Horological Meandering

I’ve declined to pull the trigger on a couple of pre-owned modern (2015 and more recent) watches because they didn’t come with original papers. My concern wasn’t so much about authenticity; the watches were sold by sophisticated and very reputable second-... 

Watches are not must haves so if in doubt or have suspicion, I’ll move on. Not providing boxes and papers is just not acceptable no matter the reason. If the previous owner has something to hide, don’t sell the watch then. Having said that, if the dealer ... 

with that logic for older watches, where simple loss of papers is the most obvious explanation for the incomplete kit. Anyone who bought a new Sub in 1975 can be forgiven for throwing out the papers without realizing their value 45 years later. Here, thou... 

And understood you speak from sad experience.

"If any doubt, no doubt forget it" is my rule. I prefer to stay away from a too good bargain and miss an opportunity rather than buying something and have a doubt everytime I watch my wrist. Of course that doesn't mean that a recent watch with no original... 

Because they were watches bought by the average Joe, who chucks out the box and loses the papers. And often my dealer offers me different box or a blank warranty card. When it comes to expensive Patek watches, yes there are people to whom this is a petty ... 

Whats the point of telling a prospective buyer the seller has the papers but too bad cant be provided to you?

Commendable honesty.

The story of the gentleman from the Armoury HK/NYC who had an FP jounre that was determined to have been stolen is stressful - obviously the papers can be stolen in certain unfortunate circumstances, but it does decrease the risk there. Other than that ri... 

But on a modern watch, it is a no go for me This is where blockchain will be useful: we will soon be able to track and tag our watches, transferring digitally the ownership to the next buyer. This should sort out quite a few worries. www.nytimes.c... 

But if its a watch you really want and its hard to get and its from a trustworthy person or dealer then why not , but like most say when there is a doubt then walk away.