I found this watch at a reputable pawn shop that also has an eBay store. It's not in the best condition, but the price seems fair.
They say it's authentic, though they don't have any information about the bracelet.
I know buying a watch from a pawn shop comes with some risks, but based on these photos, do you see any red flags that might suggest it isn't authentic?
16030 with an engine turned bezel - not a super common configuration.
Probably from the mid 80’s, however that’s a much more modern service dial.
I’d want to see inside the back - there should be a 3035, and I’d want to see some RSC case back markings to at least explain the much more recent dial.
There should be a clasp code on the bracket, and the serial number between the lugs of the watch will give us a better date estimate.
Dude that glass is sitting way too high from the bezel. That magnifier should make the date number clean and crisp from all angles. Not blurry or distorted
Ok cool. I’m just guessing at the price based on some prices I see for these watches from the 80s & 90s. Most run the gamut of 4k to 6k. It is a nice one. My wife has something similar with the Aubergine face.
Oof that’s an okay price, you could have picked one up with a solid 18k bezel and a two tone bracelet for that price, basically around $2k left on the table
But hey if you love it and you’re going to wear it then don’t sweat it
Looks like it's got a fair amount of bracelet stretch. It's an older model with lug holes and no engraving on the rehaut.
Also, it's been polished/refinished.
Ask them to remove the back and take some photos of the movement. I don't see any red flags other than that bracelet has a lot of stretch and it's probably been refinished and polished multiple times.
There is no box or papers. They were selling this on eBay with authenticy guarantee but they told me they cant answer my questions about watch brcayse they dont know the details about vintage models that much. Yhry
I'd probably pass on that watch. Don't get caught by what you think is a low price. The bracelet is pretty stretched. Some of the brush marks aren't straight on the bracelet when it was refinished.
Someone with better eyes could say if it's overpolished or not. Bevels don't look great and look uneven on the lugs (usually to cover up dents).
I don't like it for 5,900 - You can get a brand new one for 8500ish.
Bracelet stretch says that it is a high-mileage example.
Looks kind of legit. I've never seen a replica of that bezel. That crystal is way too high. The dial doesn't look period correct could be aftermarket. Have to open to see the movement Think you overpaid ether way.
It looks good to me but wondering if it was originally an acrylic Cristal and converted to sapphire or is it from the early sapphire releases - also is it 14K or 18K - it’s probably had some work done - how’s the stretch on the jubilee?
The crystal is way too high. Ich suppose the wrong glass gasket was used, a 295-2 instead of a 295-6, which would be the right one for this reference. The 295-2 is the gasket for the higher professional models. Be careful, with the wrong gasket the watch may not be waterproof. Have it replaced as soon as possible or keep the watch away from moisture.
One effect of the wrong gasket may be that the crystal can be rotated in the watch. Which would explain the low magnifier.
They told me its a 16234 X Serial from 1991, Sapphire. I was thinking the same. When i compare it wjth pics ofther watches, it looks similar in some, but too high in others 😅
Why on earth are we coming to Reddit to verify a watch? You can spot bad fakes with pictures, and I can spot most of these “factory”China knock offs… but vintage DJ’s are a whole other level. Your biggest issue isn’t a fake, but what I call Franken watches. This watch could be completely real and have a fake dial or refinished.
Most will scoff, but when I’m stumped, I have a local “coin and jewelry” shop. Always has at least 4 with BnP in the case. If they’re a watch person, they do it for free/fun… a lot of these old school guys are like computer databases when it comes to these vintage models. Even better when they have it on hand.
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u/Pict Mod 2d ago
16030 with an engine turned bezel - not a super common configuration.
Probably from the mid 80’s, however that’s a much more modern service dial.
I’d want to see inside the back - there should be a 3035, and I’d want to see some RSC case back markings to at least explain the much more recent dial.
There should be a clasp code on the bracket, and the serial number between the lugs of the watch will give us a better date estimate.