Appealing Oyster on Craigslist

[Dan S]

I have never bought a watch from a Craigslist ad, and TBH they make me extremely nervous and skeptical, but this watch caught my eye because of the attractive dial, and my immediate instincts say it looks legit. Of course I'm aware that it could just be a scam, and I'm going to be careful about that.

I did some research on it, and found other forum threads that indicate skepticism about the depth rating on the dial, but I did find a number of other examples, although most are white dials. The crown appears to be a replacement.

The seller says that the reference number is missing from between the lugs, but my research suggests it may be a ref 6422; would love to hear thoughts about that speculation. I have sent the seller an email asking to confirm that the size is 34mm, and also to send me the usual type of customized photo to prove that he is in possession of the watch. He is asking $1,900 USD, which is too high, but maybe not an outrageous starting point for a negotiation, since the watch has apparently been listed for two months. I'm more of a dive-watch and chronograph collector, so this would need to be priced well for me to be interested in a 34mm dress watch, but the dial is really pretty.

Any thoughts?

[SunTzu]

I can’t comment to it’s authenticity but rather to your mindset. You seem not to be too enthusiastic about it as it’s not a style in your wheel house. I don’t think you’ll be happy. I have 34mm 6694 that I never wear. I regret the purchase. It’s in great all original condition and the price was right. I know you’re looking for the right vintage Seiko. I think your money would be better spent in that endeavor as your options are much more. I’m not looking to talk you out but rather to do an honest gut check.


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by SunTzu

I can’t comment to it’s authenticity but rather to your mindset. You seem not to be too enthusiastic about it as it’s not a style in your wheel house. I don’t think you’ll be happy. I have 34mm 6694 that I never wear. I regret the purchase. It’s in great all original condition and the price was right. I know you’re looking for the right vintage Seiko. I think your money would be better spent in that endeavor as your options are much more. I’m not looking to talk you out but rather to do an honest gut check.


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You're probably right. It's just unusual to see something interesting on Craigslist, so it's probably just my hunting instinct coming out.

BTW, as I do more research, I think I'm probably wrong about the reference I originally guessed. Seems to actually be a bubble-back, which is really out of my wheelhouse.

[Dan S]

Incidentally, I found a Seiko that I'm pretty happy with. ;-)

[SunTzu]

Very nice And much more of a wrist presence than the 34mm.

Originally Posted by Dan S

Incidentally, I found a Seiko that I'm pretty happy with. ;-)

[ravenhome777]

Did Rolex use the two indices at the top like that? I think of that as more of a Omega type of thing.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by ravenhome777

Did Rolex use the two indices at the top like that? I think of that as more of a Omega type of thing.

Not common, but I have found a few:

[DaveDhc]

I have a 1954 Oyster date with exactly the same depth rating and exactly the same indices for the hours, except that it has a crown only at 12. So I'd say the indices are fine as is the depth rating, but that doesn't make this an authentic watch. It may be authentic, and I see no signs that it isn't, but again that's no guarantee. My watch is 30mm with a white dial.

Also, the crown looks fine. It looks just like the one on my watch.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by DaveDhc

I have a 1954 Oyster date with exactly the same depth rating and exactly the same indices for the hours, except that it has a crown only at 12. So I'd say the indices are fine as is the depth rating, but that doesn't make this an authentic watch. It may be authentic, and I see no signs that it isn't, but again that's no guarantee. My watch is 30mm with a white dial.

Also, the crown looks fine. It looks just like the one on my watch.

The listing didn't include the size of the watch, which was unfortunate. I sent him an email to ask about that. I'm a little worried that it's SpeedKing-sized.

[ROGERB]

So a 6422 would be manual wind and since dial sez perpetual that's not it. Could be a 6564 with depth rating but then would be certified chronometer not precision?
R

[1665fan]

I have purchased a few vintage pieces on Craig’s...call and talk in person and if they seem knowledgeable the watch or watches in general your probably ok

[mineral]

Originally Posted by Dan S

I have never bought a watch from a Craigslist ad, and TBH they make me extremely nervous and skeptical, but this watch caught my eye because of the attractive dial, and my immediate instincts say it looks legit. Of course I'm aware that it could just be a scam, and I'm going to be careful about that.

I did some research on it, and found other forum threads that indicate skepticism about the depth rating on the dial, but I did find a number of other examples, although most are white dials. The crown appears to be a replacement.

The seller says that the reference number is missing from between the lugs, but my research suggests it may be a ref 6422; would love to hear thoughts about that speculation. I have sent the seller an email asking to confirm that the size is 34mm, and also to send me the usual type of customized photo to prove that he is in possession of the watch. He is asking $1,900 USD, which is too high, but maybe not an outrageous starting point for a negotiation, since the watch has apparently been listed for two months. I'm more of a dive-watch and chronograph collector, so this would need to be priced well for me to be interested in a 34mm dress watch, but the dial is really pretty.

Any thoughts?

This one could be the bigger size bubble back judging from the photos. The big bubble back has 36mm and definitely not small consider most of watches were only 30-33mm during that era.

