Vintage Datejust Expert Opinion Needed!

[vishnt]

Good day gents!

I am about to graduate from University and with the money saved up money over the years, have always wanted to buy myself a nice watch that one day I can pass on to my kid when he graduates too.

I've recently been enamored by the Datejust 16030 Linen dial and have been offered this watch by a third party for 2050 USD for the watch and bracelet only, no box or papers. I was wondering if this was indeed a good deal and what in your opinion should I be realistically bargaining it down to?

I will be going down to see the watch in person, and from my research thus far, I've gathered that I should ascertain if there is any corrosion inside the caseback or around the watch and check out the stretch of the bracelet. If there is anything else that the experts think I should be looking out for, pls do advise me. Thanks in advance and have a great day!





Look forward to sharing my new watch with you guys!

[offrdmania]

I cant tell if its a crack or just a deep scratch from 12-2. Most likely the crystal will have to be replaced. That could be used when bargaining a price. I love the linen dials. Looks like it has nice patina on the lume, long lugs and nice overall condition.

[Rehabraver]

The Linen dial is stunning, I do love that face, what year is that watch?

[vishnt]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I cant tell if its a crack or just a deep scratch from 12-2. Most likely the crystal will have to be replaced. That could be used when bargaining a price. I love the linen dials. Looks like it has nice patina on the lume, long lugs and nice overall condition.

Thanks for the reply mate, really love the patina too. Looks like a crack to me too! I am planning on servicing the watch and having the crystal replaced, do you know if replacing the acrylic crystal will affect the overall value of the watch?

[vishnt]

Originally Posted by Rehabraver

The Linen dial is stunning, I do love that face, what year is that watch?

This particular one is from 1986

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by vishnt

Thanks for the reply mate, really love the patina too. Looks like a crack to me too! I am planning on servicing the watch and having the crystal replaced, do you know if replacing the acrylic crystal will affect the overall value of the watch?

It should not effect the value on this piece to have the crystal replaced. Just make sure it is a high quality replacement with the correct magnification and ask for the original crystal back so that you can pass it on to the new owner if you ever decide to sell it.

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by vishnt

I am planning on servicing the watch and having the crystal replaced, do you know if replacing the acrylic crystal will affect the overall value of the watch?

No affect at all unless you are talking about replacing the acrylic with sapphire, bad idea.

[jb335]

The crown on the bracelet clasp looks almost flat. Overpolishing? How bad of a sign is that?

Disclaimer: I know nothing. I'm just asking because I am trying to learn how to grade vintage pieces.

[vishnt]

Originally Posted by jb335

The crown on the bracelet clasp looks almost flat. Overpolishing? How bad of a sign is that?

Disclaimer: I know nothing. I'm just asking because I am trying to learn how to grade vintage pieces.

Hahaha no idea mate, I did not even realise it. Shall wait for one of the experts to chime in

[vishnt]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

It should not effect the value on this piece to have the crystal replaced. Just make sure it is a high quality replacement with the correct magnification and ask for the original crystal back so that you can pass it on to the new owner if you ever decide to sell it.

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

No affect at all unless you are talking about replacing the acrylic with sapphire, bad idea.

Thanks guys, will replace it with another acrylic crystal and keep the original one too. Shall use it as a bargaining tool and get it down to 1800-1900! Will post pictures once i get the beauty

[vishnt]

Originally Posted by jb335

The crown on the bracelet clasp looks almost flat. Overpolishing? How bad of a sign is that?

Disclaimer: I know nothing. I'm just asking because I am trying to learn how to grade vintage pieces.

No idea mate, did not even realise that! Hopefully one of the experts to chime in.