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Shuold I buy/restore this?

2K views 23 replies 12 participants last post by  MaxIcon 
#1 ·
Hi.

I'm thinking about buying this vintage Raketa 24 hour.
I wanted to get one in pristine condition but this is the only one I can find and it's available in my country locally.
Is $90 worth it for this?
What kind of restoration do I need for do for this (is a restoration even worth it)?

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#2 ·
If you like it and can afford it then buy it, as far as restoring it, what’s to restore? Just get it serviced and wear it, it’s cosmetically fine.

Matt


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#5 ·
The seller said it was recently serviced by a specialist.
He said, "can be used daily, it has been recently serviced and keeps time well(within a minute - if allowing the possible change due to ambient temperature difference)"
For the restoration, some chrome is removed from the bezel, case and crown (the 'brass' inside is showing) that's the only concern I have. The movement and hands are legit and I like the natural wear on the dial.

You guys don't think that the dings and 'dechromed' parts look bad?
 
#15 ·
The seller said it was recently serviced by a specialist. . . .
Some will view "specialist" as an interesting choice of linguistics.

. . . . if you really believe that it has been serviced. But I am skeptical, given the sketchy description by the seller who won't even commit to the notion that the watch will keep time within a minute per day. . . .
BBD gives voice to the panel's unspoken fears.

Hmm that is a nice idea bro! . . . .
BBD is a bro!

Dilly! Dilly!

For the most expert answers on vintage Raketa watches, I would recommend posting on the Russian forum:

Russian watches
For the most expert answers on vintage watches I recommend F6.

This Ebay seller from Bulgaria has 83 serviced Raketas, fyi. . . . .
Bulgaria and serviced together in the same sentence.
 
#11 ·
Seems quite expensive give the condition. I guess the price is ok if you really believe that it has been serviced. But I am skeptical, given the sketchy description by the seller who won't even commit to the notion that the watch will keep time within a minute per day. Since these watches are cheap, you might as well buy the nicest one you can find, and then have it serviced by someone you trust.
 
#12 ·
Hmm that is a nice idea bro! I have seen some on sale on the eBays at the same price range but with better condition. The only advantage is that this one is already in my country (as opposed to Russia from eBay) and will get to me the in 2 days. Better continue on hunting then (I really want a legit 24h Raketa).
 
#16 ·
Just a couple of observations - it has the correct 2623 movement, appears genuine and correct. The level of wear is well within expectations considering the notoriously thin chrome plating used in that era. Tidy, original 24hr Raketas with the correct movement are not ten a penny. It may be towards the higher end of the price range but I doubt if you will find one much better.
FWIW the movement looks pretty clean so may have been serviced. Just in case you are concerned the Raketa 26xx series movements are bombproof and simple, therefore any watchmaker can service it.
 
#18 ·
I had this dream that it can have a good patina, probably not lol

Just a couple of observations - it has the correct 2623 movement, appears genuine and correct. The level of wear is well within expectations considering the notoriously thin chrome plating used in that era. Tidy, original 24hr Raketas with the correct movement are not ten a penny. It may be towards the higher end of the price range but I doubt if you will find one much better.
FWIW the movement looks pretty clean so may have been serviced. Just in case you are concerned the Raketa 26xx series movements are bombproof and simple, therefore any watchmaker can service it.
Thanks a lot for this insight I learned a lot and it gave some things to think about. I am still in contact with the seller and he said he can source one (same) at a better condition (nearly new) but much more expensive ($150) Do you think it is a good deal?
 
#20 ·
Here are the pictures he sent for the $150.
I checked on eBay and that is the also standard price from something of this condition.

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It's almost double the price of the one with lots of scratches and dings and dechromed parts.
I'm asking it here on F11 because I want a perpective from vintage collectors' point of view.
I will ask on F10 for authentication (but I think this one looks legit too, the movement is correct, the dial correct and hands are correct too).
 
#22 ·
I'll try to ask him that. I'll also ask out on F10 if they think it's refinished.
As for sold listings, watches with almost the same condition sold around $100-200 ($120 is the average)
I feel sorry for those sold items that are franken and fake Raketas though :(
 
#24 ·
I have a few hard-to-find Russian watches (Slava California and Watermelon) and one common one (Raketa Copernica), and paid well over the typical going price for NOS versions when I managed to find them. I find the beautiful condition has paid off on my wrist long after the extra cost has been forgotten.

Here's my Slava California - an acquired taste, to be sure, but a source of much wrist pleasure to me!

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