Vintage Watches - How to Spot a Fake, Refurbished or Reprinted Dial

A badly refurbished of a repainted dial can affect the value of your vintage watch badly. This video shows you how to spot those dials.
Happy watching, and please join me on Instagram!
/ caseback_tim

[@Rog5446]

I took my Omega 53 Fat Arrow to my watch maker and asked him to re-lume the hands. He said, if I do, it will de-value the watch. I told him that it would only de-value the watch, if it was for sale, and it will never be sold by me. I also told him that I've owned the watch for 50 years and it only has had two owners, that's me and the GB ministry of defence.

[@pascalplaumann201]

Cool story bro

[@davidcoleman2463]

I have Bulova automatic from 1950 . I got it at a pawn shop for $80 . It runs great . Keeps time good .

[@MrGaberacer]

Very interesting , Tim. I would love some more of these spot the "fake" videos on vintage watches , concerning maybe movements, cases etc.

[@tyt5216]

I think it's always good when the seller shows you the movement without hesitating. I almost bought a Frankenstein watch (case, dial and movement not matching) because the seller was a bit hesitating on showing what's in the case and I didn't know why. I've learned a lot ever since then haha

[@melody3741]

There are literally no fake movements except seikos and russian watches. You will not EVER have to worry about that for vintage watches. Eta and modern rolex are the only movements that were ever cloned, and those are all modern. There was a russian copy of a rolex movement a long time ago but this will be extremely obvious.

[@carlitobrigante330]

Love the Laurel and Hardy reference...

[@joeg9478]

Love the video....I’m a huge fan of wintage watches.

[@oriancunningham]

I was thinking that the whole time, must be German

[@nunyabizness199]

Me too, ya voll !

[@jstrat121]

You mean the wideo,right?

[@Emilmarch]

"vintage watches"

[@KSReardon0430]

haha. isn't it actually pronounced wintage vatches?

[@itsalgud1459]

Great video, Tim! I’m getting ready to buy my first vintage watch, and I’ve been studying doing a lot of homework to make sure I’m getting what I’m paying for. This information definitely help. “Bezel cut with a chainsaw” 😂😂😂

[@NicholasSpartan]

Nice Vid Tim, informative. If I may add some more information. The best way to spot not exactly a fake watch, but a modified watch, or a badly refurbished dial, is to find pictures from the original and compare. Since it happens to own 3vintage pieces I can state that the best hel I got for these watches was from the manufacture itself. They have all the specs regardless if this brand is sold to another company. They can even provide serial numbers and all the information needed. One thing though is certain. You have to be very patient and do a real and deep search prior buying.. Cheers.

[@scottparis6355]

Excellent video. Thank you. Interesting. Sometimes you look at the whole dial and it just looks "wrong," even though there's no particular thing that stands out. I think it's the sum of all the very slightly misaligned elements. The eye is really quite good at noticing things which should be regular but are not. One question: Recently I've seen a lot of vintage watches on the auction site that are described as having a "refinished dial," so there is not an attempt to deceive. But what should a legitimately refinished dial do to the value? I would guess that if they went to the trouble to refinish, the watch must have been in un-sellable condition before?

[@CasebackWatches]

I think this is exactly it: a heavily damaged dial with a case and movement and relatively good shape. But could be also an indicator for a frankenwatch, because when moisture ruins a dial, it will ruin the movement at the same time. So the price for those watches should be rather low.

[@J0HN_3_16]

A huge number of counterfeit vintage watches online. The simulated wear helps to hide the signs it is a counterfeit

[@wendyglasgow6394]

The devil’s in the detail , literally. Great video , as usual . Thank you.

[@devid1969]

Thanks for the video. Was about to buy a JLC memo on ebay and thank god I stumbled upon this, dial was reprinted.

[@CasebackWatches]

Glad to hear that and happy hunting for a legit Memovox!

[@julianpaul2422]

The same thing happened to me. I was about to bid on what appeared, at first glance, to be a vintage Memovox in perfect condition. Upon closer examination, I found that the lume dots were misaligned with the indexes.

