Ebay And What To Look For

[Craig]

I am in a quandary concerning a few things off ebay. I have bought a few watches Montine Omax Bulova but have spotted this .

 

What do you think? Is it a fake or worse still a Frankenwatch as Will puts it. Any input would be gratefully received. Thanks.

[WillFly]

I don't think it's a fake. There were plenty of these made in many varying styles. The dial and the case look authentic, as does  the movement. I think the starting price is a little on the high side, personally. The postage is £10 - and don't forget that you'll almost certainly have to pay customs duty when you collect it from your local Royal Mail depot - because it won't be delivered to your door until the duty has been paid.

 

So, my very amateur view is: it seems OK but I'd look out for one in Europe before going for one in the US/Philippines, etc. I never buy expensive things from the States - I stick to things like specialist mainsprings! If there is a problem, it's not easy to sort out at that distance.

Edited February 3, 2014 by WillFly

[Mark]

Looks real enough - the movement is what I would expect: AS1806. The anchor on the dial should turn with the watch (like the weight inside) but picture 1, 2 and 3 show it in the same position - picture 5 you can see it has moved so maybe it is sticky. This is a common fault given the age of these. It does not affect the running of the watch though.

 

 

It's a good price at the moment but remember the import fees, and that dial is quite stained.

[WillFly]

This one looks nice - not a Daymaster, but a good looking item all the same... Bit more pricey, but a nice looker.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Early-70s-Vintage-RADO-NEW-GOLDEN-HORSE-AUTOMATIC-25J-ETA-CAL-2789-WATCH-/161205011709?pt=UK_Jewelery_Watches_Watches_MensWatches_GL&hash=item25889144fd

Edited February 3, 2014 by WillFly

[Craig]

Thank you Gentlemen I have added both to my "Watch list".

[autowind]

Hi Craig,

               To me it looks like the one from the Philippines has had the case reworked as there is not a mark on it,  suspicious, should you want the dial restoring I'm sure it would cost more than the watch, they also seem a bit greedy.

 

The other one from York looks a much better bet at a much better price and looks like an unabused example,  I'll vote for York.

 

RogerC

[Mark]

The green one has chipped paint around the dial by the looks of it.

[Craig]

I'm getting cold feet now ya buggers, still this is what friends and the site are for. I do like the York one though but chipped paint...Grrr. Then what do I expect for the money. I agree AW about the one in York.

[Blacklab]

Try and find one with a good dial, most other parts can be restored, repaired or replaced but dials are just a pain. Also if you do buy from abroad there is a good duty calculator here - http://www.dutycalculator.com/new-import-duty-and-tax-calculation/ Duty at 4.5% would only be payable if the item is more than £135 but you would probably be stung by the dreaded VAT. I have purchased items from abroad recently below £50 in value and they have been delivered to my door without problems or VAT.