Interesting thread on use of term "tropical" over on VRF

[77T]

Sometimes the pictures belie the text. Hardly worn says the seller. A blistered dial with an almost pristine bezel insert. Smells...

[U5512]

Originally Posted by J!m

Why not just call it "unique" dial and let the buyer decide if it suits their taste?

"Unique"??? If you're referring to the Submariner dial in this thread, how about just call it as is: A WATER DAMAGED DIAL!!!

[roh123]

Personally I think it is sad when sellers over market watches. I am sure both Philipp and Jacek (and anyone knowledgable else) knows exactly what tropical means. In both cases mentioned in this thread the aim is to put lipstick on a pig in order to sell it to someone which is clueless. Of course the buyer should know what to buy but reality is that a lot of buyers don't know. Then they buy from well-known dealers and therefore expect to get what they think they buy. Usually tropical equals an expensive and collectible watch. In cases like the ones we discuss the watches are very expensive and well within five digits. I think a newbie buying this will have big problems selling this when he wants to move on in his collecting.

I don't like it when all respobsibility is moved to the buyer. That is not the enthusiast market I got into long time ago and that is not the collecting world I want to be in.

Each to their own of course.

[Zoran]

Originally Posted by roh123

Personally I think it is sad when sellers over market watches. I am sure both Philipp and Jacek (and anyone knowledgable else) knows exactly what tropical means. In both cases mentioned in this thread the aim is to put lipstick on a pig in order to sell it to someone which is clueless. Of course the buyer should know what to buy but reality is that a lot of buyers don't know. Then they buy from well-known dealers and therefore expect to get what they think they buy. Usually tropical equals an expensive and collectible watch. In cases like the ones we discuss the watches are very expensive and well within five digits. I think a newbie buying this will have big problems selling this when he wants to move on in his collecting.

I don't like it when all respobsibility is moved to the buyer. That is not the enthusiast market I got into long time ago and that is not the collecting world I want to be in.

Each to their own of course.

I agree with Per on this.
It also seems that lately everything has become about maximizing profits by describing the watch more attractive or desirable/collectible than it really is.
Plenty of people who have been around long enough see through this, but there are more and more people getting into vintage every day who get duped by this.
As mentioned also in this thread, everyone is free to describe as they want and it is the buyers responsibility for due diligence. In the end there will always be someone left holding the hot potato. Plenty of new players buy from reputable sellers and pay a hefty premium for the peace of mind. They want reassurance that the watch is what was described because plenty of times the words used to describe it seem to make the watch more desirable thus easier to sell later on.

Now, the hypocrisy we saw regarding this watch is just laughable.
But don't forget some people make a living of these practices. I am not saying Phillip is, at all. But I know forums where a certain watch for sale is being vetted first by a potential buyer by asking the "popular specialist" if all is good.
Following step is breaking that watch down as not good, followed by "if you really want a good one, I can get one for you" at a slightly higher price that is but at least you will be set...

Nowadays it's all about the $$. Not sure if it was like this 5 years ago, but it sure made me look at this from a different perspective.

[DCgator]

Buyer beware is what I'll go by if I should ever consider buying a vintage watch.

[Vincent65]

"Tropical Denim" - please... ("warty water damage" more like, or "shitage")

Hypocrisy. Oops.

I've also seen discrepancies and the occasional 'tweaked' image on that market of passion (for example, doctored/hidden lume damage, which was apparent on some images of the watch, and then not on others - and before anyone asks, I can't be bothered to look for it again, nor do I recall the seller, but I saw it at least a couple of times... If you have the time and patience, maybe it's still there to be dug up)

It's a shame that's happened, because respect and admiration is lessened somewhat, and all because the 'passion' was turned into a marketplace.

And then this.

Again... oops.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by roh123

Personally I think it is sad when sellers over market watches. I am sure both Philipp and Jacek (and anyone knowledgable else) knows exactly what tropical means. In both cases mentioned in this thread the aim is to put lipstick on a pig in order to sell it to someone which is clueless. Of course the buyer should know what to buy but reality is that a lot of buyers don't know. Then they buy from well-known dealers and therefore expect to get what they think they buy. Usually tropical equals an expensive and collectible watch. In cases like the ones we discuss the watches are very expensive and well within five digits. I think a newbie buying this will have big problems selling this when he wants to move on in his collecting.

I don't like it when all respobsibility is moved to the buyer. That is not the enthusiast market I got into long time ago and that is not the collecting world I want to be in.

Each to their own of course.

Great points

[Vincent65]

Originally Posted by roh123

I don't like it when all respobsibility is moved to the buyer. That is not the enthusiast market I got into long time ago and that is not the collecting world I want to be in.

This.

[southtexas]

Looks like passion market website has already pulled their "tropical denim" listing, without comment on the VRF thread.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[schaumburgla]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Was looking at that listing yesterday, wondering if the 'tropical' description was really fair.

www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=518782

As he seems to be priced well below what the going rate is for a gilt 5513 & well below what the going rate would be for a flawless "tropical" dial. IMHO it's just a term & pics tells the story. The definition of Tropical does use the term "humid".. so in that regard I think it qualifies :)