Is there a more misused phrase in all of vintage watch collecting? The idea that putting new oil on top of the old dried oil is a service (which I just experienced...) is rampant. I think a new rule for the sales section should be that if a seller can't supply a receipt/proof for a service, they cannot sell the watch as "serviced."
Can't imagine I'm alone here.

 

A receipt or “proof of service” won’t prove a thing. Even if legit those say nothing about the quality of said service.

Best to assume a service will be needed.

 

There are probably a couple of watchmakers on the site who would disagree with this.

 

As the saying goes, the exception proves the rule.

 

I find "rare" and "breathtaking" to be overused even more.....

 

How about unpolished? LOL

 

I think it is always a good idea to factor in a service cost when buying a vintage watch, that way you will be sure.

Occasionally you will find a watch that is running and working perfectly and I would say enjoy it until you feel it requires the inevitable service.

 

Having attended many horological marts over decades, I have constantly been astonished at the number of times I have been examining (for example) pocket watches, and to be told a particular watch has “just been serviced”. I have learned that, even when you have the watch in your hand, you can rarely rely on it having been thoroughly and competently serviced. I have never bought a watch on line, but I am certain the same holds true. Of course, there will be exceptions. But caveat emptor.

 

"NOS" (New Old Stock) and "RARE!" are the two misused terms that irk me the most.

 

Whenever I sell a watch that has been serviced I say so but stress no proof as my watchmaker and I have a great relationship, i'll leave you to take what you wish from that

 

Well my recently arrived watch from Bulgaria is marked as all serviced.

Running erratically and the hairspring looks like it has some issues. Oh well, off to the watchmaker it goes...

Caveat emptor.

 

Particularly if you’ve spent a pretty penny, spring for your own service when you receive it. You’ll be surprised.

I know I have. And disappointed.

 

Remove case back, make sure springy thing is wiggling back and forth, use q-tip to dab out old piece of gasket laying on bridge, put case back on......voila! Serviced!

 

What I find particularly hilarious is the mantra that we often see drilled about "factor in the cost of a service" etc, when noobs are asking about their Granddad's watch, or something they want to buy on ebay, yet so often when watches are offered for sale here the "service history is unknown" .

 

Well, the seller might have no idea where Grandpa kept the service receipts.

If the seller shows a receipt, search on the watchmaker. Not only are you buying the watch and the seller, but also the watchmaker.

 

Agreed. How about "Bespoke"?

I don't see the latter as much as I did a year or so ago. Maybe people are finally realizing the irony of using it on mass-produced watches.

 

Don't forget "unique" and "prototype".

 

Very fair - MANY MANY misused phrases in the vintage watch collecting world. But NOS, unique, unpolished, etc etc - those are all things that can be determined by photo before buying. Recent service, however, even a skilled master watchmaker can’t truly say just by movement pics alone.

 

Sadder that this is a selling point...