Newbie seeking guidance on vintage datejust

[jesseg31]

Hello…I am (admittedly not very knowledgeable about watches) but am interested in purchasing a "vintage" datejust. I located the one below (36, $4,899) but, curious as to what a "refinished" dial was, I stumbled upon this forum. My takeaway from getting up to speed is that generally refinished dials are frowned upon. While I am seeking the watch mostly for the aesthetic, I also do not want to purchase/be wearing something that is uncouth to serious folks. Given the foregoing, I am wondering:

1. How likely is it to find such a vintage timepiece with the original dial and, if so, will the price be increased dramatically?
2. How do I know if the refinish was done well or poorly?
3. Is there anything else I should know/be looking out for when considering this type of watch?

Apologies that these are probably basic questions but I have been browsing this forum and other sources trying to learn on the fly.

[TimeToGo]

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Welcome to the Forum!

1. Very likely. No, price may be lower.
2. Refinish is refinish, devalues the watch.
3. Yes, keep doing your homework and find a trusted a seller..

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by TimeToGo

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Welcome to the Forum!

1. Very likely. No, price may be lower.
2. Refinish is refinish, devalues the watch.
3. Yes, keep doing your homework and find a trusted a seller..

Yes agree with ttg - 36mm Datejust and some smaller 34mm may be paradoxically more expensive with a nice service dial * than a v scruffy original dial.

That watch looks ok... but bit pricey - it has orig (no lume plot version) t swiss t dial and hands , and I think period folded link Jubillee and is polished.

* That is not the case with many professional pieces like 1016/1655/1665/4/5513/1680/1675 etc etc of course in the main.

[Dan S]

Refinished dial. That means the dial was damaged and completely repainted. It has a significant effect on value because collectors who know what the dial is supposed to look like can't stand to look at it. Vintage DJ dials often held up very well, and they are common watches. It is not difficult to find an original DJ in good condition, and for less than the asking price of that watch. I would expect to pay about $1000 less than that for an all original 1601 with a common dial variant when buying from another collector. More for a special dial or from a retailer/dealer.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Refinished dial. That means the dial was damaged and completely repainted. It has a significant effect on value because collectors who know what the dial is supposed to look like can't stand to look at it. Vintage DJ dials often held up very well, and they are common watches. It is not difficult to find an original DJ in good condition, and for less than the asking price of that watch. I would expect to pay about $1000 less than that for an all original 1601 with a common dial variant when buying from another collector. More for a special dial or from a retailer/dealer.

So it has, was looking at phone in bright sunlight, difficult to see

[mountainjogger]

Is it me, or is the printing below 12:00 just terrible?

[jesseg31]

Thanks for the feedback- very helpful.

How do I vet sellers? Are reviews on sites like chrono24 legitimate?