Community Stories

Seller Concern

jsducote
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Hopefully your watchmaker's estimate is close to the final price he charges you. The general consensus appears to be that the seller doesn't really owe you anything for the service, so if it winds up being significantly higher you should be prepared for difficulty ahead.

[Note: 'Prepared for difficulty' doesn't mean it'll come to that, just don't be surprised when he doesn't immediately cough-up half of a thousand-dollar actual bill.]
 
JwRosenthal
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This is the way I see it-

I bought a lovely 40’s Landeron based Chrono on eBay a few months ago for $400 from a seller I have dealt with before
24B9BE89-8056-47CE-8A2F-6E7F711E1DBD.jpeg


The dial and case were spectacular and it worked when I got it- as described by the seller “running well and keeping time”. It ran perfectly for 4 hours, then just stopped. I sent it back to the seller who showed it to his watchmaker, who told him it would require a total overhaul to make sure it was reliable....of course it does, he didn’t say it was “serviced and guarenteed”, just “working”. As it wasn’t “working” anymore, the seller offered to give me a full refund or knock $150 off the price and let me deal with servicing it. I chose the later. When I got it back (in his dime) it ran perfectly again for days- I still sent it to my watchmaker.

Even though I will have more into the watch than what it’s worth, who cares-look at that stunner!!!
The seller was generous, and when my watchmaker is done it will be awesome. Sometimes the deal isn’t about the money, it’s about an honest transaction where both parties feel they were honarable and walk away happy. The seller is in my saved sellers and I will buy from him again- he was more than honorable.
 
aap
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WatchCor WatchCor
Agreed, every thread can be improved with watch pics. Show us the watch please🍿

Here you go!
1c1971f8-aa0b-4d95-89d8-a3eb2261e314-jpeg.826056
 
aap
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sdre sdre
I see sexy bevels, i like.

Beauty A.!

yes, it is a beauty!
 
kkt
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What I want to know is, where do you get a competent watchmaker to service a chronograph for $165?
 
VetPsychWars
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kkt kkt
What I want to know is, where do you get a competent watchmaker to service a chronograph for $165?

He didn't say full service, right? Just fix the chrono so it runs?

Tom
 
kkt
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VetPsychWars VetPsychWars
He didn't say full service, right? Just fix the chrono so it runs?

Tom

I guess, but even so. And really as long as he's opening it, he might as well do a full service that it's going to need.
 
JwRosenthal
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Vintage chrono’s like these are rare to find in decent shape (most have flaking chrome plated cases and the dials water damaged), so it’s all about cosmetic condition with them. Most use Venus or Landeron movements for which parts are abundant and most watchmakers cut their teeth on them- so can usually rebuild them in their sleep.
The condition on this one is great, so regardless of what is wrong with it- it’s right where it matters.
 
aap
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jsducote jsducote
Hopefully your watchmaker's estimate is close to the final price he charges you.

[Note: 'Prepared for difficulty' doesn't mean it'll come to that, just don't be surprised when he doesn't immediately cough-up half of a thousand-dollar actual bill.]

Good thing my watchmaker has been consistent and credible!
 
aap
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
Vintage chrono’s like these are rare to find in decent shape (most have flaking chrome plated cases and the dials water damaged), so it’s all about cosmetic condition with them. Most use Venus or Landeron movements for which parts are abundant and most watchmakers cut their teeth on them- so can usually rebuild them in their sleep.
The condition on this one is great, so regardless of what is wrong with it- it’s right where it matters.

True! The overall condition of this watch is good. The movement is Landeron 48 by the way.
 
jsducote
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aap aap
Here you go!
1c1971f8-aa0b-4d95-89d8-a3eb2261e314-jpeg.826056
Interesting font on the 5 & 7. Have not seen that in my, albeit limited, experience. And a leaf/feuille hand on the chrono-minute is unusual (not unheard-of) as well. Nice pull.
 
JwRosenthal
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I assume the case is stainless and the later style pushers imply water resistance. If this has a screw back, that would make this one of those transitional era pieces when they went from flat pushers and snap back to round and screw- much more wearable as a daily since it can stand a chance on a sweaty humid day or flash rainstorm (provided you get all the seals redone). It has a nice elegance to the hands & dial- love these early chrono's!
 
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