Holy Grail Watch Find For Me

[JimDon]

While driving to the beach I saw a pawnshop on the side of the road so I took a quick U-turn and pulled in to see what they had. I asked about watches and the guy at the counter said they had just marked down a bunch. I could immediately see they were all vintage with one being a chronograph. With hands shaking i picked up the watch and could see it was a 1940's chrono in a gold case. I could also see the Swiss hallmarks on the side for 18kt. A quick wind test showed it was running and the markdown price was $500. I whipped out the credit card so fast!! I have been wanting one of these vintage chronos for a short while now. And to be a LeBois & Cie with a Venus 175 movement! The best part is the brand has just been resurrected. I found an auction record for Christie's that had a really nice stainless steel version that sold for over $6000. I definitely don't think this is worth that much because it's not in as good condition but I am really happy to have it. One lesson to learn. I asked them if they had a web store and they said no. Clearly if they had this would've sold along time ago. Always check and see if your pawn stores have a web presence and if they don't frequent them for bargains.

 

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[tamrock]

WoWzer!! Thats' awesome JimDon. I had an old chrono like that (not a gold case) years ago and I swapped it with some cash and three other watches at a place in Denver that dealt in vintage watches for a mechanical wind thin 18k case Corum from the 60s. Held on to it for a while and then got to selling on eBay and was stoked by all the money I was getting for my vintage watches online. I figured I could find more in my travels, but as the eCommerce picked up the availability vintage time pieces in antique shops and pawn shops for a great price got to be less and less. Still they're out there if you know were to look and your timing is right.

 

[huntsman53]

One heck of a purchase JimDon on a super nice, very collectible and vintage Chronograph! I believe it is worthy of a full restoration which will likely boost it's value 6 to 10 times of your purchase price. Since LeBois & Co. was resurrected in 2014, you might want to contact them at the link below to do the restoration.

Good luck and congrats!

Lebois & Co | Swiss Mechanical Watches


Frank

 

[JimDon]

One heck of a purchase JimDon on a super nice, very collectible and vintage Chronograph! I believe it is worthy of a full restoration which will likely boost it's value 6 to 10 times of your purchase price. Since LeBois & Co. was resurrected in 2014, you might want to contact them at the link below to do the restoration.

Good luck and congrats!

Lebois & Co | Swiss Mechanical Watches


Frank

Thanks Frank. I have someone that can service it for me.