[Manga] Episode 4: That's not a scratch, it's "life." How condition affects appraisal

監修者 Commit Ginza
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customer
Even though they have the same model number, there are some items with completely different purchase prices.
Eh, is that just a "mood"? (Appraiser)
appraiser
If you are in that mood, you will be scolded by customers.
One of the biggest factors is the condition . Of course, differences in specifications (minor changes) and accessories also have an impact, but today we'll talk about the condition.
customer
Condition... basically, "is it clean or not?"
appraiser
That's true, but let's break it down a bit more.
Let's use an analogy... used cars .
appraiser
(Even for the same model, the price will vary depending on the mileage, accident history, repair history, and interior wear. The same is true for watches.)

① Scratches on the case and bezel: Light scratches are evidence of everyday use, while deep scratches are evidence of crime.

A 16:9 landscape, cartoon-style illustration. A counter at a luxury watch buying store. The appraiser examines the bezel of the watch with a magnifying glass, visually expressing the contrast between "shallow scratches" and "deep dents" around the watch. The side with shallow scratches has a soft light and a calm atmosphere, while the side with deep dents has a subtle yellow-and-black diagonal stripe in the background, reminiscent of crime scene tape. The customer looks a little panicked. No logos or text are included. The illustration features clear lines, soft colors, and a comical yet elegant feel.
customer
This has some small scratches from everyday use. Is that okay?
appraiser
Small scratches are totally OK.
However, if there are deep dents or crushed edges , the story is a little different.
appraiser
To put it in perspective, the scratches on a used car are caused by everyday life, but if there was a big dent, you'd wonder, "What happened?"
customer
A dent...sure.
So, is deep a no-no?
appraiser
"It's easy to become a point of deduction."
The reason is that it takes more time and money to fix .

② Polishing history: If you polish too much, your face will become flat.

The appraiser holds a watch case in his hands and shows a "left-right comparison" (the same watch shown in two different ways), one with sharp edges remaining and the other with rounded corners due to excessive polishing. In the background, a round, icon-like button reminiscent of a smartphone editing app appears to float (no text). The customer looks surprised, as if to say, "It's a different person..."
customer
So if I polish it, it will shine and become more expensive, right?
appraiser
This is the pitfall.
Light polishing can sometimes fix it,
Too much polishing (thinning) can lower the value.
appraiser
Polishing can change the original shape, which can make discerning collectors hesitate to purchase.
customer
There's this...the one where the outline disappears...
Do watches also have an “outline”?
appraiser
Yes, the edges of the case, the raised lugs, and the sharpness of the surfaces.
Individuals that remain here are more likely to be evaluated.

③ Breath stretching: It should be wrapped around the arm, but it hangs down like udon noodles.

The subject is the metal bracelet of a watch hanging loosely on a counter. The appraiser gently lifts the bracelet to show its length, and the customer smiles wryly. To exaggerate the way the bracelet hangs, it curves like noodles, but the food is not depicted directly (just as an association). The background is a display case.
customer
To be honest, I don't really understand breath extension.
appraiser
Roughly speaking, the more you use a metal bracelet, the looser it becomes.
appraiser
When the bracelet of a watch stretches, the appearance and fit of the watch can deteriorate.
customer
Ugh...I hate it when my breath feels so loose.
Also, is it bad if there are no frames?
appraiser
Please keep the links you remove after adjusting them in a safe place. If you cannot adjust the size, there will be fewer buyers, and the value may be reduced. Of course, if the manufacturer has them in stock, you can purchase them later, but depending on the material of the links, such as gold or platinum, this can be quite costly.

④ Dial and hands: This is the "face." If it's different, it will make a big difference.

A large close-up of the watch face is displayed, with the appraiser using a pointer to point out the hands, indexes, and luminous parts. A simple mask-shaped silhouette (without text) is faintly superimposed in the background, evoking a "facial expression." The customer peers intently.
customer
Is it okay if the dial is free of scratches?
appraiser
Not only scratches, but also stains , deterioration , corrosion ,
Another important thing is originality .
appraiser
For example, a dial that looks like it's been repainted (re-done),
Replacement hands, unnatural color of the luminous material, etc.
customer
For a beginner who lacks the expertise or judgment to make such decisions, the idea of ​​repainting (repainting) can seem scary.
appraiser
Even if there is deterioration or corrosion, it is important not to try to fix it on your own, but to consult a specialist.

