Premium for a good case VS premium for a full set?

[tough]

Thought I should ask this here to see what the rest would have a preference for.
Now we all acknowledge how hard it is to hunt for a vintage piece, and a chance to find an all round "perfect" watch for yourself, is extremely difficult.

The nice patina has a bad case, the good case doesn't have perfect patina, full set does not have matching hands, etc.

Now given these options, what would you be happier paying a premium for?

1) A full set, but a polished case, not a horrible condition - still a thick case, just one that has seen polish yet generally in relatively good condition given its age.

2) A pristine condition. Probably unpolished, or touched up possibly once, but a perfect watch, thick lugs, with everything original, flawless! - Watch only.

I have come to realise that both options 1 and 2 are priced the same.
In fact in a lot of cases option 2 is even pricer.
I have seen full sets go far cheaper even with a nice case if the dial was not perfect (no matching hands, etc).

What will you choose to pay a premium for?

[Gliderguy]

I for starters, due to lack of experience, would go by the trusted sellers which in turn charge premiums. I feel this is fair due to the fact that they are also selling you "piece of mind". That said, for me condition is more important than full set, papers etc.

[05carbondrz]

#2 for sure.

[qadhi]

I would pick option 2 every time. IMHO a watch with box/papers but too much polished case, rough dial, non matching hands is not worth even if the price looks like a steal.

[springer]

I don't understand what you are referring to when you write that certain watches sell at a premium. I would think anyone would expect to pay more for a comparable watch listed at $6,000 vs another that is substantially nicer for sale at $7,000 to $8,000.

Not everything vintage or collectible sells at the same price. Many factors play into the equation when pricing anything vintage- from cars, to baseball cards to matchbook covers to art and yes, even watches. As a collector of many of the finer things in life, to include watches, I find the more complete it is, the more value that is added to the item. I do love the nicer, complete sets and will pay substantially more for these watches when I can find one with the original accessories from when it was sold new. I do not purchase compete sets if the watch is in poor condition.

No matter what you purchase relating to antiques or collectibles, you get what you pay for!!!

[Lordofrolex]

Well if you can 100% guarantee its real than go for the one that a better watch. The only reason people like full set is because it gives some reassurance that the watch is real.

[Frogman4me]

I always choose better watch.

[MitchSteel]

Better condition watch, for sure.
Paperwork is kind of fluff to me.
Good luck

[Tools]

I would prefer a watch that is original and relatively untouched..

I wouldn't pay a "premium" for it though; I would pay reasonable market value.

What I would not do is pass on an excellent example for one that has a box and old warranty card but is in worse condition given the choice.

[jban5]

I would also choose #2 and, if I had to, wear it on a NATO or leather strap until the correct or satisfactory bracelet came along.

[Michael M.]

Always buy the better watch period.