Watch condition descriptions?...

[SpencerD]

Whilst I continue my search for a 16520 I am trying to grasp the the condition definitions which seem to crop up in connection with so called 'as new / like new' or mint watches:

Through the search function I found this posted by member "mfer":

BNIB means all stickers are in place and some say the bracelet has never been resized
LNIB means stickers removed, resized, tried on, etc.
MINT means worn, but viturally flawless.
Then people starting using meaningless % used which vary GREATLY between people.

So BNIB should be totally unambiguous whether purchased personally direct from the AD or from a trusted reseller who has just the left watch 'as is.'

LNIB - Seems to be clear from the above definition, so a sort of 'safe queen' in which the owner takes it out of the box from time to time to try it on and admire it with stickers removed but doesn't then wear for a few hours but just puts it back safely in the box. So shouldn't really have say any micro scratches on the polished centre links which infer desk surfing use...

The image below is from a watch being sold in 'like new' condition.



The micro scratches are clearly visible on the clasp but also the bracelet shows a sticker still present to the left which adds to my confusion.

Do you think this would fit more into the category of 'mint' if it is typical of the rest of the watch condition.

The reason I ask these questions is that I am trying to 'calibrate' my understanding / perception of these terms because it looks like I will almost certainly have to purchase this watch from overseas (I'm in the UK) and all of the watches with the LNIB description carry a premium over 'mint' watches

Cheers