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Vintage Moonphase purchasing: Advice?

  1. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 11, 2016

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    I've always been fascinated by the moon, and so the moonphase complication was one of the first quality watches I bought for myself when this obsession started. Bought a cheap Chinese:

    DSC02226.JPG
    (which I now kinda wish I'd kept),

    Soon I wanted a nicer one and bought a Ball (yes, same one referenced in the 'Did you ever lose one of your Watches?' thead...still haven't found it!:eek:):

    Photo Nov 11, 12 27 02 PM.jpg

    (really got into tritium tubes then)

    A little time passed...:whistling:

    ...and the vintage bug hit me.

    I forgot about moonphases for awhile...

    I won't bother with the photos of all the vintage I've bought in the last 22 months... almost enough for a 'Stairway to Heaven' like @gemini4 's (insert some loud Led here ::rimshot::)...

    So now, in a way, I'm starting over... now I want the two together.... Vintage Moonphase!

    Let's see your vintage ones, and please, those who know, tell me WHERE I should start... preferably somewhere less than $1000. What are the under-rated ones... I already know I want a LeCoultre, perhaps a Cosmic, but I'd rather start with the less appreciated...

    I do know that in very little time, the obsession will most likely take me above my 'desired' price-point...:whistling:
     
  2. ulackfocus Aug 11, 2016

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    I could have helped you right up to the "preferably somewhere less than $1000" part. :D
     
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  3. gatorcpa ΩF InvestiGator Staff Member Aug 11, 2016

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  4. Steve88M3 Aug 11, 2016

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    Why even bother then?
     
  5. ulackfocus Aug 11, 2016

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    Because even ugly watches need some luv.
     
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  6. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 11, 2016

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    Wasn't quite ready, made a few offers that were too low on this one, but now I wish I'd pulled the trigger at BIN... Gone now:

    image.png
     
  7. kyle L Grasshopper Staff Member Aug 11, 2016

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    I would look at Record and Zodiac.
     
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  8. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 11, 2016

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    The above Ebel with a Valoux 90, I do believe. Is this a fairly reliable and well-regarded movement for these?

    Love the radium plots, and, of course, great dial condition on this one...
     
  9. marturx Aug 12, 2016

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    Gave this one away to a longtime collector friend. Since it was a gift, I cannot regret that I let it go :)

    Angelus datolux.jpg
     
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  10. Giff2577 Quick with the tools! Aug 12, 2016

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    image.jpeg image.jpeg
    I second the vote for Zodiac!
     
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  11. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Aug 12, 2016

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    Every collector needs some high end motivation

    image.jpeg
     
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  12. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 12, 2016

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    Great examples so far :thumbsup:, thanks, guys.

    The right dial, and I'd probably already go as high as $2000...
     
  13. cristos71 Aug 12, 2016

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    I picked this one up from Ebay a couple of years ago......€1500 BIN :)

    2015-11-08 08.41.37.jpg
     
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  14. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 12, 2016

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    Dibs, BTW, if you ever decide to part...

    I always prefer SS, and I love the way the moon stands out against the black dial...::love::
     
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  15. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 12, 2016

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  16. Giff2577 Quick with the tools! Aug 12, 2016

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    I am glad mine is serviced! The one on eBay has an odd looking minute hand. The red on my date hand has is missing except for the edges. One difference I noticed is the 6's on my dial are open and on the eBay example they are closed. It's tough to see but it looks like there may be black paint on the edges of the hour markers. I would ask for better photos. The photos of the case back inside and out are clear but the rest of the photos have glare or are at odd angles.
     
  17. dougiedude Carpe horologium! Aug 12, 2016

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  18. Giff2577 Quick with the tools! Aug 12, 2016

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    I like this earlier style too. Stainless looks good too! In the background there is a photo of the later style that I have also with the correct minute hand, T Swiss T dial but also with closed 6's.

    I would hunt for a less pricey example of this early model though I think stainless steel is less common and this one looks to be in nice shape save for the faded moon disc and chopped strap. No movement photos so tough to tell. Good luck with your hunt!
     
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  19. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Aug 12, 2016

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    Bah humbug.

    A moonphase is just another complication to fail, and a pita to set.::stirthepot::
     
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  20. al128 unsolicited co-moderation giverer Aug 13, 2016

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    ... I tend to think of them as menstrual calendars ... :cautious: ::psy::
     
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