Patek with a restoration dial - Are they still desirable?

[arejay]

While browsing around my local market, I came across a Patek Calatrava from the mid-late 1940s. Upon talking to the dealer, he indicated that patek replaced/restored the dial sometime around the 60s. I guess and extract from the archive would confirm that.

Generally, I prefer all original, but I've never come across a Patek restored/replaced dial before. If it was anyone else doing the restoration I would be hesitant. It certainly isn't shined and new looking. Still has 50 years of age on it.

Does an actual Patek restoration affect the value or desirability from collectors?

[enjoythemusic]

Yes, it can. Watches are right now not that hot a market, artwork and rare wine is a better bet. Which watch is it you're thinking about? Have you had an expert analyze the condition and originality of the movement?

[jschmidtdmd]

^ idk about the art market. It's in the gutter right now IMO.

[arejay]

It's a reference 96 in steel. I live in Japan.... so experts are few and far between. Usually, the integrity and trust is pretty high for shops here.

[enjoythemusic]

Send the 96 to Patek for analysis before committing to purchase. Made a mistake this one time trusting a known dealer and got burned on a vintage Patek. At another Patek AD they had a nice vintage pocket watch yet refused to allow me to see the movement, so I walked away from the deal.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by jschmidtdmd

^ idk about the art market. It's in the gutter right now IMO.

Hmmm, maybe you're in the lower end of the art market per se, as better pieces are fetching excellent results far exceeding currency devaluation and the ave stock market. What great investment opportunities do you suggest?

[arejay]

Well, I've contacted patek about some of the markings on dial which would usually signify a replacement dial. Hope to hear back from them. I highly doubt I'll be able to get the watch in my hands to send it off for verification. The movement and case are correct though. I actually already own a ref 96 in steel with a different dial.

My 6th sense says "walk away" but my 7th sense says "let's make a deal (depending on the outcome of my research)."

[arejay]

I wish I could comment on the state of the art market.... alas, I know nothing. I just collect old maps and tapestries based purely on aesthetics.

[jon_jon]

With any watch purchase, you have to ask yourself why are you interested in the watch? Is it for investment purposes or for personal enjoyment? If it is for investment purposes, then it is a totally different decision process. I would ask for the restoration papers if available and make sure it was done by Patek.

However if it is for your personal enjoyment, I would say go for it! A vintage SS Calatrava is a rare watch and even if other non-WIS don't know what it is, you will likely get a lot of enjoyment wearing the watch, even if the watch value goes down right after you buy it.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Send the 96 to Patek for analysis before committing to purchase. Made a mistake this one time trusting a known dealer and got burned on a vintage Patek. At another Patek AD they had a nice vintage pocket watch yet refused to allow me to see the movement, so I walked away from the deal.

Never gonna happen.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Hmmm, maybe you're in the lower end of the art market per se, as better pieces are fetching excellent results far exceeding currency devaluation and the ave stock market. What great investment opportunities do you suggest?

I think better pieces whether it be art, watches, cars (slowing rapidly) etc are fetching better prices as people flee to quality

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Hmmm, maybe you're in the lower end of the art market per se, as better pieces are fetching excellent results far exceeding currency devaluation and the ave stock market. What great investment opportunities do you suggest?

http://theartnewspaper.com/market/
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/09/is-th...elerating.html

[Passionata]

If u r sure that patek restored the dial and the price is right i wouldn t worry but if u have doubts just walk away ,a missed deal is better than a sour one.


iPhone/Tapatalk

[arejay]

Originally Posted by KarlS

http://theartnewspaper.com/market/
http://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/09/is-th...elerating.html

Of course the classic car market is waning... the recession hit the market hard and never gave up. Prices, although still high, are somewhat grounded from their lofty pre-2008 prices. It'll only get softer as more baby boomers age and if the younger generation lose interest in their parents dream cars. I suppose the same could happen to some vintage watches.

[arejay]

Originally Posted by Passionata

If u r sure that patek restored the dial and the price is right i wouldn t worry but if u have doubts just walk away ,a missed deal is better than a sour one.


iPhone/Tapatalk

And yeah I might take a pass at this one. Gut reactions and all.