Sunday, September 29, 2013

Vintage Watch Category



A Day Date with a unique malachite dial with a double quick Day Date movement.
Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral, with the formula Cu2CO3(OH)2. This green-colored mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and most often forms botryoidal, fibrous, or stalagmitic masses. Individual crystals are rare but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudomorphs after more tabular or blocky azurite crystals also occur.
Photography  Courtesy of www.1stdibs.com

Vintage Watch Category
New (BNIB) or Pristine Mint | Mint | Near Mint | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor
New or BNIB or Pristine Mint (100%)
Absolutely factory fresh, brand new in Box,  in factory box with all necessary papers from the factory Should have an authorized dealer stamp on the warranty (modern pieces), to validate that the watch is legitimate and that the factory will honor the warranty. In some cases, the NOS from AD, not yet stamped as it is fresh yet to be sold. If vintage, new old stock condition with or without boxes or papers but never used or sold to the public.

Mint
Undistinguishable from new, original in every way.  May be in factory box, with papers.  May have been in showcase or used in display, or bought new and never worn, or worn so little as to show no observable wear whatsoever.

Near mint
Completely original in every way. Faint marks or light scratches may be observed under magnification. May have been expertly restored, repaired or serviced or in rare cases restored to perfection slightly.

Excellent
Looks as  though watch was used very little if at all. If watch has been restored, all original replacement parts have been used. Faint scratches are evident but hard to detect with the eye. No dents are detectable and the bracelets have little or no wear.

Very good
The watch will show some wear, and perhaps is in need of some routine servicing, but a sound attractive presentation overall. No evidence of abuse. May have new hands and new crystal, but original case and movement. Dial may have been restored or need refinishing but the overall appearance is acceptable.

Good
Nothing fundamentally wrong with the watch, though it has obviously been used. Movement may have had a part replaced, but the part was near to original. Possibly in need of a servicing and restoration or buffing of the case or bracelet, due to nicks and mars or more noticeable scratches. Runs well but may need timing adjustments or service for optimal performance.

Fair
Well used, possibly in need of a servicing and restoration.  May be running erratic.  May not have original dial or case. Even an untrained eye could tell the watch has seen better days, but overall still wearable and worthy of consideration.

Poor
Anybody's guess as to whether it can ever made to run again. Speculative piece and should be priced accordingly. Maybe 'fixer-upper' would be too generous a term.

Price of a Collectible Watches can have big difference if that is BNIB and Excellent condition,  there is a mint Rolex sold in Auction house that has been oxidized with patina on the whole Rolex over the years. No one has wiped it off that patina coating as it is a witness that the watch has never been used or furbished, if that Patina coating is removed, HKD$1m value will be reduced.
In very good condition is not for serious collector, may be just good for use. Of course we should look for Mint or brand new watch if his destiny is made as a Collection Item! But all depends on the number of the watch is available. Anything below Good condition should not be considered.
HK Snob

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