Seiko 7A38 - by the numbers

Something of a refreshing change to start the new page. O.K. - I concede: with the number of Yema Spationaute III's that I've already documented in this thread, maybe it's a case of  plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. It may not be the best example, by any means, but for once here's one listed on eBay France (by a zero-feedback French seller) with a sensible opening bid price ! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/151841201956

Rare Montre de collection ''YEMA'' Spationaute III Fonctionne très bien, quelques rayures dessous de boitier (a polir pour être au top) verre (minéral) a changer pour la qualité général et + valus-- le bracelet porte 1 numéro de série et fabriqué en suisse

Résistante a l'eau 100% testé

N° de pièce 3-940

That French eBay auction for a Spationaute III ended yesterday lunchtime. Much to my surprise (given the condition), it made a strong 251 Euros (approx. £186) after 15 bids - mostly due, it has to be said, to the efforts of the particularly determined winning bidder.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151841201956

Those of you who regularly browse Yahoo Japan auctions have probably already spotted this Yema N8 Flygraf listed by a 'Store Seller' a couple of days ago. With '7A38' included in the title and description, it's hard to miss. Rather over-optimistically over-priced, for the only average condition, with an opening bid of 39,800 Yen (equivalent to $333 USD / £217 GBP) I'd suspect it'll be there for a while.

http://page12.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/p492943258

レア　ＹＥＭＡ　ＦＬＹＧＲＡＦ　7Ａ38　中古　クロノグラフ

Google translates the Japanese seller's brief description as follows:

Normal operation goods

In particular notation is not but contents are Seiko 7A38.

Screwed crown

It is including tax.

Contact for business trip, shipping etc will be night.

Payment simple settlement, Iwate. (I wait ?) Shipping is letter pack plus (¥ 510) only.

I need your help by a no claim.

To that, I'd add: The dial and hands and all important lume look fresh and clean. The slight apparent shortening of the markings of the bezel's inner logarithmic scale may simply be due to normal rubbing wear under a cuff, or it might indicate that the hesalite crystal has been polished in situ. Although fitted with the original Yema wire loop buckle, the leather strap is a replacement (made by RIOS).

Seiko7A38 at October 7, 2015 at 5:47 AM

I was just going back through my eBay watching page, clearing out a few more ended listings (I'd reached the maximum 200 again). 

Noticed this still grossly overpriced 38mm 'reduced' Yema Spationaute III had ended unsold back in August - but hadn't been re-listed.

It was listed on eBay in April 2014 with a ludicrous Buy-it-Now price of 1499 Euros; soon reduced to 949 Euros and later to 749 Euros, then re-listed ad nauseam until August 2015.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231648101295

The original set of posts on this forum were on page 9 of this thread, but the long running saga goes back much further - to 2009.

I'm sure this won't be the last we've seen of it, because it's still on their website:

http://www.montre-luxe-occasion.com/vente/montre-yema-spationaute-iii/

 

As I predicted - it's back on eBay again - now well into it's 6th year of re-listing. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231721831553

Remember the Yves Saint Laurent TD-780 '7A28's (actually Yema N7's) discussed at some length in this other thread ?

Last year, they were being knocked out by Hong Kong eBay seller neverstrong on a fairly regular almost weekly basis.

I'd have expected his supply of these less-than-desirable NOS 'fashion watches' to have been exhausted by now. 

Seems not - he's still going strong.  Here's a summary of his ended eBay auctions for the last 90 days (since July).

Here's his most recent re-listing: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301768689276

So if you're a 'Fashion Victim', looking for a cheap introduction to 7A28 ownership - or just seeking a movement donor ....

Just don't get into any bidding wars. Remember - the going rate is down to $50. 

Of the four different dial colour variations of the Yema N80P896 'Pseudo Plonguer': White, Black, Blue and Burgundy, IMO the Blue is probably the nicest - and certainly less common than White or Black. Here's a somewhat less than original example, which was listed overnight by a US eBay seller offered through the GSP program. Apart from the horrible TAG Heuer style two tone bracelet, it's been fitted with a non-original domed crystal. The bezel appears to have been re-brushed (badly) and its triangular lume infill is missing. However, the minute hand appears to have been re-lumed - albeit applied by trowel (see 4th photo). Probably one best avoided.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262099584304

Apart from other inaccuracies and typo's, the would-be seller appears to have 'fat fingers' when it comes to TYping Yema. 

This Auction is for a Genuine TEMA of Paris true chronograph Wristwatch. This Timepiece is high Quality with a finely finished brushed round case that measures 40mm in diameter. The case and bracelet are all stainless steel with Gold trim points. A functional Bezel is stainless with gold trim at the five minutes with the 15, 30 and 45 minutes having Arabic numerals in black engraved on gold Bosses. There is also a gold triangle at the 12 point. The Bezel is uni-directional and functions as it should. The crystal is domed to the center for a magnifying effect and is clear and scratch free. The Dial is a dark navy blue with three gold finished sub-dials at the 3,6 and 9 oclocks. The 3 has a 1/10th sec. hand with a day date boxes across the center. The 6 oclock has the normal 60 seconds of normal time, while the 9 has the elapsed time from the long and gold chronograph sweep needle hand. The hands are gold and luminous fill. There are three gold finished pushers at the 2 the 4 and 10 oclock and a gold finished and knurled Crown for analog and day date functions. The case back is polished stainless is threaded for water resistance and etched with this models information. The movement is a well known high Quality 15 jewel all alloy Japan Quartz made by Seiko and referred to as the 7A38. This variant, the Shimauchi V906 is used by Cartier, Tag as well as Ferrari and Formula as the Cal531. This movement is considered the first all Quartz true Chronograph. It has been checked for operation and functions as it should and has a fresh battery. The bracelet is all stainless with a gold trim ring line its entire circumference. The tight M-link has a Z-deployment clasp with a safety clip over. This Tema looks new on the Wrist. Please consider the photos for additional information about the model and its condition. Also, please remember that the photos are taken at 4x for detail, and may show whiskers that cannot normally be seen with the unaided eyes. The case and bracelet have both been steam cleaned for the protection of the buyer. Feel free to contact me with any questions you might have about this Tema. Shipping is by Priority mail with traking and insurance for added security.

