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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 20, 2014 3:57:34 GMT -8
After acquiring a nice 6138-0030 blue dial Speedtimer, enjoying it's presence on the wrist, and it's hand winding capabilities the search would be on for the Champagne dial version. I had also been monitoring the availability and going rates for these Speedtimers for some time on both Fleabay and YahooJP. These suckers were rarer, not often listed, and bringing some hefty price tags along with them being way out of my range. Most had faded dials or incorrect parts. I like to stick to American based sellers when possible due to affordable quick shipping, Trackability, the availability for an affordable return if need be, and for the most part good communication. And then, There it was! Reasonably priced for the most part, in need of some work, pretty decent dial, and located in the US. Of course I had some questions: messaged the seller to ask about the size of the original bracelet, twice, with no response. Humm, getting a little wary about this listing now. Noticed others had inquiries but no body was going for the "buy it now". More studying of the photo's indicated the sellers attempt to hide the fact that the bracelet had some issues by positioning it behind the watch case in the photos. It also had one incorrect end link, no biggie as I have a spare. Should I take a chance? No communication, attempts to Hide facts, and a limited description to avoid "Not as described" but 100% feedback. I continued to watch the listing for about a week with 28 watchers. No takers. I got weak and bit the bullet hoping for the best. What could worsen my fears?? The listing showed conflicting shipping sources. At checkout it listed Fedex while the listing showed USPS. I received the tracking number and noticed Fedex International shipping! What The Heck?? It was supposed to be coming in from Fla and now it's a Hugo Chavez Special coming from Venezuela. It's inbound Next Day Priority International. You know that cost more then the $6 shipping I paid! Due to arrive today and tracked to my area this morning but still out there a bit. I guess only Time will tell if I come out on the + side of this score..........  |
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donciccio
Is a Permanent Fixture
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Post by donciccio on Aug 20, 2014 4:30:39 GMT -8
I can't wait to see the outcome.  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2014 5:01:29 GMT -8
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sdoocms
Is a Permanent Fixture
Carl
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Post by sdoocms on Aug 20, 2014 5:14:34 GMT -8
Good luck!!!!
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Post by igniferroque on Aug 20, 2014 5:53:27 GMT -8
You're braver than I am, hope it works out!  |
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Post by Groundhog66 on Aug 20, 2014 5:57:15 GMT -8
The color combination on that model, is awesome...really a sexy piece. Good luck, I'm definitely looking forward to your assessment.
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 20, 2014 6:45:00 GMT -8
Thanks Guys! Only "Time" will tell, pun intended.........
"Out for Delivery"............We shall soon find out! I've got a set of Seiko nos gaskets, A nos Seiko bezel, and a new crystal just waiting for it.
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Post by Groundhog66 on Aug 20, 2014 6:47:18 GMT -8
Thanks Guys! Only "Time" will tell, pun intended......... "Out for Delivery"............We shall soon find out! I've got a set of Seiko nos gaskets, A nos Seiko bezel, and a new crystal just waiting for it. |
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 20, 2014 7:04:58 GMT -8
You're braver than I am, hope it works out! As long as the dial, hands, and case is in good shape the rest can be sorted.......  |
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Post by Groundhog66 on Aug 20, 2014 7:11:47 GMT -8
You're braver than I am, hope it works out! As long as the dial, hands, and case is in good shape the rest can be sorted....... That's the important stuff! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2014 8:37:47 GMT -8
Watch hands are my nemisis. Fiddley little blighters...
Anyway looks like a nice clean watch to start with just needing a little Barry White style love. The hand looks a little faded which is nice as new ones look too bling bling in your face. My Jumbo has faded hands and looks spot on.
Peace baby!
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 20, 2014 10:35:55 GMT -8
It's here and it's running sealed in see thru bubble wrap. Only thing is I'm too busy at work to unwrap it and get a closer look.
Venezuela to NE US in under 24 hrs. Amazing!
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Post by ninja01 on Aug 20, 2014 22:25:46 GMT -8
Really doesn't look bad (outer tach bezel looks pretty decent for these days), and it's an EARLY JDM dial too! That's pretty cool. It's quite alright if you paid an appropriate price for it's condition. |
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Post by dad-the-diver on Aug 20, 2014 22:57:21 GMT -8
Couple weeks ago I took a punt on a 6309 from a zero feedback, zero listing seller and ended up with a lovely original watch, new crystal & done. I home it works out the same with yours |
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Post by pollythecat on Aug 20, 2014 23:41:43 GMT -8
This is exciting:-) If the picture is representative the 0030 will be a corker. I much prefer the silver ones over blue so fingers crossed.
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 21, 2014 3:24:43 GMT -8
After a long day at work I was finally able to unwrap it at home to look it over. The original bracelet was as I had anticipated. It's full view had been hidden it the listing photos behind the watch but under close examination I could see it had some patch up repairs with one incorrect end link. Upon arrival it was a little worse off then I had hope with a patch up repair on both sides using some not so original links. I do have half of bracelet for parts but I think it will be a link or two short once I put it all together. If anybody has a link or two to spare I sure would be Grateful!.........  The outer bezel looks better in person then in the enlarged sellers photo's but has a couple of small dings around the outer edge which I had previously spotted. All in all it's in decent shape but I do have a nos bezel for it if need be. The crystal is in really good shape with just a few small scratches but since I'm a stickler for spot free viewing I'll probably install a new one. The crown appears to be a Bullhead crown which is a 65M02NS rather then a 55M24NS but that's ok as I have a Bullhead with a 55M24NS crown so a swap will be in order and all is well on both fronts. The dial and hands are in nice condition with just a little bit of fade on the second hand and hour sub dial hand. The minute sub hand looks like it's been replaced with an original Seiko hand because it isn't faded but has the silver hand hub as all originals have. Something I had also previously spotted in the sellers photos. The hour + minute hands, unfortunately, are not lumed. As I understand it, these should be lumed. Can anyone confirm this? The case? Well, this has seen some action and enjoyment from it's previous owner. It should clean up nicely but the edges around the lugs aren't as sharp as I would of liked to see them. After comparing them to many photos of 0030's they appear to be average. The other edges are still pretty sharp. Time keeping + functions: Actually it's keeping good time with all functions working. Chrono starts, stops, and resets correctly. Pushers are sticky which is a given on Seiko chronos and will be rectified with a set of new gaskets. Quick set day + date is working correctly via the crown and change over at midnight has occurred. Now all I need is some time to work on this watch. With three customer watches currently here for case work it may be a few days but, then again, I may get weak and squeeze mine in........ I'll have an update and some photos once the work is complete. |
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Post by Groundhog66 on Aug 21, 2014 6:13:51 GMT -8
That's great news, Tom! I really like the champagne dial, and am very much looking forward to seeing it, after a bit of TLC.
:winner:
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longbike
Is a Permanent Fixture
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Post by longbike on Aug 21, 2014 17:37:12 GMT -8
Tom , do you still have some finger nail's left after that wait ? She looks like a real beautie, but she will look better after all is done to prep her for a photo session. |
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Post by SeikoPsycho on Aug 22, 2014 8:18:41 GMT -8
Tom , do you still have some finger nail's left after that wait ? She looks like a real beautie, but she will look better after all is done to prep her for a photo session. Hi Luis, I had my fingers crossed for sure. I had a chance to pop the case back off last night and the movement shines and sparkles just like a new one........ I am ready to get started on the restoration and due to a power outage I had to close my shop for the day. Back home, I just got the generator up and going until power is restored. A perfect day for tinkering! Tom |
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