[@paulstevenson200]

Yes indeed - very helpful. I have only just found your channel but I really enjoy your content. Keep it up. All the best.

[@tk423b]

Your channel is a perfect match for me. So why did it take 3 years for KZbin to suggest it?

[@CasebackWatches]

Sometimes the algorithm is not my best friend. But I'm glad that you finally found the channel!

[@pegauracheii]

Excellent informative no-nonsense video! Well done! I really hope your channel picks up and becomes well known because you deserve it. Wish you all the best from Romania!

[@CasebackWatches]

Thank you!

[@ilFreg]

More videos like this one, please! Very informative, thanks.

[@robertibanez9838]

Hi, Regarding the first Jaeger-LeCoultre 489 I believe, I think the dial looks acceptable given the watch was produced around 1950. What concerns me is the upper lugs don't seem to be perfectly aligned comparing to the case. If you noticed they are triangular shape and the portion which attaches to the case is very thin and could have been bent and perhaps straightened as best as possible. I have noticed this problem in other older JLCs from that era. However nobodybelw3 will noticed the dual if younattend an event or party, and it looks nice! Regarding the JLC caliber 825 the case looks nice from that angle and the dial as well. But paying $1,800 for polishing the indexes, it is a little high. Sometimes it is better to wear the watch which shows character and been loved!

[@hornebee1]

Great video. My mom recently passed away, and I am looking at purchasing a vintage piece from 1945, (the year of her birth), to commemorate her life. Very helpful information. Thank you!

[@CasebackWatches]

You‘re welcome and good luck.

[@josephlong1336]

Ever seen or heard of a 1950 Rolex oyster with a Tudor royal printed in the bottom half of the dial, can not seem to find any examples apart from in my local pawn shop!

[@user-ew2rq4sn2t]

I have a vintage benrus with Laurel and Hardy looking hands. Missed to spot it while purchasing on eBay

[@nicksundby]

Very charming the way you say wintage

[@yongliam8182]

U are weary weary wrascalry

[@yongliam8182]

Vhat do yo wean?

[@forestcop2399]

Very helpful and professional. Thanks

[@rodsalvador3608]

I bought my first Longines vintage piece on my own, lots of image and forum searches and guessing at authenticity. Now I would gladly go to a respected dealer and pay the premium just for a little more peace of mind.

[@nim205]

Informative and to the point. Thank you.

[@softmetals3702]

johnny depp on wintage watches

[@or6144]

😅

[@repentbeforeitstoolate..8239]

Whom?.

[@bearclooneywatches4186]

Great instructional video!

[@stevenlopez4007]

Tim, great video informative and to the point. Is wintage different than vintage?

[@CasebackWatches]

It's softer ;-)

[@peterbroderson6080]

With a collection of over 100 vintage watches, I have no problem with a repainted dial as long as the rest of the watch is original.

[@ScotchOnyx]

I recently got a vintage JLC Memovox, its slanted like how you described in the video. Any update if it's a reprint or an actual factory defect or QC issue? Mine is a circa 1980 18k gold

[@CasebackWatches]

Send an image to [e-mail] and I'll have a look.

[@l.richmondchilds9548]

🙏Thanks for good old fashioned TRUTH👍🤓

[@TheDogsSide]

Well done video. Thanks for sharing. I own that JLC all original though 🥳🥳.

[@deedee8568]

Great info, thanks.

[@stephenwalsh8931]

I have a 1943 longines military watch. What about replacing the radium on numbers, hands and seconds dial for safety. Would this modification devalue the watch?

[@tomnewman167]

Thankyou for this. I found it very helpful and informative. So many subtle nuances to be aware of.--T. Newman

[@leereyno]

I just saw the fake Oris watches on Ebay today. They're selling fake Mickey Mouse hand wind watches now.

[@anttiruonala2041]

Would you do take on modding vs frankenwatches?

