Zodiac Talk => I saw this Zodiac on the Internet... => Topic started by: claustro on February 07, 2023, 05:55:09 PM

Title: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 07, 2023, 05:55:09 PM
Hi guys,
this is my first post, my name is Andrea and I am from Italy.
I would like your expert opinion before buying my first vintage Zodiac.
The gray one is nearly NOS, but very expensive it come from a trusted seller and he asks me about 1200 euros.
The blue one is quite cheaper, the request is about 600 euros and is an internet seller.
Do you think the Gray one really deserves the extra money knowing that I will wear the watch often and in some time it will have also some scratches or hairlines?
Can you suggest to me a range of prices for this kind of watch in case I will be unable to buy one of this two?

Thank you



Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 08, 2023, 06:45:34 AM
Sorry but both seem high to me, even with the low exchage rate. Have they been serviced? If not figure another $300 to get that done before you wear it.

Let me show you this. These watches have been sold recently.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=square+vintage+zodiac+astrographic+watch&_sacat=0&LH_Complete=1
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 08, 2023, 10:22:47 AM
Thank you very much for your answer!
I'll take a look at better offers, unfortunately, the majority of the watch comes from the USA and I have to pay about 25% extra for the duty fee. In addition to that many sellers don't ship overseas. I have been looking at this particular model for about 1 year and I never saw a good one (bracelet no damage ) lower than 550/600.

But I am not in a hurry and I'll keep searching, now I know that I can find an astrographic at about 450 euros.
Do I need to have special precautions looking for this model this model?

Thank you.
Andrea
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 08, 2023, 10:46:46 AM
Not really. It is a popular model with collectors.
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 22, 2023, 11:50:36 AM
Hi, can I have your opinion on this one 450$ serviced.
Thank you
Andrea
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 22, 2023, 04:25:59 PM
That is a great price if it was fully serviced correctly!
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 22, 2023, 05:58:25 PM
Quote from: Butch on February 22, 2023, 04:25:59 PMThat is a great price if it was fully serviced correctly!

Thank you very much for your answer!
The seller swear that is serviced but not a clear certification if it.
My doubt is the surrounding of the blue dial that seems more "white" like the one mounted in the watch with gray dial. I was fear that the watch has originally a grey dial and then changed with a blue one.
Do you think the watch seems esthetically good and original?
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 22, 2023, 06:30:36 PM
I think so. I think what you are seeing is hazing on the crystal or mayve the 3 transparent disks.

Edit: Most likey the 50 year old discs.
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 23, 2023, 02:54:46 AM
I bought the watch!. I love this iconic model and searched for it for a long time.  I'll report here when it arrives.
Thank you very much for your help!
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 23, 2023, 06:39:00 AM
Good for you! Welcome to the Zodiac World.
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 28, 2023, 10:47:30 AM
Update . The watch arrived today but unfortunately there is some problem with it and I am thinking about shipping it back.

1) glass has a small dent, is not described in the listing, and is very difficult to see in the photos provided on the site where I bought it.
2) the back part of the case that sits behind the dial is clear and not black/blue like the one I normally see on this reference. This makes me think that this case comes from a watch with a silver dial and not blu.
3) the movement seems quite dirty, and also there is a missing screw,  so I have some doubts about the "service", an additional doubt about the watch was really disassembled is that  I had a lot of effort into removing the bracelet because the spring bar was dirty and oxidated.

If I ship it back I'll lose about 90 euros for shipping expenses and the customs tax.
What you will do if you'd be in my shoes?
Thank you
Andrea
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 28, 2023, 11:43:30 AM
I'd send it back.
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: claustro on February 28, 2023, 11:55:11 AM
I asked to eBay and it seems that I don't have to pay for a return because the crack on the glass wasn't described. Let' see
Title: Re: Zodiac Astrographic SST hel needed before buy it
Post by: Butch on February 28, 2023, 06:14:58 PM
I guarantee you if it were fully serviced by BWG, not only would it work flawlessly, but the damn screw would not be missing. My recomendation was based on the seller saying it was serviced.