What did this watch ever do to him?

Submitted by plainsmen on March 15, 2011 - 9:19pm

cgi.ebay.com/1936-Bulova-EXECUTIVE-Vintage-gold-mens-DeCo-USA-Watch-/290545632759

I threw up in my mouth a little...

 

                                                        I'm sorry poor old Bulova... *sniffs*

NOVA
Posted March 15, 2011 - 9:24pm

I'm glad to see you bring that to everyone's attention.  I've been watching that guy.  Last watch he posted--may still be in play--looked a lot like that, and he claimed it was the original dial.  Have you ever seen a dail with that big black border?

He also Photoshops his watches so that they don't even look real.  People are paying top dollar for that stuff.  I don't get it.

vintagebulova.com
Posted March 15, 2011 - 9:28pm

In reply to by NOVA

Agree with every word you said.   I guess it just goes to show that a lot of people who buy these things just don't have a clue.  As long as they are purty and shiny.

Jay

vintagebulova.com

 

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 15, 2011 - 11:50pm

In reply to by vintagebulova.com

YOU SAID IT, JAY... UTTERLY, CLUELESS! (And don't forget "TASTELESS!?)

And everthings'  "Art Deco, CURVEX..." RIGHT!? (Pardon me while I run to the toilet...)

 

:-)  Scott

Elgin Doug
Posted March 15, 2011 - 11:54pm

In reply to by NOVA

And not only are they tasteless and non-original, they're BADLY DONE!  Off-center color splashes, big black borders that wander in and out of the lines...

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 15, 2011 - 11:58pm

In reply to by NOVA

YAH,

This guy, the dude with the bright (neon) colored dials, the auto racing stripes done in Ferrari colors guy, etc. have absolutely NO TASTE, whatsoever! LOL... (Or is it ALL the same dude!?)

Junk dealers turned watch peddlers, perhaps? WHY are people buying (and WEARING!?) CRAP?!?

But I digress... Sorry :/

 

:-)  Scott

Elgin Doug
Posted March 16, 2011 - 12:34am

In reply to by WatchCrystals.net

And they're buying them for WAY OVER what collectors pay for the same watches minus the hideous embellishment.

plainsmen
Posted March 15, 2011 - 9:38pm

Wow does that look like hot stinky garbage... and YES I have noticed his stupid photoshoping with the BLING! BLING! Shiney stars on the corners... rediculous.

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 16, 2011 - 12:00am

AH YES, 

One of the avante garde artsee "dial embellishers..." Perhaps we should have a "worst eBay dials," contest??? (Did I actually SUGGEST that !? Only if we can get it WELL INDEXED, in Google!?!)

That's why I loathe FLEA Bay so very MUCH... The herd has: NO TASTE, NO CLASS, and utterly, NO CLUE! And to think this country USED TO BE half way educated, and reasonably affluent?

 

:-)  Scott 

P.S. And as we all WELL KNOW... that dial (compounded with being ten years OFF dating, by someone who's been selling watches for YEARS!) is not EVEN CLOSE, to the WORST on there!!!! :-( 

 

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:55am

In reply to by WatchCrystals.net

The mans not as stoopid as we think, hes making some good bank on theses atrocities

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 16, 2011 - 3:19am

OMG!

Doug is RIGHT!! (Average sale the last 90 days = $268.00 for all watches sold, excluding two solid 18 karat gold watches, with an 87% sell through rate!) Ok... not all of them look ridiculous... but COME ON:

EXAMPLE BULLY SALES, OF RECENT:

"TACKLESS DIALS," inc. llc.? 

And ya just gotta LOVE the "fanciful namesakes" and the use of the ACCUTRON logo! (WTH!?)

 

:-)  Scott

mybulova_admin
Posted March 16, 2011 - 4:10am

Foul....posting about active eBay ads!! UGLY!

:-)

Lance666
Posted March 16, 2011 - 5:26am

I agree this guy is presenting the items falsely, but who is complaining? He is getting 98.9% positive feedback. That means almost no one is complaining. If he ships someone a watch that doesn't match the eBay pictures, why are they not complaining? Are they all so embarrassed they can't bear to raise their voices?

NOVA
Posted March 16, 2011 - 5:46am

I think I can answer Scott's question regarding why people buy and wear "such crap".  As some of you know, when I first started collecting years ago, I wasn't serious about it at all.  I was just buying funky watches to wear to work.  They were a fashion statement, no more, no less, and the wilder they were, the more they attracted comment.  Sad but true.

So, presented here for your amusement is my cue for redial:

And then there's my absolute favorite which I have no intention of redialing because it makes me laugh everytime I see it.  It really is a fabulous watch (plus I also have the same model with an original dial).

Speaking of colored dials, did Bulova ever do anything other than the usual Butler, white, cream, and black?  I have some navy blue dials that really look nice and well suited to a model like, say, the Cadet.  Are all such dials considered tacky redials?

