Can inform me on this sub?

[samuelhuntington]

Hi all. New to vintage and just looking around and doing some research. Saw this sub on eBay and thought these brought way more $$$ then the 9k it's listed at. I know it's a head only and the hands don't look like they are in great shape but to my untrained eyes it looks pretty nice. Is there anything I'm missing or is that a normal price. Not really looking to buy this one more more looking to learn. Thanks!!! Hope this link works http://ebay.to/1vgmNIh

[Im Lauf der Zeit]

Something's not right...

[samuelhuntington]

Oops just re read description and it's refinished dial and aftermarket bezel. Knowing that is that still a good price?

[CrownMe]

id pass

[Nobody.Move]

Run away...

[samuelhuntington]

Thanks, but like I said I more just want to learn why. I figure the bezel could always be replaced with a sourced genuine one, so is it right that I should stay away from any and all refinished dials? Or is there something else about this watch that would make you run. Thanks

[bayerische]

Not worth the cost.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by samuelhuntington

Thanks, but like I said I more just want to learn why. I figure the bezel could always be replaced with a sourced genuine one, so is it right that I should stay away from any and all refinished dials? Or is there something else about this watch that would make you run. Thanks

With early vintage sports models there are some examples that bring in big money, but the ones that sell usually have good-great original dials, original bezels and inserts sometimes specific to a certain range in the model run, provenance and good unpolished/lightly polished cases.

These watches get a little crazy as radium was used to luminate the dials back then and often it destroyed the top layer of the dial over years of time. Many people got their dial replaced by Rolex or redone by an independent which makes finding an original dial in good or bad condition like a needle in a haystack.

If you bought that watch for $9k you would NEVER find an original dial in decent shape for it, and the original bezel and insert would likely cost more than the project itself.

To most of us here we find it smarter to buy the best watch in the most original condition for the price range. 9,500 on a franken 5508 that is unlikely to ever be returned to original isn't a very smart watch to buy IMO. However a Meters First 5513 with B&P could be had for the same price which has a much better upside potential down the road. Or any other original Rolex that strikes your fancy.

[Vincent65]

nice NATO strap

[samuelhuntington]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

With early vintage sports models there are some examples that bring in big money, but the ones that sell usually have good-great original dials, original bezels and inserts sometimes specific to a certain range in the model run, provenance and good unpolished/lightly polished cases.

These watches get a little crazy as radium was used to luminate the dials back then and often it destroyed the top layer of the dial over years of time. Many people got their dial replaced by Rolex or redone by an independent which makes finding an original dial in good or bad condition like a needle in a haystack.

If you bought that watch for $9k you would NEVER find an original dial in decent shape for it, and the original bezel and insert would likely cost more than the project itself.

To most of us here we find it smarter to buy the best watch in the most original condition for the price range. 9,500 on a franken 5508 that is unlikely to ever be returned to original isn't a very smart watch to buy IMO. However a Meters First 5513 with B&P could be had for the same price which has a much better upside potential down the road. Or any other original Rolex that strikes your fancy.

Great info. Thanks so much!

[SubKing]

I would pay 5,500 to 6k max for that particular watch. That's all it's worth IMO.. Then the hunt will continue for some time sourcing correct parts, which could take a long time, but have seen dials pop up once in a blue moon on VRF.

[JerimiahLee]

Sumpters is also known for selling refinished dials and often passing them off as genuine until they are called out.

They usually a big selection of vintage often with refinished dials, mismatched parts, etc. Not collector worthy.