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Fleabay Alert - Fake VC Observatory Chronometer
Just in case anyone is tempted by this fleabay offering; the numbers DO NOT check out with VC's production records and the Greenwich Museum DOES NOT have it listed as a Kew prize watch.
Any watch this unusual deserves extra scrutiny. Other clues, besides the numbers, is the standard CR movement without Observatory-grade features, and the crude CHRONOMETRE cuvette engraving, although the script writing looks pretty neat. A further intention to deceive is suggested by the description of "silver and gold" case as his "gold" is really the underlying brass after the silver plate has worn away. A diabolical fake from front to back :-(
FWIW, as usual I informed the dealer/seller first, who disputed the records and my intentions. Most telling, he didn't take up my suggestion to contact VC himself. If ever you are driving through Henderson, Nevada (been there, done that) don't stop to look at the watches! Unfortunately, there is one bid on it right now...
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Fleabay Alert - Fake VC Observatory Chronometer
Just in case anyone is tempted by this fleabay offering; the numbers DO NOT check out with VC's production records and the Greenwich Museum DOES NOT have it listed as a Kew prize watch. Any watch this unusual deserves extra scrutiny. Other clues, besides ...
I had been wondering about this one, Dean
It seemed too good to be true. Thanks for your, as always, excellent sleuthing. All the best, respo
You beat me to it
Hi Dean, LOL - I was going to email you today. I thought you may be interested in writing a post on this watch as I also checked the movement and serial numbers with VC. Late last night I received an email that confirmed the watch is a franken. Like you I...
As a side note
The seller has emailed me photos of about six other watches that he intends to sell and all of them do not look quite right (in my humble opinion) Caveat emptor
I see what you mean Hamish
LOL, that seller's gold-cased CR is another Franken, and I can't be bothered to even look at the rest. These are the pieces that first-time collectors get burned on and never come back to VC :-(
It sold for $3,000.
Somebody is going to be disappointed! Pretty disappointing given that I reported to eBay a week before the auction ended. Caveat emptor