[@soniaguirado7537]

Brought a jaeger le coultre Winding Watch 1950s Cal, brought from liveauctioneers from somebody named jasper, the watch looks fine legit, but I see he has the same watch posted again, I am concerned???

[@nunyabizness199]

JA..

[@theprovincial]

Perhaps you can correct me on this, but I've found in my research and through conversations with watchmakers that not all Longines vintage watches have a Swiss made stamp on the dial.

[@CasebackWatches]

The ones from the 40s are sometimes without, at least i saw several. When the piece is from the 50s, there should be a stamp.

[@theprovincial]

@@CasebackWatches Very interesting. Do you have a link that provides more information on this labelling? I'm a huge fan of Zenith and have noticed significantly more watches with out the Swiss Made stamp in the vintage market. It's not a commonly faked brand so perhaps the bulk of these pieces are 1940s to mid 50s.

[@CasebackWatches]

Unfortunately not. I've picked up informations here and there. Google images search is a great help.

[@theprovincial]

Thank you for the input. It just goes to show how many vintage pieces are likely repainted and up for sale on the pre owned market. Through my latest research it seems Zenith dials may be the number 1 victim of being faked which is incredibly dangerous for those getting in to vintage timepieces. We need more videos like this out there. Merci!

[@myvenusinuranus]

it's hard not to get ripped off buying vintage watches

[@bv2225]

Great and useful video! Thank you!

[@ed7384]

I love wintage watches

[@ryanpascualph]

Thank you! 📌💯

[@johnpinner1]

Good info

[@jackpurcell274]

Thx I'll be more careful and aware nw, great video

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks for watching, Jack.

[@smrstingray]

Question about vintage longines: I got my hands on what looks like a 30L. I noticed that at the 6 o clock position, it’s only written “Swiss” and not “Swiss made”. Is this a red flag?

[@CasebackWatches]

Both terms wer used, but in different decades. Swiss you find often on 60s watches, so it might be legit. But to be sure you should find another example of your watch from a trustworthy source, so that you can compare the dials.

[@smrstingray]

@@CasebackWatches Thanks for the input! I plan on getting it checked out from an authorised repair shop

[@zzeuss87]

Great video. I notice your sub count increasing steadily. Best wishes.

[@jharris947]

Too many 'ugly old watches' are passed off as 'beautiful patina'.

[@freedomchannel3656]

Good video

[@mirekkudzia7052]

Hi Tim. I have recently bought a WWII watch but after watching your video I started doubting it's authenticity. Would you be happy to help me to assess the watch, please? Is there any chance to send the photos of it to you so you can take a look? Many thanks M

[@CasebackWatches]

Sure. Send it to casebackwatches (at) icloud.com

[@jackneals5585]

What is a "wintage" watch?

[@CasebackWatches]

A vintage watch with a w at the beginning. Anymore questions, Jack? Always happy to help ;-)

[@johnbroomer3285]

I took my grandfather’s Cyma in for a service to a shop I use regularly. The dial is “speckled” from age, I suppose. The watchmaker asked if I wanted the dial restored. I replied, “No, because then it won’t be my grandfather’s watch.”

[@tripnfallshow]

I have a 1956 Longines automatic that was my grandfather's. The dial says "Swiss" not "Swiss Made". It's definitely not a fake because it was given to him for 25 years of service by a well known company. Any explanation for this?

[@CasebackWatches]

Only "swiss" dials you find on many vintage watches. The Rolex DJ from the 60s ie had "Swiss" on the dial for certain models.

[@tripnfallshow]

@@CasebackWatches thanks. Good too tap into a watch collector's knowledge.

[@artblend4278]

Hello Tim, very interesting... I just bought a Tudor jumbo Date on Ch...twentyFour from Lichtensein....and i'm more and more worried...;it has a black dial and gold bezel, you can still see it on that website....Do you think there is something to worry about?no box no paper.....I know you must have plenty of questions...but if you have 2 min it would be great!!! Michel

[@CasebackWatches]

Do you have a link? I don't find the watch ... Or it is removed now?

