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Is watch time New York a good show!

Do they sell watches at the show?

Thanks!

Looking for some opinions from the group before I make the final decision on this one.

I’ve been looking at a Czapek Antarctique Purple Storm, limited to only 18 pieces, and this particular watch is #1/18. I’ve negotiated the price to $27,000 + tax via wire.

It’s pre-owned and has undergone a full movement service by Czapek-certified watchmakers at a partner facility, along with a light refinish back to factory standard. The strap was also replaced with a new factory strap ordered directly from Czapek. The original Czapek warranty runs through December 2026, and the dealer is providing an additional 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.

Dealer is The 1916 Company, so I’m comfortable with who I’m buying from. They’ve also agreed to transfer the watch to their Manhattan Beach location so I can inspect it and try it on before making the final decision.

I really love the Purple Storm dial and the fact that every one of the 18 hand-varnished dials is unique. #1/18 is also pretty cool to me.

My main questions for the group:

At $27K, would you pursue this particular example?

Does the fact that it has been lightly refinished/polished bother you on something this limited, or is that relatively insignificant given that it was professionally returned to factory standard?

And for those familiar with the secondary Czapek market, does $27K feel right, or would you want to be lower considering the refinish/service history?

I’m buying it to wear and keep rather than flip, but obviously I’d still like to buy it right.

Would appreciate opinions—especially from Czapek/Antarctique owners.

Here is a video of the exact watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAccxsD1Xvg

I'm buying gifts for my family members to commemorate my father who recently passed as a final gift ceremony from him to present to each of us. To get this accomplished in time, I'm on a tight schedule.

My addiction has rubbed off on the wife and she wants this Cartier Pasha.

https://www.chrono24.com/cartier/pasha-de-cartier--id43624460.htm

I suppose I could make an offer and request polishing.

There's a couple in Japan for a lot less (5k) and probably in better condition than the one US example above.

Unfortunately I doubt I could get this sourced as a grail option quickly so I wonder what you think I should do. I would need it to arrive by maybe the Sept 9th.

Anyone have experience with the following sellers in Japan?

TIME GRACE GINZA

OKURA CO.,LTD

Was only aquatinted with Panerai on the margins until Collective members started posting and boasting about their collections. Went down the rabbit hole and then spent time at the Miami boutique trying on six or seven references. Landed on three I liked, started searching and recalled the reco, "Do not buy new!"

Found my Luminor Due PAM01250 in near-new condition through Blue Ridge Watch Company in NC. Owner was a champ to work with and it arrived today. Man, I love it and get what all the hype is about! So thanks to fellow Collective members for all the posts. Fits perfectly at 42mm, looks even better!

I’m looking for some help. I’m looking for a birth year watch 1974 and came across a 6263 that has all its links and in really good condition. The vid is $88k without box and papers. I need to verify the following but most of it checks out.

Case & Birth-Year Verification

• Serial Number: verify the first four digits of the serial number engraved between the lugs at 6 o'clock? (I am looking to confirm it falls cleanly into the 1974 production window).
• Engravings: Are you able to provide a clear, high-resolution photo of both the serial and reference number engravings between the lugs?
• Caseback: Does the interior of the caseback feature the stamped 6263 reference?

Dial & Component Condition

• Dial Originality: Is the "Sigma" dial completely original to this specific case, or is it a later service replacement? Are there any hidden surface scratches or blemishes not easily seen in the photos?
• Lume Integrity: Under UV/blacklight testing, are all of the tritium lume plots intact? Do the hands and dial plots react and fade uniformly under UV light?
• Bezel & Pushers: Are there any hairline cracks or micro-fractures in the black acrylic bezel insert? Are the screw-down pushers period-correct, or were they replaced during a later service?

Bracelet, Fit & Total Count

• Reference Numbers: What are the exact reference numbers stamped on the bracelet blades (e.g., 7835 or 78350) and the end links?
• Link Count & Wrist Fit: What is the exact total link count on the bracelet right now? My wrist size is 7.5 inches—will the bracelet accommodate this size as it sits, or is it currently missing links?
• Extra Links: If it is short, do you happen to have any authentic, period-correct 19mm links in your current inventory that could be added to complete the purchase?

Purchase, Warranty & Authentication

• Documentation: I note that the watch does not come with its original factory papers. Do you provide a formal, written Certificate of Authenticity from your firm guaranteeing the originality of the internal and external parts?
• Movement Service: When was the movement last serviced, what are the current time-grapher readings (amplitude/rate), and do you offer a mechanical warranty?

Is there anything else I should be asking? Also it’s vining from a chrono 24 dealer in Spain and has a 4.9 rating over 240 transactions