Comments:
This large watch seller has a distinctive trick with their listing photos; they adjust the contrast to soften sharp detail and give everything a pleasingly smooth look. Also, they rarely offer movement pictures and use a grading system that mimics the specialist auction houses, including "expert" opinion on rarity.
Fleabay Alerts
Gosh, its been some time since I've posted one of these alerts, but to make up for it I'd like to highlight two pieces presently offered on fleabay.
This one is a tempting ref 4072 chronograph. Very fresh dial, indeed too fresh for the condition of the movement. Still, a nice redial is better that a bad one. The clincher that makes this a stinker is revealed when the serial numbers are checked with VC; they don't match. Please, if you are going to drop good money on any of the high-value iconic V&C models....check the numbers!
I have personal experience with the next piece. Presents very nicely with honest age. It wasn't until I had the watch in hand that the gross act of vandalism done to the case with a hand dremel tool became apparent. In this case I am thankful for fleabay return policies as the seller wasn't willing to admit anything :-(
This large watch seller has a distinctive trick with their listing photos; they adjust the contrast to soften sharp detail and give everything a pleasingly smooth look. Also, they rarely offer movement pictures and use a grading system that mimics the specialist auction houses, including "expert" opinion on rarity.
Good hunting, and be careful out there!
None of these look like VC to me
I admit my knowledge of vintage is weak, but the registers look wrong on the chrono, and the second is something non regular VC look
Can you educate me a little?
Best
Joe
OK, a bit more detail
the chrono has a "telephone call" dial with 3,6,9 minute increments for long-distance toll charges back in the day. The two different shaped hands for the subsidiary dials were typical for V&C, even the chronograph central seconds hand with that large counterpoise appeared for a time.
The second watch is a steel model, ref 4301. Specifically for the American market post-WWII.
Excellent work, Dean!
It is a challenge hunting vintage V&C, and there is much to learn. Thank you for your help and analysis.
Best,
respo
Indeed, thanks Dean
For keeping us alert. Those "lovingly hand-buffed" cases can be tricky to spot - especially in intentionally soft light.
Shocking response from a fleabay seller
Sadly, fleabay watch sales are now dominated by large volume sellers with listings that contain 10X more boilerplate and weasel conditions than item description. I always thought this was to drive interested buyers into making contact so the seller knows who are the live fish. So when I recently asked one for pictures of the movement and case back markings, his reply was shocking. And no, I didn't get any pictures.
Everything is properly signed/hallmarked.This is among V&C's 1st generation automatics.Cal.499.These do not have Ref.#'s inside the caseback.Just a serial number like old Patek Philippe models.We don't make these numbers up.We get them off the watch during our inspection.
I'm a professional.If my word & extensive on-line history isn't good enough you may want to consider dealing with someone you have more trust in.
Thank You,
Jim
I'm a professional.If my word & extensive on-line history isn't good enough you may want to consider dealing with someone you have more trust in.
Thank You,
Jim
Sorry, I forgot the picture
A new variation of redial
The hyphen has replaced the ampersand on this "original dial"
Haha...
The famed Vacheron-Constantin brand. Is this the one from Genovia? That is Swiss-Made?
I enjoy reading these kinds of posts...
I have learned a lot over the years from the vast experience on this site.
Dave