[@artblend4278]

yes....: www.chrono24.fr/tudor/prince-date-jumbo-bicolor-vintage--id10961777.htm thanks a lot!!

[@CasebackWatches]

1. Patina on the hands doesn't match the patina on the dial. 2. Tudor font looks wrong. 3. The "Prince Date" should be "Prince Oyster Date" 4. The "Swiss made" looks funny and uneven. 5. The applied logo shield isn't exactly in the middle between the indices. Sorry, Michel, but i'm afraid that's not a good buy. Maybe you could ask the seller for an explanation? At the end there are many variations out there. But I'm sure at 95 percent, that this is a refurbished dial.

[@artblend4278]

I thought so....I have stopped the transaction.....Many thanks Tim, that's very kind...@@CasebackWatches

[@vettefatty]

what is it with germans with the v and w ,like wintage or awailable like in that tvserie they let the germans say wolverhampton wanderers and they could not say it.

[@CasebackWatches]

I asked myself this as well. Why is it impossible to speak every foreign language just perfectly fine straight from the start? :-D But I do like awailable. Maybe I will take this for the next videos, so thanks for watching.

[@Alf_Becker]

@vettefatty "what is it with germans (!) ..." JC Almighty, what a daft question! You try to pronounce "Bayern München" or "1. F.C. Nürnberg". The names of these cities are so unspeakable for you, that you even invented your own names for them. So please be still and enjoy the video!

[@hjones1]

Good caveats. Will look out for rubbish sold by funny sellers.

[@billbrandon5936]

Man...are you a guitarist!.....Deutsche django

[@cindyneely6087]

find the sekio sea horse

[@pranav_kapoor]

Hi would you mind checking out a link to see if the if the watch is legit? I am new to all of this

[@CasebackWatches]

Sure, post it here.

[@hydorah]

Watch out for wintage watches!

[@hydorah]

Good vid! I liked it a lot. Most of the watches I see on EBay are doctored up junk. I've started to see pocket watch movements put into giant watch cases and sold as original watches. Mostly from the Ukraine. Madness. Very entertaining stuff

[@CasebackWatches]

Thanks for watching!

[@yongliam8182]

They are not "fake" hands more like replacements or non-original to the machine.

[@4362mont]

wintage?? nah, just kidding, thx for all the info...

[@CasebackWatches]

All good. This was a very early video and there I really thought it should sound soft ;-) Thanks for watching.

[@nunyabizness199]

Whats a wintage watch, ach to liber...!

[@1inchlegendaka.icebrrg156]

If the woman is a vintage pice makeup will make a difference:)

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

Hi Tim! Glad I found your channel. Would you mind looking at a watch for me? It's from a seller here in South Africa, on Facebook. Selling an Omega Geneve (Seamaster). I'm tempted, but not sure if it's worth it. I'll put link in the next comment.

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

m.facebook.com/groups/258246998021494?view=permalink&id=587109435135247&ref=bookmarks

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

They also post more pictures in the comments. No pics of the movement though.

[@CasebackWatches]

Far too little information. You need at least the reference number and better images to see the exact condition of the dial. I wouldn't buy that piece.

[@musanetesakupwanya1050]

@@CasebackWatches that was quick! Thank you very much man.. Very much appreciated. Helped me dodge a bullet.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Don't be fooled by the the LeCoultre made in the USA, many dials are very badly executed from the watchmaker, a euro JLC from the same era would have a crisper dial. As if Jaeger-LeCoultre sent their lowest grade dials to the US case makers. 🤣

[@kingboyous]

Are you running Ubuntu?

[@CasebackWatches]

Ubuntu? What's that? No.

[@JensonSLee]

This guy has some high standards for vintage watches

[@hugedickerinokripperino5299]

Jenson Lee *wintage

[@yongliam8182]

Wintage

[@KSReardon0430]

Can somebody please explain to me what a 'wintage vatch' is?