Vintage Nivada
So I purchased this really nice vintage Nivada at a pawn shop while on vacation in Monetary CA. I really liked the mid century European design of the case, and the bracelet to me looks like it was it was designed to look like the skin of some exotic reptile. The guy behind the counter told me that Nivada used the ETA 2824 caliber automatic movement in a lot of their watch's, and it did seem to be running very nicely while there in the store, so I purchased it right there on the spot. There was no thinking about it, I bought that watch on pure impulse, and nothing else. By the time I returned home from my northern California vacation my watch had stopped working, and has not worked ever since. I did take it to my trusted watch repair man who gave me a quote for $200 to get it working again. So now I'm not sure what to do, drop another $200 on the watch or just let it sit in my sock drawer, please advise
Life long watch enthusiast, full time collector, part time ( when necessary) reseller
For vintage watches (or all watches), the common advice is “buy the seller”. That said, if I were you, I’ll bring the watch to another repair man, may be 2 and see if I get a better quote. Hopefully, you get a better price. If you really like the watch, get it repaired and enjoy the piece.👍👍
The only wasted money is the price you paid, in case you choose not to fix it. So yeah, I would definitely go for the repair.
I’ve made the same mistake and I paid the repair costs. Like most things it’s a question of what it’s worth to you but if you don’t want to fix it send it my way. I’ll have it fixed and give it a nice home. That thing is pretty cool.
If you don't love it enough to spend $200 to get it running again, probably for another decade, sell it. If it's just a temporary insolvency issue, drop it off and tell him to take his time, no rush. Micawber says that money will show up at some point.
If you like it enough to wear it regularly I would get it serviced. $200 is a reasonable price & Nivada used ETA movements so they are good quality & spare parts are available.
I would definitely get it fixed. That is part of the joy of buying vintage, the constant repairs!!😉
I am a big fan of vintage Nivadas and congratulate you on the purchase. I picked up the one above a few months ago. I don't know what your financial situation is but $200 to service a watch is quite reasonable. Plus, you will be able to wear it with pride once it is running again!
Thank you to everyone who chimed in on situation, all good advise. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in the crazy world of watch collecting, vintage, new, or other wise.