Which would you choose, and why?

[JParm]

Let me know your thoughts!

Option 1
-$8,400
-watch only
-I like the color of the bezel, but there are a few chips here and there
-hands don't match the indices
-comes on 7836 bracelet with 380 endlinks

Option 2
-$10,500
-comes with box and papers
-dial and hands look great
-other forum members have said the bezel might be aftermarket, with the crystal being a service replacement (looking for other thoughts here too)
-comes on aftermarket strap; no bracelet

Option 1 pics











Option 2 pics

[roh123]

Option 2. Never compromize with the dial if you don’t see it as a project watch.

[BigAppleBill]

I’ve been in similar situations. Honestly, unless you’ve got some specific timeline, like it’s a birthday present for someone, I’d advise to keep looking for the exact (or more exact) watch you want. There’s enough of these out there that a more perfect one (according to your specific preferences) will turn up. As Tom Petty put it, “The waiting is the hardest part.”

[JParm]

Originally Posted by BigAppleBill

I’ve been in similar situations. Honestly, unless you’ve got some specific timeline, like it’s a birthday present for someone, I’d advise to keep looking for the exact (or more exact) watch you want. There’s enough of these out there that a more perfect one (according to your specific preferences) will turn up. As Tom Petty put it, “The waiting is the hardest part.”

No specific timeline, but I do see how few and far between there are of these, especially in good shape and when compared against vintage Rolexes. It seems like for every 10 GMT's and Subs, there are 1 of these.

My concern is the prices are continuing to creep, so how long to wait vs. just pouncing on a decent example?

[JParm]

Originally Posted by roh123

Option 2. Never compromize with the dial if you don’t see it as a project watch.

Thanks for the input! No projects here; I want something to wear and not have to touch or worry about.

[BigAppleBill]

I gave you my best answer. Hopefully you can afford to wait a bit longer before buying because these two choices seem significantly dissimilar. Barring that, I can only offer this: when contemplating an addition to my collection I like to determine certain criteria that are most critical to me, for example “it must come with box and papers.” Then I can go through the elimination process. But in this case if you want a simple reply, and these were the only two surviving examples, I’d go with option 2. Best of luck!

[Toronto Soup King]

I just bought a watch taking a chance on bad ebay pics...watchmaker tells me it's back together (meaning, waterproofed and working) but the dial is compromised (water damage argh). I'm honestly not sure when or if I might find a replacement dial for it...model 1018, they're not common and parts even less so (mods please note I've pledged and will be posting a WTB on that when permitted). Then I'll have to pay for that dial and pay for it to be installed and I'll STILL have a franken at the end of the day. Expensive, delays, pain in the neck etc.

All that said, my advice to you is the same as roh123's. Buy the one with the nice dial and save yourself the headache!

[JParm]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

I just bought a watch taking a chance on bad ebay pics...watchmaker tells me it's back together (meaning, waterproofed and working) but the dial is compromised (water damage argh). I'm honestly not sure when or if I might find a replacement dial for it...model 1018, they're not common and parts even less so (mods please note I've pledged and will be posting a WTB on that when permitted). Then I'll have to pay for that dial and pay for it to be installed and I'll STILL have a franken at the end of the day. Expensive, delays, pain in the neck etc.

All that said, my advice to you is the same as roh123's. Buy the one with the nice dial and save yourself the headache!

Oh man, sorry to hear about that. I'm not really a vintage watch guy (knoweldge-wise), so it's disheartening to hear about your dials issue.

I'm leaning more and more towards option 2, even if it's almost 2.5k over budget

[Verdi]

I would wait for a better example. The 2 are nice but it seems the none of them ticks all your boxes.

I personally like option2 better but at 10k.... is not peanuts.

[beachboy17]

Option 2 ....no doubt :)

[TurboTim14]

Option 2. The condition of the dial/hands is worth the extra $ IMO.

[JParm]

As far as #2 goes - does the dial appear original or service to you all?

[Racer X]

You want a replacement crystal as it will protect the movement from moisture. Original crystals are nice to keep with the watch, but you need to be careful if it's still installed on a watch that's 40+ years old.

As for aftermarket inserts, I'd be okay buying an otherwise original watch as you could source a genuine period-correct one. Some might have a problem with that as the watch is not "all original," but the reality is that some things on these watches are consumables and you can make the argument that the insert qualifies as one.

[zapokee]

Pay a couple of grand extra for an awesome and trustworthy example from one of the reputation-based top dealers, rather than chancing it on Ebay and similar. Sure, the big guys charge more for their expertise, but you'll sleep well at night knowing it's money in the bank. It's a no-brainer for me.

"When you shoot it, you'll know where that extra money went."

[JParm]

Ok all - I bought option 2!

Dealer threw in a 93150 bracelet for $1k while dropping the price $1k, so all in I'm at $10.5k (traded my recently acquired Speedy towards it at 3.5k, so really $7k out of pocket). I think I did ok for one in this condition with B&P!

Now just gotta find that faded bezel insert...

[42itus]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Ok all - I bought option 2!

Dealer threw in a 93150 bracelet for $1k while dropping the price $1k, so all in I'm at $10.5k (traded my recently acquired Speedy towards it at 3.5k, so really $7k out of pocket). I think I did ok for one in this condition with B&P!

Now just gotta find that faded bezel insert...

Niiiiice! Would love to see pics when you get it!

[kwcsports]

Good for you, it's a beauty

[herts9]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Ok all - I bought option 2!

Dealer threw in a 93150 bracelet for $1k while dropping the price $1k, so all in I'm at $10.5k (traded my recently acquired Speedy towards it at 3.5k, so really $7k out of pocket). I think I did ok for one in this condition with B&P!

Now just gotta find that faded bezel insert...

You did right. Can't wait to see pics!

[meyers]

Congrats dude! Beautiful piece

[BrazenC5]

Congrats on the 'flake date!!

Sometimes I wished I kept mine, but can't keep them all.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

[Fitzer]

I think box and papers is always a pretty safe bet and I think you got the better of the two watches. Nice pickup. But I do predict you'll end up with another Speedmaster at some point--they're just too cool.

[othertbone]

Vintage is about finding the perfect piece for you, do either of these fit the bill?