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Seeking opinion from different perspectives

NVWC
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Dear OF,

As per title of the thread, I would like to get some opinions from the all of you.

How would you choose if say you have 2 watches in front of you, let's call them A and B.
A is in better condition, but slightly commoner reference than B

OR

B in poorer condition, but a rarer reference than A.

Assuming both about the same price, how would you choose?
Would like to hear different opinion, as sometimes we may tend to only think from one angle.
I understand that the question maybe too broad/superficial.

I will give an example to illustrate A and B.

Say A is a fair condition jumbo constellation 168001 ( not mint/ nos), and
B is a poorer condition jumbo constellation 14777, say the dial is damaged, but the rest in acceptable condition.

The reason for this thread is , in my personal opinion, I will go for a rarer reference....but would like to hear more and the rational/reasoning behind it.

Thank you.
 
SpikiSpikester
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condition, condition, condition...

where the rarer reference is not at least fair (but preferably good) condition, I would always wait for one that is.
 
Spruce
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I buy watches to wear not to throw more money at in the hope that I’ll have something collectible by the end of it.

Of course I add in a service, new strap etc, but I’m really not looking to create an heirloom, or sell on at a profit, nor am I looking for a ‘restoration project' (I haven’t the skills or the knowledge).

So, since you’re having B, I’m more than happy with A. 😀
 
Dan S
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I can't answer this type of hypothetical. It depends on how good the condition of A is and how rare B is.
 
Peemacgee
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SpikiSpikester SpikiSpikester
condition, condition, condition...

where the rarer reference is not at least fair (but preferably good) condition, I would always wait for one that is.

this
 
NVWC
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Dan S Dan S
I can't answer this type of hypothetical. It depends on how good the condition of A is and how rare B is.
I will use this photos just as reference.

A: 168001
Screenshot_20200519-130033_Chrome.jpg

B 14777
Screenshot_20200519-130126_Gallery.jpg


Otherwise the movements and all will need a service, but nothing major.

Still condition, condition, condition as per peemacgee and spruce?
Edit: my apology, I mean peemacgee and spikispikester

To complicate matter, if the price of B is significantly cheaper than A, would that change anything?

Thanks in advance
 
Peemacgee
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NVWC NVWC
I will use this photos just as reference.

A: 168001
Screenshot_20200519-130033_Chrome.jpg

B 14777
Screenshot_20200519-130126_Gallery.jpg


Otherwise the movements and all will need a service, but nothing major.

Still condition, condition, condition as per peemacgee and spruce?
Edit: my apology, I mean peemacgee and spikispikester

To complicate matter, if the price of B is significantly cheaper than A, would that change anything?

Thanks in advance

With those dials, the first one every time (although that pic doesn’t show the dial A accurately)
The price wouldn’t matter unless the seller was giving B away - then I’d buy both.
 
NVWC
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Peemacgee Peemacgee
With those dials, the first one every time (although that pic doesn’t show the dial A accurately)
The price wouldn’t matter unless the seller was giving B away - then I’d buy both.
Thank you very much for your input.
I'm starting to appreciate the value of condition over others more now.
 
Donn Chambers
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My opinion, and that’s all it is:

Get the one you like the most.

If having something uber-rare but in crappy condition makes you happy, then get that.
If having a pristine Speedmaster (one of millions made) gives you giggles when you look at it, then get that.
If you want it Uber-rare and mint condition, then wait until you can find one (and depending on the model, expect to pay for it!)
 
mjb
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I agree with everyone above. Buy what you want, what you like, and don't worry about what others think. Within that paradigm, buy the one in better condition.
 
Braindrain
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NVWC NVWC
To complicate matter, if the price of B is significantly cheaper than A, would that change anything?

Thanks in advance

Never, ever, base a watch buying decision because it's cheaper.

Itll cost more in the long run.
 
K
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Buy A if you really must buy, or even better wait for the one you want in better condition. They always turn up
 
MCC
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With very , very few exceptions, I would go on condition.
 
al004
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I think that kinda depends on what you are actually looking for.
I prize a lot condition, but if I don't connect in the same way with the good condition one as I connect with the poor condition one, I would still chose the one I like the most.
If you do the flipping, always go for condition IMO.
 
SpikiSpikester
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NVWC NVWC
I will use this photos just as reference.

A: 168001
Screenshot_20200519-130033_Chrome.jpg

B 14777
Screenshot_20200519-130126_Gallery.jpg


Otherwise the movements and all will need a service, but nothing major.

Still condition, condition, condition as per peemacgee and spruce?
Edit: my apology, I mean peemacgee and spikispikester

To complicate matter, if the price of B is significantly cheaper than A, would that change anything?

Thanks in advance

Since you asked -
A. I might go for, if I was looking for that reference.
B I wouldn't consider at all, even if I was looking for that reference.

Why ? Because if B is uncommon, then it wouldn't be a regular wearer & would be part of my collection. In which case, I know it would be sold as soon as I needed to clear space or funds for a better condition watch (either the same reference, or something else). Been down that road before & have always found it better to just keep the money available for a better example rather than committing it to a sub-optimal example.

If B is significantly cheaper, that doesn't change a single thing. Condition has a cost and lower cost watches are cheaper for a reason. I wouldn't deplete available funds unless it was a good example. .
 
JwRosenthal
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Either wait for a better B if the rarer reference is exactly what you want, or buy A if you just want a nice Connie and rare would be nice, but just want one in that style.
For me, i can live with a little case polishing (little), I can live with some case swirls and dings, but a dial with damage is a deal breaker for me- regardless of how rare, that’s all I’ll see every time I where it
 
SkunkPrince
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I, #1, buy watches I like. Frequently, so does everyone else and they cost a lot! But I personally have never bought one based on rarity.

I tend to agree with condition being a major consideration. That said, I'm a bit more tolerant of a refinished case than some.
 
NVWC
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Thank you very much for all your inputs and opinions.
 
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