What level of Used is acceptable?

[drickster]

I pretty much buy all used watches. But i find myself focusing almost exclusively on 98%+'ers when I'm looking at modern watches. I'm ok with a little case or bracelet scratching, but I really don't want a damaged bezel or a glass. But here;s the question for you....how much damage is acceptable to you in a used watch and more importantly, if the only way you could swing your grail was to buy a pretty beat up one, would you?

[CFR]

if the only way you could swing your grail was to buy a pretty beat up one, would you?

No. I've never subscibed the thesis that says if a watch is "pretty beat up" its because it has a story to tell. Unless its already mine - in which case I'm part of the story - or it does have a known and relevant life, the watch is only severely damaged. And that usually means a lot of work - not to mention money and luck - to bring it to a new and active condition...if possible. But that's just me...

[Henry Krinkle]

If they are vintage I can stand pretty beat up. I enjoy restoration work. If it is modern, I want it as unblemished as possible, but I might take a swing at a grail that was rough.

[Matt]

I'll buy any crap. That way I have box on box of spares. There are certain watches and calibres I'll always buy whatever the condition. In fact a couple of my favourite watches look positively foxed. A particular favourite is failed lacquer. I love the organic look it gives.

[Seriously]

I'll buy any crap..

We've seen


I buy new , almost without exception **, unless it's a absolute steal/bargain... think it depends on the 'damage' level and the buy in price.... and the desirability level.


(** same goes for other 'stuff' in my life too), just bought a pile of (new) lenses, then bought a 2nd hand one last week which was misdescribed as errrrmm "perfect' ... and it wasn't so back it went and I bought another 2nd hand one, which surprise surprise, could have been new to all intents and purposes.

I can accept 'marks' as long as they were described and then I buy into the item or not, I'm expecting the described marks and nothing else.
When I buy new, I demand flawless.

[shameless]

We've seen


I buy new , almost without exception **, unless it's a absolute steal/bargain... think it depends on the 'damage' level and the buy in price.... and the desirability level.


(** same goes for other 'stuff' in my life too), just bought a pile of (new) lenses, then bought a 2nd hand one last week which was misdescribed as errrrmm "perfect' ... and it wasn't so back it went and I bought another 2nd hand one, which surprise surprise, could have been new to all intents and purposes.

I can accept 'marks' as long as they were described and then I buy into the item or not, I'm expecting the described marks and nothing else.
When I buy new, I demand flawless.

personally then i believe you are closing your mind and enjoyment of owning many wonderful examples of great pieces - contrary to you , i have never ever bought a new watch - any so called new model that i might like would invariably be a retro version of an original or a homage to times past - quite sure which i would prefer to own - the garish lit , deep pile carpeted , glass cabineted AD holds little fascination for me - would much prefer to stalk a watch than see it on a shelf alongside many that are indistinguishable from each other

[Seriously]

personally then i believe you are closing your mind and enjoyment of owning many wonderful examples of great pieces

Not at all, different strokes , different folks, horses for courses , bird in the hand, etc etc.

the garish lit , deep pile carpeted , glass cabineted AD holds little fascination for me - would much prefer to stalk a watch than see it on a shelf alongside many that are indistinguishable from each other

I don't go to bricks and mortar stores, I buy on the internet , I too stalk a watch that's on my radar but on the internet.

[scottjc]

It all depends on how rare the watch is and how much I want it.
I've bought watches requiring new movements or new cases just to get a particular model.
Vintage watch collecting is an illness...
Sent from my Nokia Lumia 1020 using Tapatalk

[Der Amf]

Bought a watch which had clearly met with the pavement very hard at least once in its life. New crystal, took off bracelet and gave it a new strap, smoothed off the jagged roughness on case, and that made it wearable. Since its older than me, I figure it deserves allowances

[Nokie]

Wish my OCD would let me get something under 97%, but I am too damm picky!