⑤ Crystal and crown: The smaller the part, the more subtle the effect

The appraiser tilts the watch at an angle, highlighting the moment when the light reflects off a thin scratch on the crystal. With one hand, he gently pinches the crown, checking the feel of it screwing in. The customer looks satisfied, saying, "I see." In the background, there is a faint, abstract crack pattern reminiscent of the "cracks" on a smartphone screen (it's okay to draw on a real smartphone, but there is no text on the screen).
customer
There is a scratch on the glass. Will this also be discounted?
appraiser
It depends on the condition and material. Sapphires often cannot be polished, so they tend to need to be replaced.
For example, it's like a cracked smartphone screen. You can still use it, but it's annoying. Be careful, as there are different glass specifications for different models depending on the year.
appraiser
Also, the crown and push buttons.
Although these are consumable parts, there are also models that have different specifications depending on the year.

⑥ Precision and internal structure: invisible but important like the stomach and intestines

The appraiser places the watch on a measuring device (a timegrapher-style device with no text displayed) and checks it. The customer looks at it with some nervousness. In the background, an abstract, faint, electrocardiogram-like waveform (no text) reminiscent of a medical checkup runs across the screen.
customer
But you can't see what's inside, so how can you tell?
appraiser
First, we check the exterior, as well as the operation , daily rate (accuracy) , and winding feel .
appraiser
For example, it's like a medical checkup. Even if you look healthy, your blood test may make you wonder, "What's going on?"
customer
Stop...the results of yesterday's medical checkup are on my mind...

7. Storage environment: Humidity, perfume, and tobacco will gradually soak into the watch.

On the counter sits a watch box and a stack of warranty cards, and an appraiser is opening the box to check it. In the background and atmosphere, there is a haze resembling a small water droplet icon, indicating humidity, and a faint wavy line, indicating a smell (no text, not too smelly). The customer has a look of disbelief. A refined comedy.
customer
Does storage have that much of an impact?
appraiser
Yes. Humidity can cause rust and corrosion, deterioration of the leather strap, mold on the box, etc.
Also, there is a subtle smell . Perfume and tobacco may remain.
appraiser
Leather straps are consumable items and must be replaced periodically, but the replacement cost also comes to mind for the next buyer.
Summary of "Points to Look Out For" in Condition Assessment (Quick Check)
  • Exterior : Dents on the case/bezel, remaining edges, polishing thinning, stretched bracelet, worn buckle
  • Parts : Crystal scratches, crown/button operation feel, bezel rotation and click feel (depending on the model)
  • Face : Dial stains and deterioration, corrosion of hands, luminous color, originality
  • Contents : Accuracy, winding feel, rotor sound, calendar advance (depending on the model)
  • Included : Box/warranty/frame (episode 1), service details and repair slip (helpful)
  • Storage : Humidity, odor, mold, deterioration of strap

*The effectiveness of the product will vary depending on the model, brand, year, and material (SS/gold/PT).

Conclusion: It's generally reasonable for prices to vary depending on the condition, even for the same model number.

The appraiser presents two watches of the same model (or compares the same watch side by side), one in good condition with a sparkling clean look, the other with many small scratches and a slightly worn-out look with a slightly stretched bracelet. The customer nods in understanding, saying, "I see..." The background is a simple silhouette (no text) reminiscent of a scale (balance).
customer
I see... so even if the model number is the same, the price will change depending on the "condition."
appraiser
that's right.
With vintage models, this can be considered a factor in their character, but with newer models, the condition often directly leads to a negative appraisal.
customer
I think I understand what I need to be careful of...
Starting today: 3 ways to improve your condition
  • Wipe lightly before appraisal (even oils and dirt can change the impression)
  • Organize the remaining frames, warranty cards, and details (to make it look more tidy)
  • Don't brush too hard (if in doubt, ask for advice first. Brushing too hard can't be undone)

*The evaluation of polishing and part replacement varies depending on the model. If it is difficult to judge, it is safest to consult first with a photo.

NEXT EPISODE
Episode 5: Is that repair justice or sin?
~The story of how opinions are divided over "replacement parts" and "originality"~
  • "Why did the price go down even though I replaced it through official service?"
  • Bezel/hands/dial... where is the line between "safe" and "not safe"?
  • Is the service statement an excuse?
Extremely hot effects, occurrence rate 3.33% (experience)
*The occurrence rate varies depending on the appraiser's mental state.

監修者のプロフィール

コミット銀座のロゴ

コミット銀座

2015年の会社設立以来、"高く買い、安く売る"をモットーに、顧客第一主義を徹底。価格面におけるメリットのみならず、お客様が安心して買い物出来る環境づくり、お客様に最適な時計の提案も実現。
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