Where to dumpster-dive for Vintage?

[Travelair007]

I've been bit by the vintage bug but I'm quickly realizing that online vintage shopping will result in: a) buying garbage, b) paying a hefty premium, c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt.

I hunt for vintage guitars, pens, cars, etc. and the search is almost as fun as the acquisition. Where would be the prime spots to go look for hidden treasures, nice vintage watches.

Thanks!!

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Travelair007

I've been bit by the vintage bug but I'm quickly realizing that online vintage shopping will result in: a) buying garbage, b) paying a hefty premium, c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt.

I hunt for vintage guitars, pens, cars, etc. and the search is almost as fun as the acquisition. Where would be the prime spots to go look for hidden treasures, nice vintage watches.

Thanks!!

Welcome to the party! Where have you been? You're about five years late...

There aren't many hidden treasures anymore - everybody's wise to the game now.

Work with a trusted dealer to get what you want. This will involve b) paying a premium, but will prevent a) buying garbage, and doesn't necessarily mean c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt. Good luck with it!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Welcome to the party! Where have you been? You're about five years late...

There aren't many hidden treasures anymore - everybody's wise to the game now.

Work with a trusted dealer to get what you want. This will involve b) paying a premium, but will prevent a) buying garbage, and doesn't necessarily mean c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt. Good luck with it!

Agree

And .... you’ll still have to hunt to find what you’re looking for so still satisfying in the end.

[harry in montreal]

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun. Total hodgepodge of nuts, crooks and fakers. It’s that one dumb dumb that you have to have to try to locate. I just love it. I’ve been ripped off before, but I cant stop. The only bigger group of nuts, crooks and idiots have to be antique shop owners and garage salers. You can try garage sales, but the net has simplified valuation so much so that even complete morons can ballpark their uncles datejust.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun.

Yes, if you know what you're doing. You're an expert on the forum. The OP is a newbie. The Bay is a world of hurt for those who are new to the game.

OP, buy a piece from Harry in Montreal!

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun. Total hodgepodge of nuts, crooks and fakers. It’s that one dumb dumb that you have to have to try to locate. I just love it. I’ve been ripped off before, but I cant stop. The only bigger group of nuts, crooks and idiots have to be antique shop owners and garage salers. You can try garage sales, but the net has simplified valuation so much so that even complete morons can ballpark their uncles datejust.

LOLZ to funny!!!. Awesome comment

[Travelair007]

Originally Posted by larryccf

I've toyed with the idea of running ads in local or market specific newspapers - if you're looking for divers, and you're in Philly, you might try advertising in the navy base publication (if they have one specific to Philly), otherwise local papers, ie "Watch addict looking for old watches" - that will generally get some attention, especially from the older, as in retired, population, and who knows what will turn up.

2nd idea, i forget who, it might have been Steve Mulholland, but a forum member and seller here one day admitted he dumpster dove in his local Rolex RSC or service center's dumpster - considering how Rolex SVC centers act like older rolexes are still the property of rolex when sent in for repair, and will change out parts you don't want changed - you might turn up some interesting parts.

3RD SUGGESTION, i can't recall his name, but another poster here that i haven't seen here on the forum since my return, had a pawn shop in Manhattan and was something of a rolex expert with some exotic pcs always showing up. And apparently he had pawn shops around him who also dealt in vintage rolexes - that might be a good spot to look -- but be careful you know what you're buying is authentic

FWIW

Thanks for the thoughtful ideas! Helpful to think through..!

Originally Posted by Nickn

I found a mid 80’s ladies bi-metal in a charity shop last year
£10 ,I think, in a bag of cheap watches
I did post photos
And around 10 years back I found a 76 5513 at the kempton antique fair for £20
I can honestly say I was more excited finding the 5513 then the birth of my two soms
I was expecting them!

Wow awesome!! That’s like the grail of vintage watch hunting!! Who needs sons anyways....!!