The non date dial looks clean and balance. I love it :)

But one thing for sure is that the crown is that replaced one. Not big issue.


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[Dan S]

Originally Posted by mineral

This one could be the bigger size bubble back judging from the photos. The big bubble back has 36mm and definitely not small consider most of watches were only 30-33mm during that era.

The non date dial looks clean and balance. I love it :)

But one thing for sure is that the crown is that replaced one. Not big issue.


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If it's one of the 35-36mm bubble-backs, it would obviously be much more interesting. Less common and more wearable. I agree the dial is really nice looking.

[Dan S]

Still working on this. No reference number yet, but measured at 35.5mm and a better photo showing even pitting patina on the dial and plenty of honest wear and tear. Not my usual taste, but speaking to me for some reason. Any thoughts on the piece are still very welcome. I will be getting photos of the inside later this week, and assuming it looks ok, I'll take a look in person and decide.

[ROGERB]

Ask for the band width (19 or 20mm) that will answer the case size question if 34 or 35-36
19mm will be 34 mm case

Oh and NOBODY looks good that close up!
R

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by ROGERB

Ask for the band width (19 or 20mm) that will answer the case size question if 34 or 35-36
19mm will be 34 mm case

Oh and NOBODY looks good that close up!
R

Good advice, thanks.

I have a photo with a vernier caliper on the case, and it shows 35.5mm. Given the way he measured it, I think the case might actually be closer to 36mm. Of course, I will measure it myself to be sure.

[ROGERB]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Good advice, thanks.

I have a photo with a vernier caliper on the case, and it shows 35.5mm. Given the way he measured it, I think the case might actually be closer to 36mm. Of course, I will measure it myself to be sure.

OK time for a prediction .... early 50's(52-53) model 6298 (pre explorer) the only part that can't seem to find is with 50m=165ft on the dial? However IF real I like it at that price36mm case and 20mm strap width
(unless you can get it cheaper) likely A296 movement!

R

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by ROGERB

OK time for a prediction .... early 50's(52-53) model 6298 (pre explorer) the only part that can't seem to find is with 50m=165ft on the dial? However IF real I like it at that price36mm case and 20mm strap width
(unless you can get it cheaper) likely A296 movement!

R

Many thanks for this post. I think that's a very good guess, and exactly what I have been thinking as well. I spent some time this morning looking at exactly that reference and year. The seller told me that it has "BREVET" between the 12 o'clock lugs (which also matches the 1953 ref 6298) but that the reference number is worn off. It should be inside the case-back though. I haven't found the exact dial either, but there sure were a lot of variations. Probably the best I can say is that it's plausibly correct, unless someone knows differently. I will take a close look in person, and if it still seems legit, I'll try to find a price where I'm comfortable taking a risk. Hopefully the serial number isn't worn off as well.

[ROGERB]

Sent you a PM

[motoikkyu]

This is super-interesting and I'm following this thread with great attention. It doesn't really make sense to have a bubble-back with a manual-wind movement, unless the auto-wind part has been removed, but that's fairly common. As for case size, I do have a 5029, which is 36mm, which takes 19mm bands/bracelets, so if you go far enough back, the 34-19, 36-20 rule is not 100%, with all due respect to ROGERB, there are some fascinating exceptions. The 6298 is a very cool reference, if that's what it turns out to be. I love my 6098, restored by R.W.T., and wear it often (20mm strap). While not as robust as modern watches, these are not as delicate as many collectors make them out to be.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

This is super-interesting and I'm following this thread with great attention. It doesn't really make sense to have a bubble-back with a manual-wind movement, unless the auto-wind part has been removed, but that's fairly common. As for case size, I do have a 5029, which is 36mm, which takes 19mm bands/bracelets, so if you go far enough back, the 34-19, 36-20 rule is not 100%, with all due respect to ROGERB, there are some fascinating exceptions. The 6298 is a very cool reference, if that's what it turns out to be. I love my 6098, restored by R.W.T., and wear it often (20mm strap). While not as robust as modern watches, these are not as delicate as many collectors make them out to be.

Thanks for this comment. I'm pretty sure it's automatic. I was just shooting from the hip earlier before doing much research.

[ROGERB]

Originally Posted by motoikkyu

This is super-interesting and I'm following this thread with great attention. It doesn't really make sense to have a bubble-back with a manual-wind movement, unless the auto-wind part has been removed, but that's fairly common. As for case size, I do have a 5029, which is 36mm, which takes 19mm bands/bracelets, so if you go far enough back, the 34-19, 36-20 rule is not 100%, with all due respect to ROGERB, there are some fascinating exceptions. The 6298 is a very cool reference, if that's what it turns out to be. I love my 6098, restored by R.W.T., and wear it often (20mm strap). While not as robust as modern watches, these are not as delicate as many collectors make them out to be.

The depth rating seems to first show up in about 1952 and absolutely agree on on strap lug width not being Gospel, occurs less often in the fifties!
Cheers
R