I'll get started with a small introduction, I've been a collector of watches for 25 years or so, always careful of where I source my watches from and more often than not, it's pre-owned.
I've had a hankering to own a Monaco, so the hunt started. As much as I do like the blue, black and motorsport themed watches I wanted something a little more unusual.
Without saying too much about who I bought it from, I found a TH CA211K ACM. It did come from a professional dealer via a well known selling platform.
Telephone calls with the dealer before commiting boosted my confidence that all was well, so I went ahead. He sourced it as part of a dealer to dealer transaction - doesn't sound untoward, and was an ex-display model.
Watch was described as 'mint' and unworn and arrived swiftly to me.
I've asked opinions on another forum and it's divided. I was told the real expertise is here..so her I am!
I was hugely pleased when I opened the TH box, it looked as good as I hoped until I looked closer.
I have a TH 1887 chrono bought new from a local retailer so that was a useful reference to compare fit & finish, engraving and printing.
If added pictures to give some clue to my perceived issues - some are real others perhaps less so. Your opinions are valued.
* Date doesn't sit true in dial and printing appears less than crisp. I think the numerals are off. One number sits higher than the other.
* Saphire glass - it doesn't feel or look right, especially when compared to my 1887.
* The Aligator strap feel awful. It's dry and feels somewhat fragile - ties in with ex-display and sitting in a window?
* The big one. The limited edition number is partially obliterated! Why that should've happened is beyond me, especially when the the serial number is clearly visible and untouched? It's a mess and not easily corrected.
* I thought there was an issue with the minute hand lagging by a 30 secs when time setting. I've been told this is a common trait of CAL12 movements.
* Wrong booklet - Quartz alarm watch. Warranty card should have hologram and it's stamped Nov 2018 with no name of seller, if it's ex-display why would it be stamped.
I've gone over this watch in minute detail using whatever pictures I can find on the net. To balance out my negatives there are things than lead me to believe it's a genuine item, or a very high quality replica. I'm not an expert.
* Functions; it all works and resets perfectly. Winder is smooth, date rolls over when it should and it's around 5 seconds fast in 24 hours.
* Dial and markings; the TH logo as applied not printed as it should be. The Swiss Made it's perfectly clear and crisp. Markers look perfect - I can't find fault.
* Case back engraving is deep, well aligned with no spelling mistakes. The Ltd Ed obliteration is so ugly.
* The movement seems to look just fine with all the decoration and engraving looking just fine. Again a non expert opinion.
* Case brushing/polishing seems fine. Edges sharp and clean.
I've contacted the dealer and he seems genuinely upset, not in an angry way, with my suspicion that all is not as it seems. Refund or compensation has been offered. Paid for by CC so they're available as a fall back.
I really do like the watch and I'm not looking at it as an investment piece and it's bought to keep so resale value is not a major consideration. That'll be the kids problem when I've gone.
If the dealer and I can reach an agreement, I'd likely keep it BUT only if I can sure of authenticity... stupid?