Originally Posted by larryccf

another suggestion that just came to mind - i used to go to estate sales

you can call the auction houses that handle them and ask to be notified when they've got an estate sale with watch related items

i went to one where i picked up a shoe box of rolex parts, 4 diver's bracelet extensions, a sub case back and a 1665 caseback (that has proven to be questionable) - plus a number of small hand sets & a few rolex dials - apparently the former owner was a rolex watchmaker. But that box sold for far more than the $12 i paid for it

fwiw

I love that! Thank you!

Originally Posted by Hkspwrsche

I’m still seeing reasonable priced vintage Omega and Breitling. Seems the vintage Rolex market is already fully covered.

One of my biggest regrets was to let go a vintage Breitling Top Time. One of the most beautiful and unique specimens I’d come across. I was you and impressionable...

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I got a Tudor 7017 ona 7206 five years ago on eBay for $140. That was my best score. I also turned down a 6263 Daytona back in 1998 for 12 grand. A genius I am not

Oh boy!!

Originally Posted by Wahlberg

I had to google the Vlix one. Why is it so special or loved, limited and ...? I didn't even know about this character.



https://www.thebeardedtrio.com/2019/...ot-afa-85.html

Is this Fat_Ninja???

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

I bought a 'fake' rolex off gumtree a year ago. The thing was, you could tell in the photos it was real. I went and collected it and sure enough it was a real Rolex date.

Awesome story!! Let’s hope my fake purchases are that lucky!!

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun. Total hodgepodge of nuts, crooks and fakers. It’s that one dumb dumb that you have to have to try to locate. I just love it. I’ve been ripped off before, but I cant stop. The only bigger group of nuts, crooks and idiots have to be antique shop owners and garage salers. You can try garage sales, but the net has simplified valuation so much so that even complete morons can ballpark their uncles datejust.

The allure of ebay distilled into a few brief sentences. Brilliant. You should write their ad copy.

[ronricks]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun. Total hodgepodge of nuts, crooks and fakers. It’s that one dumb dumb that you have to have to try to locate. I just love it. I’ve been ripped off before, but I cant stop. The only bigger group of nuts, crooks and idiots have to be antique shop owners and garage salers. You can try garage sales, but the net has simplified valuation so much so that even complete morons can ballpark their uncles datejust.

I have been on the search for something 'vintage' to buy for a good price and have restored but I always get cold feet when it comes time to pull the trigger even when I know the watch is legit. But, like you said it is fun to search.

[jaisonline]

Not true. It's just a matter of shopping around and asking the seller questions before hand. Many trusted sellers here have online presence in other familiar watch marketplaces.

While I do agree it's far easier to find bargains in- person but even that isn’t what it used to be. I used to find tons of deals on items before 2004-ish at local flea markets because mobile internet web browser access was still in it’s earlier stages. Sellers had to rely on computers at home and not in-real time at the outside tables. Then iPhone arrived soon after everything became equal.

It's just harder now than every, just last yr, we had a member old Sub (including Mik-Sub) parts online for pennies on the $100s. Some folks still find the occasional loose 1877-1984 Kenner Star Wars prototypes and loose $6,000+ Vlix hidden w/in eBay bundles.

Originally Posted by Travelair007

I've been bit by the vintage bug but I'm quickly realizing that online vintage shopping will result in: a) buying garbage, b) paying a hefty premium, c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt.

I hunt for vintage guitars, pens, cars, etc. and the search is almost as fun as the acquisition. Where would be the prime spots to go look for hidden treasures, nice vintage watches.

Thanks!!

[Travelair007]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Welcome to the party! Where have you been? You're about five years late...

There aren't many hidden treasures anymore - everybody's wise to the game now.

Work with a trusted dealer to get what you want. This will involve b) paying a premium, but will prevent a) buying garbage, and doesn't necessarily mean c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt. Good luck with it!

I've been lurking!! Ha! I was more of a voyeur but I've decided to join the party!

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

Are you serious? eBay is loads of fun. Total hodgepodge of nuts, crooks and fakers. It’s that one dumb dumb that you have to have to try to locate. I just love it. I’ve been ripped off before, but I cant stop. The only bigger group of nuts, crooks and idiots have to be antique shop owners and garage salers. You can try garage sales, but the net has simplified valuation so much so that even complete morons can ballpark their uncles datejust.

