What do you think about this cal 381?

[chrisinohio]

Tried to post the photo with no luck so here’s the link to the pic.

https://imgur.com/gallery/cSxcusj

Is it just bad watchmaking? Seems like a lot of oxidation, dirt, and even a partial fingerprint. I’m guessing a competent watchmaker could clear this up. What do you think?

Chris

Edited: Apr 27, 2024

 

[gatorcpa]

Here is your picture. Not sure whether this is worth salvaging. Need to see rest of the watch.
gatorcpa

 

[chrisinohio]

Thanks. It’s an otherwise very nice rose gold 3944.

gatorcpa

Here is your picture. Not sure whether this is worth salvaging. Need to see rest of the watch.
gatorcpa

 

[Dan S]

Please post photos to the forum if you'd like feedback.

 

[chrisinohio]

Dan S

Please post photos to the forum if you'd like feedback.

i’m working on it. I don’t really have a photo hosting account anymore. I thought imagur would work, but it didn’t.

 

[felsby]

chrisinohio

i’m working on it. I don’t really have a photo hosting account anymore. I thought imagur would work, but it didn’t.

You upload the pictures directly to this forum. Photo hosting is unnecessary and we risk photos disappearing if/when the hosting companies fold.

 

[chrisinohio]

silly me. I should’ve paid more attention I imagine. Thank you. Here are a couple more shots of the watch.

felsby

You upload the pictures directly to this forum. Photo hosting is unnecessary and we risk photos disappearing if/when the hosting companies fold.

 

[felsby]

Stunning. Of course worth salvaging.

 

[chrisinohio]

felsby

Stunning. Of course worth salvaging.

I agree. Was just wondering what the consensus would be on cleaning up the movement. I was shocked to see there was actually a partial fingerprint on it.

 

[felsby]

chrisinohio

I agree. Was just wondering what the consensus would be on cleaning up the movement. I was shocked to see there was actually a partial fingerprint on it.

It just needs a service. As long as the fingerprints are not on the dial face, I wouldn't bother. It shows however that the movement has been in the hands of an amateur.

 

[chrisinohio]

felsby

It just needs a service. As long as the fingerprints are not on the dial face, I wouldn't bother. It shows however that the movement has been in the hands of an amateur.

I agree. Frankly, I was shocked that the screwheads appear to be in perfect condition. Normally amateurs mangle those pretty good as well.

 

[X350 XJR]

felsby

It shows however that the movement has been in the hands of an amateur.

Perhaps the photographer?

 

[chrisinohio]

Well, it went for $11,750. I went up to 9k.

 

[cristos71]

chrisinohio

Well, it went for $11,750. I went up to 9k.

Have you got a link to the auction?

 

[chrisinohio]

cristos71

Have you got a link to the auction?

Sorry, $10,775.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/ite...m&utm_campaign=Trigger - Saved Items Reminder

 

[gatorcpa]

Probably worth the price. These are rare birds and that dial looks pretty good.
gatorcpa

 

[chrisinohio]

And it came with the original dial! (Which isn’t actually bad at all.)

 

[MSNWatch]

Saw this but I had some doubts about the vintage originality of both dials.

 

[chrisinohio]

MSNWatch

Saw this but I had some doubts about the vintage originality of both dials.

Hmm. Yes, you may be right. I looked at the “original” on a big screen and it appears to be a redial as well. Oh well.