Ettiquette whan looking at Vintage pieces

[rook]

I was walking around during lunch today and I noticed a small hole in the wall store with a customer looking at something with a jeweler loupe. Being nosey I poked my head inside…..are those watches I see????? YES!!!!! Used watches??? YES!!!!!

I walked inside and on the counter were 2 subs: a transitional 16800 and maybe a more modern 16110.

In the display case were Datejusts/Omegas/ Breitlings and other misc goodies. The salesman noticed me perusing the goods and asked if I would like to take a closer look. He then brought out an additional Sub….a 5513.

I am NOT well versed in Vintage Rolexes, but I’ve learned a lot from reading this board. It was a kick actually handling these older pieces and seeing patina and yellowed lume firsthand.

The guy said he gets new(old) stuff all the time. I was like a kid in the candy store!!!!

Not that I am even remotely close to making my first vintage purchase, but I do see that happening in the far term future. If and when I am ready to take that plunge what is the correct etiquette when inspecting these older pieces? I could easily see that the hands were replaced on the 5513. I did not ask further details about the movement.

1) Can I ask for him to remove the case back and bracelet just so I can inspect it (not going to buy on the spot)?
2) Since I am a rookie I would love to take pics of the guts and run it by you guys here to see what you think of the piece. Is that a faux paux to ask to take pics then basically indicate “I’ll be back later after I get this checked out”?

Thanks for any advice!!!!

(Vintage) Rook

[Dan Pierce]

When you are ready to purchase I think it's OK to ask to see the movement. He might not have the ability to remove the case back. If he does, I'd take pics too. Removing the bracelet is a must though to check reference and serial numbers.
I wouldn't ask for the above if just window shopping.
Good luck. The vintage market is a blast.
dP

[BigJim]

I think anyone even remotely familiar with selling older watches should be prepared to accomodate the basic "is this authentic" type of questions.

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by rook

.
1) Can I ask for him to remove the case back and bracelet just so I can inspect it (not going to buy on the spot)?
2) Since I am a rookie I would love to take pics of the guts and run it by you guys here to see what you think of the piece. Is that a faux paux to ask to take pics then basically indicate “I’ll be back later after I get this checked out”?(Vintage) Rook

1.If you are just looking and are not ready to buy I say no. If you like what you see and determining the condition of the movement is your sticking point you may want to tell the seller you will buy the watch if it passes your visual inspection of the movement.Most dealers sell vintage as is unless it was recently serviced.

[55121967]

What a great thread!!

The first time you see and handle a vintage piece is unforgettable....I did a straight swap for a Y serial sub in 2004 for a 5mil 1680. The 1680 is still with me, it had a service at Bexley 2 years ago. I've never looked back, vintage v modern - no contest!!

Every vintage piece is slightly different, patina, older style bracelets etc etc. Just a whole different experience.

Now I've added a 5512 to the collection, and a few weeks ago a Maxi dial 5513 from Steve Mulholland - what a guy!! Every bit of the service was TOP-NOTCH. Superb in every way!! Even accommodated some "unorthodox" shipping requests (!)

So, yeah, do your homework real good. This site is a mine of fantastic info. And enjoy the vintage experience, every piece has a story to tell...

[AWATCH]

I think that if your ready to purchase, it would be alright to ask to see the numbers and the movement. If you are just looking - no