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 10:50am

In reply to by NOVA

Lisa, DID YOU BUY HUBBY A "leisure SUIT"TO GO WITH THESE WHEN YOUR OUT ON THE TOWN  :-P

GVP
Posted March 16, 2011 - 10:38am

 LOL "quality" collection. 

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:08am

Ok you guys have to ease up a little...not all buyers are collectors of original pieces, some buy because they like how a modified item looks, think a custom paintjob on a classic car or some thing of that nature. You all are looking at these from a collector, restorer point of view. I my self prefer an original down to the smallest detail and dont feel a collectable can be called original unless it is 100% ie no nos dial or anything else. It isnt original if you replace parts, its 'As Original' and likely as close to original as you can get but its not original. Nothing wrong with replaceing parts if it has to be done for functionabilty or sellability but its no longer original. Many will argue this point but be honest, if you replace the dial, nos or not, its NOT original anymore.  To serious collectors of almost anything this makes a difference in value, a replaced anything detracts somewhat from value. Some of you replace crystals with an aftermarket because its all you can get,or because a glass piece looks better than acrylic, it looks better than a polished original and it seems in some minds its still original but its not.

Now these funky dials are not original and to most of us, ruin a good piece, but people like to have unique items, nothing wrong with that, its just a different taste than you have.

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:42am

In reply to by shooter144

Shooter, I'm almost (99.99999%) certain all of these responses were done with Love&Humor and maybe a smidgen of jealousy...I know I've got me eye on the green one, hint hint lisa... ;+)

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:48am

Well ,as written yes but we all know that there is a large degree of truth behind these posts as well...

That 'Greenie' is pretty sweet....And the 'Orange Glow' first in top row as well....and the 'Diver Down'...and the.....

 

That is pretty cool collection there Lisa....

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:57am

In reply to by shooter144

Do you think you still want that Miss America of mine?? I just got the neon pink dial in it ?? I'm back on my Meds now.... Lisa knows I'm green with envy, hint, hint again...

NOVA
Posted March 16, 2011 - 12:22pm

You know, I hadn't even thought of pink.  And no, the green one is not available.  Sorry.

LOL

I'm not offended at all.  I put them out there for a good laugh.  I get to enjoy them every day--thought I'd share the fun.

HOWEVER, I really got us away from the original point of Plain's post, which was directed at the SELLER who puts stuff out there like this and claims its authentic. 

When I bought those watches, I had no way to know that they weren't original.  This site didn't exist then, and I doubt there was any other resource to show me what any given model should look like.  But I bet those sellers knew, when they were listing them as authentic Bulova watches.  Where's the professional integrity?  What, if anything, can we do about it?

 

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 1:08pm

With these guys there is no such thing as professional integrity... As to what you can do is contact the seller a tell them quite clearly that the product is not original, in which case they'll probably ignore you... Or you can purchase it , then after you receive it , contact them and get the price reduced (maybe) or they'll say send the watch back (at your expense) and they'll refund (if your lucky) or my personal favorite is burn them in Feedback which hurts them with their costs and possibly gets their bay account closed. I have more respect for the sellers who upfront list the modifications or improvements they've made to what they are selling....

Geoff Baker
Posted March 16, 2011 - 1:37pm

Ladies, Gentlemen - Our gracious host started this web site to pay tribute to a watch, it happened to be a Bulova. I suggest we (the GUESTS) follow his lead on this subject. Was his intent to honor only pure, original, concours, documented by FACTORY RECORDS, Bulova watches? I don't know but I do know that because we do not have access to the factory records like, for instance, an auto restorer would, none of us can truly prove that very many of the pre 40's, maybe pre 50-60's watches that we post here are actually factory original - all we have are DRAWINGS from ADS. Many of my 'old' watches have been redialed, possibly the way the they were originally dialed, but what's so unholy about a tricked out 1955 Chevrolet Nomad station wagon (which is what we have here). My only argument with this seller (whom, I humbly suggest is AMONG US NOW) is that I don't think this is a  1936 watch, I think it's a 1940' era case with prehaps a '36 mvnt. Where else would this successful businessman (woman?) have gotten the date and case ID for this hot rod watch if not from these pages? I think it's kind of a COOL WATCH in the way I think the tricked out Nomad is a COOL CAR. Any knowledgeable vintage watch collector would not confuse this watch with a factory concours original but I do not see that claim in the listing anywhere. What I do see is a successful sellers of Bulova watches, like many of you and I. Would I like to be able to command his prices - oh yes I would and if I took the trouble he does to create his listings maybe I would. SEVERAL OF YOU create fabulous listings with photos and descriptions that captivate your viewers, they reward you as his do him. I watch your listing just to see how high you sell and I'm exicted when you sell at high prices.