I'm sure I'd end up on the losing end of that one although I do pick up vintage guitars on eBay for dirt cheap!

Originally Posted by brandrea

Agree

And .... you’ll still have to hunt to find what you’re looking for so still satisfying in the end.

Ha! Sounds like the same hunt for modern watches...eh, I'm interested in the watch you're selling, what's your wire info...done! Doh!! 3 hours later and 4 watches in...I'm broke mama!

[Wahlberg]

Originally Posted by jaisonline

Not true. It's just a matter of shopping around and asking the seller questions before hand. Many trusted sellers here have online presence in other familiar watch marketplaces.

While I do agree it's far easier to find bargains in- person but even that isn’t what it used to be. I used to find tons of deals on items before 2004-ish at local flea markets because mobile internet web browser access was still in it’s earlier stages. Sellers had to rely on computers at home and not in-real time at the outside tables. Then iPhone arrived soon after everything became equal.

It's just harder now than every, just last yr, we had a member old Sub (including Mik-Sub) parts online for pennies on the $100s. Some folks still find the occasional loose 1877-1984 Kenner Star Wars prototypes and loose $6,000+ Vlix hidden w/in eBay bundles.

I had to google the Vlix one. Why is it so special or loved, limited and ...? I didn't even know about this character.



https://www.thebeardedtrio.com/2019/...ot-afa-85.html

[Travelair007]

For the record, I have checked all family drawers, chests, lockboxes, under mattresses, shoe boxes, attics, rolled up socks but no cigar!

[jaisonline]

Originally Posted by Travelair007

For the record, I have checked all family drawers, chests, lockboxes, under mattresses, shoe boxes, attics, rolled up socks but no cigar!

I check the places you mentioned plus The Linc and Citizen's Bank Park “lost and found” boxes to no avail. Ha. No reason to check the 76ers arena after Pat Croce's bro stole watches from the 76ers locker room almost 20 years ago.

All the places we mentioned still have better odds finding something interesting than a Rolex AD.

[037]

Originally Posted by Travelair007

For the record, I have checked all family drawers, chests, lockboxes, under mattresses, shoe boxes, attics, rolled up socks but no cigar!

I hate to give up the big secret but all Paul Newman Daytonas come from couches. Check their couches!

My last vintage score was dumb luck in finding it and a big risk coming from overseas. It turned out to be better than expected. Patience is key. You won't run across a barn find overnight.

Good luck!

[Toronto Soup King]

eBay has provided several of my most-loved pieces. But the prize for me was finding a wrecked 6694 at a contents sale in a nice area of town - $50 for the watch, about $600 for new dial and hands and crown and service, and bingo, a watch I occasionally wear for CAD650 all in.

[Dan S]

Yeah ... everyone please post where you go to find your bargain vintage Rolex. Also, your favorite fishing spot, and your best camping site where you go for peace and quiet.

[Travelair007]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Yeah ... everyone please post where you go to find your bargain vintage Rolex. Also, your favorite fishing spot, and your best camping site where you go for peace and quiet.

Oh come on Dan, I was just asking for the combination to your safe and your ATM pin...

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Travelair007

Oh come on Dan, I was just asking for the combination to your safe and your ATM pin...

The ATM pin, no problem, that's only money.

[exador]

There’s a geezer with a solid gold Datejust at the retirement village that I visit. Must get to know his family better

[larryccf]

I've toyed with the idea of running ads in local or market specific newspapers - if you're looking for divers, and you're in Philly, you might try advertising in the navy base publication (if they have one specific to Philly), otherwise local papers, ie "Watch addict looking for old watches" - that will generally get some attention, especially from the older, as in retired, population, and who knows what will turn up.

2nd idea, i forget who, it might have been Steve Mulholland, but a forum member and seller here one day admitted he dumpster dove in his local Rolex RSC or service center's dumpster - considering how Rolex SVC centers act like older rolexes are still the property of rolex when sent in for repair, and will change out parts you don't want changed - you might turn up some interesting parts.

