On this page I would like to help you and show how to buy a Vintage Heuer Skipper. Or even a vintage watch.
1. Compare, read and eat knowledge!
2. Check all important components – demand on good and highdefinition pictures!
Case
– is it genuine?
– is it polished? look on the edges, compare with other
– is the caseback ok?
– can you see the serial and case reference?
Serial and case reference must fit in a special range. Please just ask around. For the Heuer Skipper you find the ranges in my Skipper-Grid.
Crown and Pushers
– are the pusher genuine and fitting to the watch? Look for the different type as round or fluted ones!
– crown with Heuershield? original or aftermarket?
Dial
– looks genuine?
– are the colors ok? Should fit with the reference and not be repainted!
– indices ok? check all lumen on it!
– digs or dents?
– Heuershield print ok?
Hands
– are they genuine to the reference? check shape and lumen, stop-second and countdown on the subdial must fit!
– is the color ok? faded? repainted?
– looks the lumen ok? fallin out parts are not a showstoper, it´s an old watch, it can be repaired by guys with special skills!
Bezel
– looks genuine? compare with aftermarket! lumen triangle or not, color
– right on to reference? they might different as decimal, tachy etc, that might not a showstopper
– scratches?
Movement
– wind up the watch or shake the automatics – should run!
– test the chronograph function: start, stop – countdown works right? (should move every 30secs on a Heuer Skipper!)
– if possible: timing machine to show the differences to the optimum
– last service known? any signs in the caseback inside?
– look inside!
– rust is a no go!
– bridge signed?
– looks clean?
– screwheads good or worn out?
More details to check about the movements on Skippers you find here! Compare, compare, compare!
Extras
– bracelet or strap included?
– papers
– manual
– box
– Heuersticker on back – not all are original, you can buy them single, so must fit to a NOS condition!
3. Find out prices, ask known collectors
– watch the market (ebay, watch-shops, watch-fairs)
– ask friends and collectors without fear that they snap away the bargain! Four eyes see more then two!
– the golden rule: “Patience is the key!”
4. Organize the sale, how to pay, how to transport
– If the watch is OK: fix the deal.
– Best way: personal meeting. look, feel, haptics and feeling for the seller
– If the deal is “virtual” – ask for references!
– Is the description of the condition of the watch fair and good?
– If it isn´t far away use insured transfer via Fedex or UPS. Depends on the countries!
– Demand on a delivery with a trace!
– Try to deal the delivery fifty-fifty. Good guys will do that.
– Do the money transfer via Bank transfer. The name should fit the bank data.
– If using paypal: the paypal account should fit the email or name.
Foreign countries question:
– Is the seller real? Try to phone the seller, to see that he is ok.
– Is the email ok? Is he answering you questions right?
– What customs or taxes are to pay?
So I hope these points are helpful, you always can ask me via the contact form for help with “How to buy a Vintage Heuer Skipper”!