confused about condition

[4rnold]

hi guys,

I could use some advice, I fell in love with the patina of this watch. it's a 16800 1983/4 8107xxx.

It's from a very trustworthy dealer, so that's no problem.

It's just this: sometimes I think, why should I buy a 16800 in this condition when there are mint examples out there.

Am I crazy to buy this watch? Knowing that when I add some money I have a 1680 or 5513 in a better condition?
I mean, is the patina worth this? I'm way past the idea of buying as an investment, I only buy something because I like it.

Any advice is welcome.

[roh123]

The main thing to decide is if you want a plastic or sapphire crystal watch. Apart from how it look on pics like this a 5513 or 1680 wears very different on the wrist.

[4rnold]

well, I won't hide the fact that the wearability for my is higher when there is a sapphire crystal. So yes, it's an advantage. I would get it serviced (only the interior off course) so it would be waterproof again. When I go on hollidays I can wear it any day and swim with it.

I Like watches that aren't perfect, because I'm too afraid to get a NOS example banged up and loose thousands of dollars.

But with highly patinated watches I sometimes get the feeling of the tale: "the emperor's new clothes". If you know what I mean.

Like you pay a lot of money, and walk around thinking you have something special, and then a child cries out: look, that watch is totally wasted. And then you realize It's only in your head.

[bondtoys]

I don't like the very thin lugs on the 2'' and 5'' side.

[4rnold]

Got some better lug pictures.
I don't think they are very thin. They are polished tough

[tavv160]

I have bought pieces that aren’t perfect, and after a while it started to annoy me. If you are asking the question, I think you already know the answer.

[sfc rick]

"Look mommy, that man has a faded and banged up watch on, couldn't we buy him a cup of coffee?"


LOL!

[mattedialdoc]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

well, I won't hide the fact that the wearability for my is higher when there is a sapphire crystal. So yes, it's an advantage. I would get it serviced (only the interior off course) so it would be waterproof again. When I go on hollidays I can wear it any day and swim with it.

I would argue Acrylic is the better way to go. It doesn’t get glare nearly as much as sapphire and can withstand a much heavier blow than sapphire without breaking. Yes, it does scratch easier, but that can be polished out with a mild abrasive. And it has character and soul!!



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Instagram: @mattedialdoc

[cpefy3]

Personally, I love the dial and bezel; but I hate the hands. If it was me, I'd keep looking.

[037]

Originally Posted by cpefy3

Personally, I love the dial and bezel; but I hate the hands. If it was me, I'd keep looking.

The hands could be re-lumed to match the dial. They're cracking anyway and won't last long in their current condition. I wouldn't pass on a watch purely due to the lume in the hands -- only if the actual hands are damaged.

[Amex4711]

I don't want to swim with a vintage watch, never ever

Originally Posted by 4rnold

well, I won't hide the fact that the wearability for my is higher when there is a sapphire crystal. So yes, it's an advantage. I would get it serviced (only the interior off course) so it would be waterproof again. When I go on hollidays I can wear it any day and swim with it.

I Like watches that aren't perfect, because I'm too afraid to get a NOS example banged up and loose thousands of dollars.

But with highly patinated watches I sometimes get the feeling of the tale: "the emperor's new clothes". If you know what I mean.

Like you pay a lot of money, and walk around thinking you have something special, and then a child cries out: look, that watch is totally wasted. And then you realize It's only in your head.

[Kingface66]

That insert looks bleached, sanded, and generally “aged”...and not by time.

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by Kingface66

That insert looks bleached, sanded, and generally “aged”...and not by time.

Really? That is quite a statement! Why you say this, because its not evenly faded?

Well the thing that annoys me the most are the hands. And the spot on the triangle lume. Could it be from moisture?
Off course, if the inserts is sanded and bleached, that would annoy me a lot!!!

[michaelodonnell123]

That watch looks like crap. Get a watch with beautiful patina or get new. But don't get that one.

[4rnold]

Originally Posted by michaelodonnell123

That watch looks like crap. Get a watch with beautiful patina or get new. But don't get that one.

Ok, See that's exactly my point.
Some stated that they like the dial, or the bezel, etc...
And you say its crap.

Where is the line between patina and crap? Is this just in our heads?
Are we influenced by what others say.

I'm going to do something bold now but take a look at this 6536-1 from a reputable dealer.
Is this crap or amazing patina, or just 'charming with its flaws'??? (And its just a question, don't shoot me)

[Kingface66]

There’s no hard and fast rules whatsoever about opinions of watches as far as what’s appealing to one person.
You show a picture of a mint condition 6536 to a non-watch enthusiast along with that picture of the one you posted. It’s likely he’ll say the one you posted looks like crap. But, to an enthusiast, is there some charm about the same crap watch? Sure. Maybe not to all, but probably a good amount. Is all of this absurd and illogical.

Totally!

The point is, everything is on a case by case, person by person basis.

[btinl]

Originally Posted by 4rnold

Really? That is quite a statement! Why you say this, because its not evenly faded?

Well the thing that annoys me the most are the hands. And the spot on the triangle lume. Could it be from moisture?
Off course, if the inserts is sanded and bleached, that would annoy me a lot!!!

These lume spots/blemishes would annoy me enough not to buy it. The case doesn't look terrible.

[AJDay]

I would look for a 16800 with nice matte dial and matching hands. It's relatively easy to find a faded insert for a change in aesthetics if you want that look, and you can always swap back to the original.

[Iittoo]

I would follow my heart. i purchased one of the watch that everyone think i should avoid at all cost but i know that my heart keep asking me to get it and it is nice to me. It is really very personal, i know the watch i might overpaid or cannot even sell it off at later part but i really like it.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder i always believe. On a side note, if you are looking for a watch to wear and not to sell off. BUY WHAT YOU LIKE!!! Would you smile everytime you look at it? you gonna ask yourself.