3RD SUGGESTION, i can't recall his name, but another poster here that i haven't seen here on the forum since my return, had a pawn shop in Manhattan and was something of a rolex expert with some exotic pcs always showing up. And apparently he had pawn shops around him who also dealt in vintage rolexes - that might be a good spot to look -- but be careful you know what you're buying is authentic

FWIW

[Travelair007]

Ha! This thread is derailing rapidly!!

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Travelair007

I've been bit by the vintage bug but I'm quickly realizing that online vintage shopping will result in: a) buying garbage, b) paying a hefty premium, c) lack of enjoyment of the hunt.

I hunt for vintage guitars, pens, cars, etc. and the search is almost as fun as the acquisition. Where would be the prime spots to go look for hidden treasures, nice vintage watches.

Thanks!!

I’m still seeing reasonable priced vintage Omega and Breitling. Seems the vintage Rolex market is already fully covered.

[harry in montreal]

I got a Tudor 7017 ona 7206 five years ago on eBay for $140. That was my best score. I also turned down a 6263 Daytona back in 1998 for 12 grand. A genius I am not

[larryccf]

Originally Posted by harry in montreal

I got a Tudor 7017 ona 7206 five years ago on eBay for $140. That was my best score. I also turned down a 6263 Daytona back in 1998 for 12 grand. A genius I am not

uhhhh.......don't tell anyone i said this, but you aren't alone in making a mistake like that. And i did it much much worse - got invited to share in a product design, offering me 1/3 equity position - they wanted me to handle the marketing. I knew they'd approached 2 other outfits already, so i figured they'd been turned down already and it honestly wasn't something i could get excited about.

Later they got a chance to demo the item for US Special Forces, they ended up adopting, then every grunt in Afghanistan had to have one - by DOD's commercial contractor reports, they sold over $30 million worth to DOD, at $198 each (cost of production about $34 each.

Then the two partners had an offer to sell the company for $40 million, one partner didn't want to, they got into a lawsuit - spent about $1 mil each with attorneys until the one that wanted to sell bought out the other partner for $15 million, then demand for the product dropped like a rock, ie we pulled out of Afghanistan, and the buyer who'd offer $40 million had vaporized by this time. Now the partner that bought the other partner out, would love to sell the entire company for not much more than $15 mil.

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by larryccf

uhhhh.......don't tell anyone i said this, but you aren't alone in making a mistake like that. And i did it much much worse - got invited to share in a product design, offering me 1/3 equity position - they wanted me to handle the marketing. I knew they'd approached 2 other outfits already, so i figured they'd been turned down already and it honestly wasn't something i could get excited about.

Later they got a chance to demo the item for US Special Forces, they ended up adopting, then every grunt in Afghanistan had to have one - by DOD's commercial contractor reports, they sold over $30 million worth to DOD, at $198 each (cost of production about $34 each.

Then the two partners had an offer to sell the company for $40 million, one partner didn't want to, they got into a lawsuit - spent about $1 mil each with attorneys until the one that wanted to sell bought out the other partner for $15 million, then demand for the product dropped like a rock, ie we pulled out of Afghanistan, and the buyer who'd offer $40 million had vaporized by this time. Now the partner that bought the other partner out, would love to sell the entire company for not much more than $15 mil.

Nice story but useless without saying what the item was. Was it classified?

[oysterquartz17000]

I bought a 'fake' rolex off gumtree a year ago. The thing was, you could tell in the photos it was real. I went and collected it and sure enough it was a real Rolex date.

[oysterquartz17000]

I got my 16803 (avatar picture) off gumtree too, a few weeks ago. It was $5500USD for a full set box papers.

[wappinghigh]

Originally Posted by oysterquartz17000

I got my 16803 (avatar picture) off gumtree too, a few weeks ago. It was $5500USD for a full set box papers.

wow that's cool..

[Dr.Smellody]

Make friends with a good undertaker.