[MrMacphisto]

Hi guys and girls,

Saw this on the bay and whilst I was sorely tempted, I wasn't certain enough about its authenticity to pull the trigger.

Did I miss out or did I make the right choice?

My feeling its a potential frankenwatch, but would love to get further insight from the community.

 

[Hartmut Richter]

I can't identify the movement offhand but what worries me slightly is that there is nothing on the movement that links it to Hermes. Indeed, below the jewel count, it has some other name (? - "Kegwell"???) which doesn't really fit the bill. On top of everything else, the dial is pristine and black but from a time when black dials were a rarity and in a watch that shows other signs of wear. I would pass.

Hartmut Richter

 

[Michael Maddan]

One idea that you might want to consider is this: irrespective of the price, if you're buying the watch for yourself, then that's the only person you need to have a talk with...if you like the watch and can afford it, then that's all there is to it.

If you're buying the watch looking to either sell it ( one assumes at a profit...! ) or use it in trade, then you're in a profoundly different situation, and one that may have two, distinct components: one, where you're expecting a rather minimal profit and / or to trade for something about the same, and the other, where you hope to really do well, and walk away a Winner!

On a personal note, it seems to me that quite a few folks ask about watches that they intend to keep, and use themselves. They're not traders or running a business...they just like watches, and are wondering if the watch they're considering is 'real', and if the asking price seems OK. This is a 100% Good Idea, and hopefully will provide a bit of history of the watch and enhance the pleasure of owning it. It's a great idea.

Then again: if you're interested in living with the watch, well...it's your watch, and not the person or persons who are commenting on it. If you like it, get it and enjoy it. Whether it comes with an 'Certificate of Authenticity', signed and dated and sealed with a blob of red wax imprinted with an imposing Coat of Arms, or a tattered slip of paper from a local pawn shop, what's the difference?

Buy it / wear it / enjoy it...!

Michael.

 

[MrMacphisto]

I can't identify the movement offhand but what worries me slightly is that there is nothing on the movement that links it to Hermes. Indeed, below the jewel count, it has some other name (? - "Kegwell"???) which doesn't really fit the bill. On top of everything else, the dial is pristine and black but from a time when black dials were a rarity and in a watch that shows other signs of wear. I would pass.

Hartmut Richter

Hartmut, thanks, I did pass. I had similar concerns however so good to hear them echoed.

 

[MrMacphisto]

One idea that you might want to consider is this: irrespective of the price, if you're buying the watch for yourself, then that's the only person you need to have a talk with...if you like the watch and can afford it, then that's all there is to it.

If you're buying the watch looking to either sell it ( one assumes at a profit...! ) or use it in trade, then you're in a profoundly different situation, and one that may have two, distinct components: one, where you're expecting a rather minimal profit and / or to trade for something about the same, and the other, where you hope to really do well, and walk away a Winner!

On a personal note, it seems to me that quite a few folks ask about watches that they intend to keep, and use themselves. They're not traders or running a business...they just like watches, and are wondering if the watch they're considering is 'real', and if the asking price seems OK. This is a 100% Good Idea, and hopefully will provide a bit of history of the watch and enhance the pleasure of owning it. It's a great idea.

Then again: if you're interested in living with the watch, well...it's your watch, and not the person or persons who are commenting on it. If you like it, get it and enjoy it. Whether it comes with an 'Certificate of Authenticity', signed and dated and sealed with a blob of red wax imprinted with an imposing Coat of Arms, or a tattered slip of paper from a local pawn shop, what's the difference?

Buy it / wear it / enjoy it...!

Michael.

Michael, thanks. I am the latter of the above - I buy to wear, not to flip. It would have been only for myself and whilst I almost wholeheartedly agree with everything you say above, I would always prefer to buy an authentic piece wherever possible (just like anyone else). Especially when shelling out not insignificant sums of money!

 

[GlasIsGreen]

On top of everything else, the dial is pristine and black but from a time when black dials were a rarity…

Sorry, going off the thread topic here but this is interesting to know. I have a late 1930s Lipp with a (non-pristine) black dial and did not realise this was unusual. Will be looking more into this!