A385 on TZ

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It's a nice example. Two things I noted:
(1) The case has been polished at some point to restore the high-polish bevel (shoulders) on the sides. So material was removed to make those bevels which are now twice as wide as on an as-from-the-Factory case. It's a sympathetic, skilled, restoration of the look of the original case.

(2) The slight scratch in top of minute-register is noted but not too visible on the wrist. The dial does have a few spots of wear around the edge leading to some loss of ink in the tachymetre ring in the 70's, and not much left of "swiss made" marking.
 
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Too much material removed, top and bottom edges too close to bezel. Side bevels way to wide. :thumbsdown:
 
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I was thinking about that one as well. I found it suspicious that there wasn't a straight head on shot of the dial. Go figure that the swiss made marking is missing. It's not like it's a make or break deal for me, but it comes across as if the seller is purposely trying to hide the flaws.
 
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Personally I would stay away from this watch.
Some people may like the clean look of the dial and hands but for me the case is ruined.
And that way the whole watch is ruined.
That may sound hard but it's just the way I see it.
Bernard
 
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Too much material removed, top and bottom edges too close to bezel. Side bevels way to wide. :thumbsdown:

Some people may like the clean look of the dial and hands but for me the case is ruined.

I tend to agree with this - too much material removed laterally.
 
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....and the Seller writes: "only some hairline swirls overall" and "I've never had it polished"... has he failed the Truth-in-Selling disclosure statement?? :D
 
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meets the ebay definition of truth. He has never had it polished.
 
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"Truth" ... In defense of the seller who, since we're both Midwesterners, was able to meet me with the watch at a coffee shop ... he's an honest watch guy, although not a WIS. This A385 has had its years in his rotation and time to move on to other watches modern and vintage - he's not wedded to Zenith. No ulterior motives in his advt, just being correct about what he knows/notices. I pointed out the facts noted above ... not everyone has experienced an untouched A3xx case or dial and I had brought along a few to show/compare ... and he accepted the information as a learning experience.
 
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"Truth" ... In defense of the seller who, since we're both Midwesterners, was able to meet me with the watch at a coffee shop ... he's an honest watch guy, although not a WIS. This A385 has had its years in his rotation and time to move on to other watches modern and vintage - he's not wedded to Zenith. No ulterior motives in his advt, just being correct about what he knows/notices. I pointed out the facts noted above ... not everyone has experienced an untouched A3xx case or dial and I had brought along a few to show/compare ... and he accepted the information as a learning experience.

Thanks for the update! Glad you were able to help! :thumbsup:
 
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Thanks for the update! Glad you were able to help! :thumbsup:
The forum motto:
"Semper paratus est adjuvare"
 
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"Truth" ... In defense of the seller who, since we're both Midwesterners, was able to meet me with the watch at a coffee shop ... he's an honest watch guy, although not a WIS. This A385 has had its years in his rotation and time to move on to other watches modern and vintage - he's not wedded to Zenith. No ulterior motives in his advt, just being correct about what he knows/notices. I pointed out the facts noted above ... not everyone has experienced an untouched A3xx case or dial and I had brought along a few to show/compare ... and he accepted the information as a learning experience.

Good to know the seller is a sincere guy.
 
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I had pointed out these things to him in January after advice from Lou.