Hi Federico

I am trying to solve a Universal Geneve mystery. I have a Compur circa 1935-1940? (caliber 281(?)) but something about it is weird. After scouring the Internet I cannot find one where, on the dial face it says Compur above and Universal below, they all show the opposite. This is the only Compur I've been able to locate with this dial. Have you seen this before? Any idea on value? It's in great condition for its age. Thank you.

Thank you, Fed and the team! My first purchase from the dealer market was a great experience—the process was very smooth and I really enjoyed the prompt responses.

I ended up pairing the watch with an original Tudor alligator strap I had from another piece but never used, and it fits the aesthetic perfectly. Hopefully, this is the first of many more to come!

How sweet is that salmon dial example? Don’t see them come up that often either.

Just wanted to drop a quick note and testimonial for the site and purchasing experience. I wasn't planning on buying a watch (but I always remain open to it) when I opened the dealers market. I had the SM300 on my "want" list for a while now and saw a great example (it's still there as of this writing).

The purchase experience was simple, including my speed run learning curve around Zelle and realizing that wire is just the way to go. Fed & team were super responsive. This was well-packed and overnighted and I just took delivery 30m ago. Very easy experience. Watch looks fantastic.

Pro-tip: Count the links! This watch has -exactly- the number of links I need (I could pop on an intermediate for a little breathing room). I could've made a rookie mistake, but instead it was only a learning experience.

I'd highly recommend the service and will be buying again.

What are people’s favorites/suggestions for a salmon dial watch.

I can’t afford a Patek but am interested in anything ranging from a micro brand to something at the level of a Glashutte Original.

Any thoughts on the Breitling Datora?

I have purchased several watches over the last couple years, but only two pre-owned - both here in the forum. First was the Ball Engineer Worltimer, and more recently the JLC Master ultra-thin, copper dial. I am relatively new to all of this and have never traded or sold a watch…so still learning the ropes.

the problem: I have a big wrist so in both cases I need a new / expanded band. Any recommendations on quality solution providers with good service?

For Ball: it took forever to get a response, but once I got through to the right people they sent links, and it was a ridiculously reasonable price. There still not here though, so fingers crossed.

For JLC, I haven’t done anything yet because I have only had it a couple days; plus it works if I use the last hole a decouple everything to get it in and off. I love the band, but I’ll eventually get one that fits properly.

Any thoughts from those that have dealt with this before would be much appreciated. My wrist is about 8” around….

Does anyone else see this? When I click the forum button on the top ribbon there is no issue, but when I click a specific subject section on the left the lower ribbon rises with the scroll and blocks the page. I also realize until there is a response to a thread, that a new thread will not show in general forum view (accessed via the top "forum" click. This is on my Windows PC running Chrome Version 144.0.7559.110.

Hi Fed,

just wanted to make you aware that when hitting the reply button to emails from your delraywatch website I am getting a failure notification. I like to go to the site as you have more pictures and more info than the FTW website. Your system then generates an email asking if there are more questions etc that you can answer. Says to hit reply. Here is the notification I received when trying to reply

Sorry, we were unable to deliver your message to the following address.

<federico@delraywatch.com>:

550: 5.1.1 The email account that you tried to reach does not exist. Please try

5.1.1 double-checking the recipient's email address for typos or

5.1.1 unnecessary spaces. For more information, go to

Hey guys, I want to take a minute to introduce you to two members of my expert team - TaoChin and BigTX.

Both are industry insiders and admittedly much smarter than I am (but I'm better looking).

I met TaoChin many years ago on a watch junket in Switzerland and then we worked together when I was his rep at Richemont and he was at another AD. He currently works at a multi-brand AD in the North East, he's a true watch nerd and a great guy. His identity has to be private because most ADs frown on their employees sharing inside information and they are specifically required not to participate in social media discussions around product. We've bounced ideas off of each other for years and I'm sure he'll be a welcome addition to the pro team at FTW.

BigTX is a B2B dealer that I've worked with since the launch of Delray. We call each other weekly to discuss deals and potential opportunities and he knows the ins and outs of buying and selling even better than I do. Most importantly he's a true watch geek (unlike 99% of wholesalers) and loves sharing his knowledge and talking about watches.

I asked this in another thread, but it understandably got buried as it wasn't completely on topic so I figured I'd ask here. Apologies if this is considered duplicate.

