WORLDWIDE Chapter 149 Message Board

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

This Watch is being offered for sale from the boyfriend of a business acquaintance of mine.

It has been in his family since new - 1859!!

There are 3 brothers depending on the offers they will either sell or one will buy out the other 2's share in the watch and keep it in the family.

I have personally inspected the watch and the issues are as follows:

The watch was just serviced. It repeats properly and runs and keeps time.
The case has heavy wear - it is a medium gauge case.

The Key is broken.

Unfortunately the major issue with this watch is the dial. It had 2 chunks missing from it and whoever serviced it attempted to fix the missing chunks and after doing so the reglazed the entire dial. Upon close inspection it does not look like a good repair.

He is asking for offers. I had told my business acquaintance - his girlfriend - that the watch had a fair market value of about $4,500, but this was before they had the watch serviced ( and the dial botched up).

You all can PM me or place your 2 cents here on the thread.

Thanks Much!

interstatetime · Chapter Member

My two cents is that there is no way this watch should leave the family. There is obviously some desire to keep the watch. The person who wants the watch will buy the others out.

I think the watch with the dial as described would bring $2,500 tops. It is not a super desirable brand and, although the independent seconds with its second barrel is a cool complication...nobody gives a damn.

StephanG · Friend of 149

If one brother really wanted it, and not just to sell, the other 2 should give it to him.

None of them paid for it.

They can have something else instead.

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Hi Steve -

I am not privy to the particulars of the bequest behind this watch, and i don't know the family - so I am not sure how they are going to settle this watch.

They are trying to come up with a value to the watch so they can make an informed decision.

I am hoping more people would chime in - I personally find this watch very tempting. I've never owned anything like it.

Jon · Chapter President

Maybe these folks need money, BUT is money above sentiment and/or family history/value?

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

I don't think it is money - the condo my acquaintance lives in goes for about $800,000.

He was thinking after he got it restored it would be a $10-$15,000 watch.

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Jon -

Care to a put a price on this watch?

StephanG · Friend of 149

I have my Fathers watch and my Grand Fathers watch and value is of no importance.

My brother has Grand Fathers watch from the other side.

I just find it sad that such things have to come down to the dollars.

If Fathers felt like that they would never have kids cause THEY cost a fortune buy the time you are done. Shocked

Jon · Chapter President

Maybe 3K retail, as a KW is not the same value as a SW.

Bryan · Chapter Member

The dial is awful - it really kills the watch. I'd say b/w 2-2.5k wholesale.

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

Anybody else?

any more opinions/valuations/offers?

I'd like to bring her 3-4 numbers.

interstatetime · Chapter Member

Neilywatch · Chapter Member

To all -

Thanks for the input.

I sent what I learned in an email to my business acquaintance, and she forwarded the email to her boyfriend.

However, she did say they were going to look for more offers. I guess they were very disappointed to hear what they considered to be low estimates of value on this watch. They are going back to whomever did the repairs and ask them to make an offer on it - I know who it is - and I am biting my tongue at the moment.

Jon · Chapter President

Neil, quite often those who solicit repair in a retail environment estimate worth VERY high as to justify over priced repairs.

geno · Chapter Member