than embracing of the errors. I don't think becoming the latter made me an 'unenthusiastic' buyer in any way. I know and love way more things about watches. This is also the observation of my friends who witnessed my whole transformation. I do not regret any of passes I made in the past, nor pity my 4 years of on again off again pursuit.
 
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