Does anyone have experience or thoughts on buying on eBay via their authenticity guarantee program (or without it, quite frankly). I have the ability to purchase sales tax free on eBay and there are some attractive prices on pieces that claim to be new (and there is even still room for more negotiation). The authenticity program I've used in other categories of goods, and it has generally been pretty good though I have heard stories of fakes getting through.

If not going through the Authenticity Program, eBay is actually a great place from a BUYER'S perspective (not so much a seller) because they'll always side with a buyer and allow a return even if the seller doesn't allow returns (at least in other categories of goods... I need to double check this with watches).

Does anyone here have any tales, good or bad, on buying on eBay? I'm only looking at watches I have carefully vetted and tried on.

Thank you all!

Does anyone know of a reliable third party insurance product to use with Fedex shipment that will insure a watch with a value of $10,000-$15,000 and is available to people without an established business selling watches?

Thanks!

I’ve gotten pretty into Grand Seiko lately. I was in Japan recently and stopped by one of their boutiques, and the dials completely sold me. The craftsmanship in person is on another level. There’s actually a really nice boutique here in Miami too.

Right now I have the Shunbun limited edition (1 of 1,500), and I honestly think it’s one of the most beautiful dials out there. The texture, the light play, and the smooth sweep of the Spring Drive are really, really awesome.

Curious how many other Grand Seiko fans are on here. What are you guys wearing?

Also interested in hearing thoughts on how you guys feel GS stacks up against Rolex, Omega, and the other big “name” brands that tend to get labeled as superior. From a finishing and value standpoint, I think Grand Seiko might offer some of the best bang for your buck in the industry right now.

Would love to hear everyone’s take!

I live in Florida and have fully embraced a very Florida type of interior design, the Tommy Bahama look.

One of my older and most beloved dust traps is this bookshelf in my office. At various times it’s held old law schoolbooks, kids artwork, and a whole lot of Omegas over the years. But now there’s a shelf for my revolvers and certain associated books and my Breguet shelf. Hopefully soon enough I’ll have another watch box to grace it.

any others go beyond the watch box in your closet approach?

I was just offered from my retailer this VC overseas blue dial … it’s an absolute stunner, but I wasn’t quite ready to drop $30,000 on a watch today.. I would say I could still get it tomorrow but obviously it won’t be there long … is this a no-brainer to walk away from as far as pricing, inability? Or is it a money loser if I decide to sell it down the road?

I really enjoy the watch shopping experience and prefer trying a piece on before pulling the trigger. The problem is that "trying before buying" is nearly impossible in the grey market. For example, I recently tried the Vacheron Constantin 222; I absolutely love the aesthetic, but I hated how it actually fit my wrist.

Does anyone have suggestions for reputable grey market dealers that have physical showrooms? Also, could we start a "hall of fame" list for dealers with solid reputations?

Fed, I know you’re on that list, and I’d value your take on this. I’m sure I’m not the only one struggling with the "buy-and-hope" nature of online secondary market deals. (Also, I’d love a "blacklist" of dealers to avoid, though I know calling people out can be tricky!)

This morning I walked to the kitchen looking to get my coffee naked - or at least without a watch and my wife teased me a bit: walking around naked. So it got me wondering just if I’m alone with my watch induced farmer’s tan.

It’s funny, for years whenever I looked at a fifty fathoms that 4:30 date just irked me. I’ve considered the Big Date model, but never pulled the trigger. Then the Swatch version came out and I gave the blue a shot and have loved it - the date doesn’t bother me at all.

Today my wife asked the date and I looked down only to see this!😂

Hi Federico

Do you think 8k for a Ressence Type 8 full set is reasonable. I don't typically purchase for investment but am curious if you think it would hold its value fairly well? Thank you.

Hi Federico

Curious about your thoughts regarding a 903. Roger Dubuis Aqua Mare Sports Activity, Reference GA35 219 CP3.53. I've seen various years and like them but I'm wondering what do you think is a reasonable price for one and are they historically worth it. Thank you.

Hello,

I am debating whether or not pick up a pre-owned 2022 Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 Dark Side Of The Moon 311.92.44.30.01.001 (Dark Side of the Moon). Last serviced in June 2025. Full set

What do you all think? good deal? meh? walk away?

Thanks!