reasonable purchase for $620?

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hi all,

I found this on ebay but am not sure how good this deal is, any and all advice would be appreciated! 166.0209 box and papers included, asking price is $620.

 
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Already sold, as I'm sure you're aware 😁 (I found the listing!). Seller is someone who ends up on our recommended vintage watch thread often, and I've bought from before.

Bracelet has some wear/dirt, and the case is filthy. Price is 'about right', with a shockingly mild premium for box/papers (maybe $100?), but perhaps that is making up for the signed case back.

Plating seems nice, but it very clearly needs a teardown and clean. Timegrapher graph is a little uneven for my comfort (lines aren't very straight!) which shows it probably has either damage on a tooth somewhere, or scum. So it could use a service. Shockingly high amplitude though, which bodes well.

Overall, a pretty decent price for that one.
 
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This seems like a Q that needs a bit more data. If you're you asking if the watch is underpriced and you'd therefore be getting it for a song: it sold on auction, so $620 is what the market values it at. However, it has already been relisted with a starting price of $250, so something went sideways. I'd note too that that bracelet looks like one of the Duchess bracelets, which aren't (to my knowledge) special nor do they command a premium, but they're rough on arm hair (in my own experience, anyway).
 
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I don't want to contribute to your potential buyers remorse.
All in all, it looks in line with the market and you get a bracelet + box and papers.

Seems to have good amplitude but showing a little bit of noise. Wouldn't bother me as this isn't a showroom condition watch.

Take some of the grime off with a brush / toothpick and wear it for a while then buy some more.
 
Posts
9
Likes
2
Already sold, as I'm sure you're aware 😁 (I found the listing!). Seller is someone who ends up on our recommended vintage watch thread often, and I've bought from before.

Bracelet has some wear/dirt, and the case is filthy. Price is 'about right', with a shockingly mild premium for box/papers (maybe $100?), but perhaps that is making up for the signed case back.

Plating seems nice, but it very clearly needs a teardown and clean. Timegrapher graph is a little uneven for my comfort (lines aren't very straight!) which shows it probably has either damage on a tooth somewhere, or scum. So it could use a service. Shockingly high amplitude though, which bodes well.

Overall, a pretty decent price for that one.
This seems like a Q that needs a bit more data. If you're you asking if the watch is underpriced and you'd therefore be getting it for a song: it sold on auction, so $620 is what the market values it at. However, it has already been relisted with a starting price of $250, so something went sideways. I'd note too that that bracelet looks like one of the Duchess bracelets, which aren't (to my knowledge) special nor do they command a premium, but they're rough on arm hair (in my own experience, anyway).
I don't want to contribute to your potential buyers remorse.
All in all, it looks in line with the market and you get a bracelet + box and papers.

Seems to have good amplitude but showing a little bit of noise. Wouldn't bother me as this isn't a showroom condition watch.

Take some of the grime off with a brush / toothpick and wear it for a while then buy some more.
thank you all for your insights! i was quite interested in this one, but just shy of actually wanting to buy it– however, I'm trying to learn how to identify what a good deal looks like, so I appreciate you all sharing your opinions!
 
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however, I'm trying to learn how to identify what a good deal looks like
I would focus instead on trying to identify a good watch first, and then a fair price. Following this thread will help as Senior Mod posts vetted listings often with some price guidance.
Good luck!