I prefer my waches more original but honestly? Some of those painted dials are are cool, in a hot rod way (talking to YOU too LIsa)

I commit, as a member of this forum to respect the TASTES and OPINIONS of all professing members.

I know someone is wondering...........no, I am NOT THAT SELLER! But on payday I wish I was.

geoff

plainsmen
Posted March 16, 2011 - 2:05pm

Seems like lively discussion and good debate.  I think this is what the spirit of site is about anyway!  Heh... weather you agree with how the watch is done... or not... it's still fun to give opinions and have healthy discussion.

It's a Forum... that's what we do!

NOVA
Posted March 16, 2011 - 2:31pm

I wouldn't characterize Plains' posting as "paying tribute to a watch" but rather mourning the near destruction of a once perfectly good watch. 

Just for the record, this guy does--at least sometimes--claim that those dials are original.  He's had a listing like that up all this past week.  May still be there now.  Just go looking for that big black band around the dial. 

And that gets back to my point about unethical selling practices.  Sure, if I were selling, I would envy his success, but I would still value my integrity more.

 

P.S.  I sure hope that seller is reading this.

Elgin Doug
Posted March 16, 2011 - 3:04pm

I understand the 'Hot Rod' analogy - I watched a show the other day where an airbrush artist spent hours putting jaw-droppingly realistic flames on a 1930s Ford Coupe - it was breathtaking.  And of course it's easily undone by International Dial if the buyer so desires. 

My biggest objections to this particular vendor's redials is that they're often so poorly executed.  I've seen a number where the glitter in the middle is way off center, or the black border runs in and out of the outer chapter, and looks like it was done by a grade school kid with a Magic Marker.  My  analogy would be a 57 Nomad that had been chopped by a couple drunks in a backyard with hacksaws and soldering irons, then painted with house paint and rollers.  ;-)

I guess, in the end, it's good to realize that as seriously as we take them, our Bulovas (and Elgins and Hamiltons) were the Ford and Chevys of the watch world at the time - good watches, but not the equivalent of Rolls Royces. After all, it's not like he's taking an Omega Piepan Constellation, and painting the dial in harlequin style!  Imagine the chorus of scorched cats THAT would cause!

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 3:31pm

In reply to by Elgin Doug

E  D  That's just about the funniest thing I've read in a while and agree with your analogy completely!! As I said earlier, without humor, where would we be?? For all I know we'd probably be having this discussion on the Timex site... yuk

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 9:56pm

He Said Timex hahaha.....I totally agree, just dont thing I comunicated it quite as well. I often see members here sell near perfect watches with redials, but they ALWAYS state that fact and usually state that the dial was redone as found or to original ads etc...honest selling !!!!!!Wouldnt you hate to buy a numbers matching AC Shelby Cobra for half a mil only to get it home and find even tho the block is a correct 429, its the wrong date code....exact in every way except its a 73 block instead of a 62...boo hoo you just lost 300 grand....but dials arent numbered so HONESTY is the only way to know.

Still looking at that 'Orange glo'.....and the 'Greenie'.....My birthday IS coming up soon Lisa....LISA??? wha wha where did she go?????

NOVA
Posted March 16, 2011 - 10:06pm

In reply to by shooter144

Be careful what you wish for!  Sure would save me a lot in re-dialing costs.

simpletreasures
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:22pm

In reply to by shooter144

You guys have got to stop.......sides splitting.... tears running down cheeks, starting to drool..... about to pass..........................................................................................................................................out.........................................out

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:33pm

WisH...WisH>>>>>yup Ima wishin !!!!!!

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:42pm

 WOW! 

Just lOOK what you started, Jerin?! Guess I might have caught this thread tonight, vs. right outta the gate??? 

I have NO ISSUES with "mods." And "tastefully done," is "subject to artistic interpretation." HOWEVER, even if one stretches the interpretation to include lousy TASTE... the point/fact IS... those redials (and case squiggles) are akin to "Steampunk..." (i.e. are Sacriligious...)  AND using Accutron logos to other forms of FALSE (or should I say "deceptive" and *You... "in your face, BULOVA!) forms of "expression," smells even fouler than it lOOKs, I'm sorry to say! 

And I was going to "redial" to bank more margin myself, two years ago... (Even reserved the dot com...) But I heard so MUCH negative FB from watchmakers to serious collectors, I ultimately didn't even end up doing more than a handfulof black dials!? And with the easy acquisition/resale candidates like say Lisa's 51+ "Directors" or a 60s Hamilton "Gary," you're definitely TEMPTED to "spice' em up!?" LOL...

The REAL ISSUE is misrepresentation, false adspeak and VERY POOR TASTE!!! We used to say this all the time in Architectural related design, and product design... "If you don't have taste, you can always BUY IT!?" But I've seen/worked on some VERY high end projects, that were ultimately, STILL "CRAP!!!"

