Stopped by a jewellery store and they had some used watches, one of which was a Seamaster De Ville with a cal 562 movement. The dial, hands and movement were pristine looking like they left the factory yesterday, but the case was a complete mess.

Gold filled case that didn't just have plate loss but pieces missing from the metal. Whoever wore that watch must have had very acidic sweat because it ate though the case and even pitted the steel case back.

It had the original boxes and papers and even the original hand written receipt, but even at $300 CAD I had to pass because that case

 

What do I do? Run, run like the wind.

 

I just sigh a little and shake my head.

Only if I need a movement with that style of dial/hands would I consider a buy.

 

The dial is like your fragile child: when he is smiling, and the others are unhappy, there is something very amiss.

 

You find a second one that has a nice case and bad dial of course!

 

Years ago I would buy it and toss the case if worn or pitted, but years ago I could buy them off Ebay for $75.00

DON

 

Assume the dial's been refinished or it's a Franken.

 

And run...