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tmw57
·I think in our cynical bargain hunting brains we forget how few truly exceptional pieces we actually see- I mean truly exceptional. We see clean, we see cool, we see diamonds in the rough or great potential- but exceptional examples are indeed rarities for vintage watches. Sometimes we can’t rationalize exceptional. Sure if it’s not your style or you really don’t need another of that type then it’s a moot point, but if the watch checks all your boxes and it’s spectacular, the premium is worth more than the regret one will feel for passing on it over what is essentially the cost of dinner in many cases.
Another example of not living with regret:
I have a problem with Zodiac Seawolfs, I always hunted for the bargain, have a decent parts stash and watch the market pretty regularly. I know the variants, can spot a Franken or redial- they are great bargain divers (well, we’re bargains not long ago) with lots to love.
This thing popped up on eBay
MkIV dial and hands in a MKIII case & bezel which makes it a transitional model, original bracelet, stunning crack free bezel and most likely never saw a polishing wheel. Seller was asking $750 for it which then was almost double what a regular Seawolf would have fetched. As these were my thing I said no- it’s way overpriced, I know what these things are worth and that seller is insane…but it’s a rare model, and impeccable, with the bracelet….I lasted about 20 minutes obsessing over the photos and just bought it. Not only do I not regret it, but I haven’t seen another like it since. I wouldn’t sell it for thrice what I paid.
I think I paid about $750 for this one and haven't looked back. Original box and flex oyster (riveted) bracelet made it a no brainer.
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