1803-need some help pls

[Verdi]

Dear experts,

So, I always wanted a day-date and made
some inquiries before.....now one came my way. Knowing how tricky is to buy vintage I would like to ask for your opinions before making any decision.
We are talking about ref. 1803, 1974 according to the serial.

My questions are:
-overpolished? (Lugs look a little too thin and rounded)
-any incorrect parts?
-anything that looks suspicious?

Thanks in advance.


A few photos:

[zapokee]

Looks legit. The dial with the minute track around the outside is quite desirable/collectible.

The case has certainly been well polished. For a watch of this age that's not unusual, and may indicate that it's been regularly serviced and taken care of throughout its life. I'm assuming what appears to be a bent upper-right lug in the first photo is just the way the photo was taken, as it doesn't appear like that in the other photos.

If the case condition is reflected in the price, then it's a lovely piece. But do you want to spend more and get something with a better case? Depends on your budget/preferences...Good luck with your search.

[Verdi]

Thanks for your reply.
The dent is there, well spotted. The end of the lug has been rounded to mask the dent.

The price is around 6k so I guess it is priced reasonable according to the comdition.
I am debating in my head if I should wait for another piece, maybe a quick set, and pay extra.
I would prefer a better case but if this is, also, a good buy, I am tempted.

Your opinions are very helpful.

PS: @zapokee I like your instagram

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Verdi

PS: @zapokee I like your instagram

Thanks.

I'd pass on this DD at six grand, even with that stunning dial (although the 55 and 60 plots are missing). HQ Milton regularly have much better examples for similar prices. Do yourself a favor.

[Richard Carver]

Old worn 18XX need love too. :) I got this tired old soldier on ebay with it's toothpick lugs . There was no way to reshape the lugs so I decided to go Calatrava with it and polish the lugs. Bob Ridley worked his magic and to my eye this became one of the best looking DD I've owned.

Fresh from ebay...



Spiffed up with a gloss black dial and a rivet oyster...





EDIT wrong donor!



I sold it to a friend in 2008 who had followed my adventure with it and admired it as much as I did. He eventually sold it on to a fellow who rebrushed those poor lugs and killed a beautiful watch.

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Thanks.

I'd pass on this DD at six grand, even with that stunning dial. HQ Milton regularly have much better examples for similar prices.

It is what my gut instinct tells me too.
Buying a DD is quite abig thing for me. I wouldn’t want to flip it, more like a keeper along with my Sub, since it seems that getting the new pepsi is bit difficult. Hence, that’s why I prefer quick-set and a better condition case.

If the lugs were fatter on this one I guess I would have bought it on the spot...


@richard carver
Ohhh, thanks for sharing.
Beautiful pieces, especially the dials!!!!
I like what you did.
The watch in the first photo still looks like it had better edges compared to the one I posted.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

Old worn 18XX need love too. :)

So true. My 1802 has been vigorously loved, but I enjoy the smooth bezel and all its history and character. And try finding an 1802 in any condition

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by zapokee

So true. My 1802 has been vigorously loved, but I enjoy the smooth bezel and all its history and character. And try finding an 1802 in any condition

My only DD these days, 1972 1802 with an oxblood stella.

[Verdi]

That is stunning!!!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

My only DD these days, 1972 1802 with an oxblood stella.

Never get tired of seeing this one.

[crowncollection]

Beautiful piece Richard

Personally I would look around a bit those lugs are a bit thin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

Personally I would look around a bit those lugs are a bit thin.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It is exactly what I thought but sometimes you need the others to say to you, too.

[Willygallardo]

Rare dial but case not so much

[krh7]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Thanks.

I'd pass on this DD at six grand, even with that stunning dial (although the 55 and 60 plots are missing). HQ Milton regularly have much better examples for similar prices. Do yourself a favor.

HQ Milton is always listed over $7k. Do they (and Bob's) come down to $6k?