Thoughts on this beat up vintage Zenith Captain?

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Perrier

·May 9, 2023

Here's the listing on eBay:

[URL]https://www.ebay.com/itm/124086163718[/URL]

Obviously it's not worth $900, and it's beaten up, but I think there's something charming about the watch. Like it's had a hard life, but is hanging on.

Assuming it just needs a regular servicing, and perhaps a replacement crystal (are these available?), can I get your thoughts on it?

Thanks

 

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Scarecrow Boat

·May 9, 2023

Photos so everyone can see it as links eventually break.

 

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Tony C.

·May 9, 2023·Ωf Jury member

If you find it to be charming, then it simply boils down to a matter of price. But keep in mind that there is no way to be confident that it will only require a "regular" service.

 

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Aroxx

·May 9, 2023

The dial is too far gone for me at just about any price. If you like it I'd just hope you can get it very, very cheap.

 

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bardamu

·May 9, 2023

I wouldn't buy it, but somehow get your point.
Is it a light reflection or the caseback is dented?

 

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Hijak

·May 9, 2023

Have one of these and they are quite nice. But this one is a little too far gone for the price. That second hand is questionable as well me thinks!

 

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STANDY

·May 9, 2023·schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector

For a cheaper price that’s a great watch (once serviced and second hand replaced) as a daily that you could tell everyone it was your grandfather’s 😉

 

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Perrier

·May 12, 2023

Update:

Bought the watch for $450 + $35 shipping.

Received it today. Although the listing says "in working order", the watch is obviously broken. The movement is loose and rattling around the case, winding the watch does this weird jump every few seconds, and the watch would only run for about 30 seconds and then gave up.

I brought the watch to Classic Watch Repairs in Hong Kong (nice guys), and they opened it and had a look. They said they could immediately see multiple issues, including what appears to be missing parts. They recommended I do not service, and instead return the watch.

So I'll return it this weekend...

 

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Perrier

·Jun 10, 2023

Update:

Returning was painful. The seller (mix-stuff) stalled at every step of the process, making things as difficult as possible. Had to get eBay involved multiple times. Finally eBay had to issue a refund, not the seller.

 

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Aroxx

·Jun 10, 2023

Doesn’t surprise me the seller didn’t want it back. He made out like a bandit at that price for a busted piece of junk. Sorry you got caught up in it. Probably for the better in the end as long as you got your money back.

 

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ken_hodson

·Jun 10, 2023

I’m sure I saw this watch up for sale again on eBay recently…thanks to your post, I’ll be giving it a wide berth.

 

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bardamu

·Jun 10, 2023

ken_hodson

I’m sure I saw this watch up for sale again on eBay recently…thanks to your post, I’ll be giving it a wide berth.

Yep, it's still for sale from the same seller.

 

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Fulton8or

·Jun 10, 2023

Hijak

Have one of these and they are quite nice. But this one is a little too far gone for the price. That second hand is questionable as well me thinks!

Gorgeous bumper Captain, looks NOS. And I thought I strangled my wrist with tight straps......

 

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Olhenry56

·Jun 10, 2023

There's a very nice, serviced Captain for sale on the forum right now. I would really like someone to buy it so it stops tempting me:
https://omegaforums.net/threads/zenith-captain-automatic-recently-serviced-caliber-71.157557/

 

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TIMElyBehaviour

·Jun 11, 2023

I do hate dishonest sellers. For me the things I look for that can’t be compromised are dial, case damage and if all the parts are there and original.

everything can be replaced and sourced in time but for a price and how much are you prepared to pay.

glad to hear it’s all sorted out and the $ are back in your pocket.