 

:-)  Scott

 

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:42pm

See Lisa its all crap !!!!! send me the 'Orange Glow'........Ill dispose of it correctly....

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:54pm

In reply to by shooter144

I prefer noir, cordon bleau... two+ tone contrasts, or maybe a phosflorescent base coat with contrasting lummie hands an markers? Light on the radium, please...

:-) Scott 

P.S. BUT in noir... most of those would (re?) sell for 25- 40% more, I suspect??? :-) 

OldTicker
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:51pm

Well Lisa,

It looks like you sure have encouraged this practice!

They are a site to behold, Do you have a special room with Black lighting to store these??

That baby Blue Director is the one!

shooter144
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:53pm

OOoooOOOO.....Never thought of the black light rooom...that would look wicked cool on those I'll bet !!!!

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 16, 2011 - 11:57pm

In reply to by shooter144

 LUMMIE branded (re)dial paint, patent no.?????????????? Or LUMENessence, perhaps?

 LUMENglow?? GLOWforit??? 

:-)

shooter144
Posted March 17, 2011 - 12:55am

In reply to by WatchCrystals.net

LMAO 

RADIUM !!! It does the body nogood !!!!!

I need to get some re-lume done now that I mention it....

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:08am

In reply to by shooter144

 Well at least THEN... you can SEE the chem trails!? 

Yah... I don't even like getting near a 25- 30+ Radium dial... And I don't buy the "burnt off" = non toxic, argument... (Carbon 214 has an estimated half life of what, 10,000 years!?) And I HATE chemicals!!! (Like the outgassing from this laptop... and the radiation, from the monitor...) But I'm "Off Topic!"  :-p

 

:-)  Scott

 

Elgin Doug
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:09am

In reply to by WatchCrystals.net

Radium's halflife is 1600 years, so 98% of the radioactivity is still there.

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:24am

In reply to by shooter144

 REALLY?

I'm only on these darn computers 75- 90 hrs. a week x 50 a year!? Maybe it's time for a "walk a' bout" in OZ with a (Minelab 3500+ gold) metal detector? Or some Cali to B.C. panning+ vs. waiting around for powers that be to pull the plug here, soon??? Afterall, gold SHOULD BE north of $56,000. per ounce, they say? But I'll settle for $5k.USD (or whatever soon replaces the "USD?" ??  :-)

shooter144
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:22am

Im quite sure my exposure level to the depleted uranium we smoked all those Iraqi tanks with is more of a problem than the radium...that du vaporizes on impact and covers the interior of the armored vehicle, and we had to clear and collect intell from every one with zero knowledge and therfore zero protection....that crap never leaves your lungs. Thanx again Uncle Sam for not bothering to inform us that a simple 3m dust mask would have been about enough to keep it out, not to mention our gas mask.

WatchCrystals.net
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:45am

In reply to by shooter144

 Chris... 

Oh boy... don't EVEN get me started on THAT can 'o worms or our (Corp.) Fascist  "GOVERNMENT?!" (Bites tongue, HARD!) Besides... "Big OIL/DOD/FED/BANKSTERS" and company are monitoring... "Freedom is never FREE," eh? But their day will come soon...  (aka: KARMA...)

I sold a Vietnam vet some crystals, who was doused with Agent Orange... NOT a good thing, EITHER!

 

:-) Scott

shooter144
Posted March 17, 2011 - 1:48am

In reply to by WatchCrystals.net

LOL I have that conversation quite often myself , amazing how little people know about whos who and whats what in our country... but this isnt the place for that.

My 2 uncles and father were all exposed to the orange death as well... dads ok so far, his brothers...1 gone 5 yrs the other on his way.

Geoff Baker
Posted March 23, 2011 - 5:36am

Ok - back to Plains' original question - "What did this watch ever do to him?"

Made him a pretty penny, it did! Wish I could get that for some of my Bulovas!

-gb

FifthAvenueRes…
Posted March 23, 2011 - 6:43am

Can You imagine the dissapointment to a purchaser of a Watch who just dropped $300 on an 'EXECUTIVE'  Bulova only to find out down the line that it never existed?

They could have bought a fake Rolex or Tag for less.

If the Buyer knows it's a custom finished 'hot rod' then that is a different story but I see no disclosure of a custom finished Dial.

A lot like Buying a Vintage Car - You have to know what to look for if original is what You want.

plainsmen
Posted March 23, 2011 - 9:39am

In reply to by FifthAvenueRes…

+1....

I actually emailed this guy and just commented that these were not original dials.  Looks like there's a market for them... but they're hotrods.. not original.  You'll still make your money... just stop lieing to people.

He came back with those are original dials... I said yeah... the METAL dial itself is original... but he's absolutely lieing about the dials being painted that color originally. 

No response.