I spotted this cosmetically decent looking Yema N81X26 (but with time function not working) when it was first listed by a French eBay seller last week. A forum member has been looking for one for some time, so I gave him a 'heads up' on it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281833088654

Belle montre vintage Yema nécessitant une remise en état : elle ne fonctionne plus. 

La partie chrono marche encore apparemment. Cette montre n'a subi aucun mauvais traitement (choc ou immersion prolongée).

Elle n'a pas été bricolée non plus. La pile est neuve. 

Le verre n'est pas rayé contrairement à ce que la photo laisse croire. 

Elle valait plus de 2000 F dans les années 80. 

Bel exemplaire pour connaisseurs de la marque bisontine et méritant d'être réparé. 

Etanche à 40 M.

As it transpired, the parochial narrow-minded French seller not only wouldn't ship outside France, but would only accept a cheque drawn on a French bank as payment.  The auction ended yesterday evening - sold for a mere 35.50 Euros after 7 bids. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281833088654

This apparently tidy looking example of the 38mm 'reduced' Yema Spationaute III, model # N80A696 - albeit another fitted with one of those hideous 1990's Tag Heuer style after-market bracelets, was listed on LeBonCoin yesterday evening:

http://www.leboncoin.fr/montres_bijoux/875152943.htm?ca=1_s

Montre Chrono YEMA Spationaute 3 bracelet acier

Hardly worth mentioning really.  Spotted this grotty looking Yema N8 Flygraf (misspelt) listed on eBay yesterday by a French seller:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272028758364

PAS DE COMPTE PAYPAL. ACCEPTE TOUT PAIEMENTS SAUF PAYPAL. REMISE EN MAIN PROPRE POSSIBLE POUR LES REGIONAUX. 

BON FONCTIONNEMENT ET DE TOUTE SES FONCTIONS. CHRONO AVEC ARRET ET RATTRAPANTES. SYSTEME CHRONO STOP.

DIAMETRE DU BOITIER 43 MM. BRACELET NATO DE COULEUR KAKI.SYSTEME A QUARTZ AVEC PILE NEUVE MONTEE. MONTRE DANS SON JUS AVEC PETITES ALTERATIONS SUR LES PETITS CADRANS ET LUNETTE. 

VOIR AUSSI MES AUTRES VENTES. 

BONNES ENCHERES N ENCHERISSEZ PAS SUR MES VENTES SI VOTRE SEUL MOYEN DE PAIEMENT EST PAYPAL.

MERCI A VOUS CHERS EBAYEURS.

Not only is the watch in rather poor cosmetic condition - viz: scabby sub-dials, discoloured hands lume and badly worn bezel markings ('minor alterations' as he describes them), but the seller is at pains to makes it clear he doesn't take PayPal. 

Probably one best avoided - unless you're French and désespéré ! 

It's been a while since I've spotted a Jaz N8 on eBay - must be at least a couple of years. 

This N8YZ63 was listed a couple of days ago, by a zero-feedback US seller - offered through eBay's GSP program:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262116848551

The would-be seller's description reads:  Very fair condition, only superficial scratches on back. otherwise perfect. Yeah Right. 

The French eBay auction for that poor condition Yema N8 Flygraf, which was listed at the end of October, ended yesterday evening, selling for 58 Euros after 17 bids.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272028758364

Here's a decent looking example of a Yema N8 Flygraf, complete with original strap that was listed on LeBonCoin earlier this afternoon.

Unfortunately, the deluded French seller appears to be under the impression it's worth up to 500 Euros. 

http://www.leboncoin.fr/montres_bijoux/879606969.htm?ca=1_s

Montre Yema Flygraf chronographe ou echange

Haven't seen many Yema N7's (C.G.H.'s 7A28 equivalent) anywhere lately. Spotted this fairly rare model (if something of an acquired taste) - a reasonably tidy looking example of the N71Z36 America's Cup listed on eBay by a French seller at the weekend.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221935473374

Montre YEMA sponsor de l'équipe de france pour l'America's cup de 1992. Edition spéciale.

Très bon Etat général. Le boitier est en très bon état, pas de rayures grossières. Une usure naturelle pour une montre de 20 ans.

Le bracelet est en forme du poignet, la montre a été souvent portée, le cuir est usée mais dans un état général correcte.

!---Pile à Changer---!

Me contacter pour plus de photos ou d'informations

Seiko7A38 at November 20, 2014 at 4:46 PM

Speaking of French eBay sellers and their laughably over-optimistic asking prices, earlier this evening, I spotted this ....

Yema N81W53 listed by one with zero feedback, apparently a good command of English - and absolutely no idea of their value. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281500830710

 

RETAIL VALUE $ 500.00 if available, rare!  

If you are looking for a high quality watch that is a true statement piece, this is the watch for you. Yema features movements by the Seiko. This quartz timepiece is known for quality workmanship, accurate timekeeping, and modern style! Water resistant to 50 meters, with lots of features! If you want a reliable watch for everyday, you can’t go wrong! Black leather band, 39 MM x 11MM with many working functions. There is no box or paperwork accompany the watch. This is an estate piece, probably from 2010-2012. It does show slight signs of wear typical of a gently used watch. No tears, discoloration, or defect in the leather band. No scratches on the crystal and dial features large Roman numerical. Must have for the watch collection.

I say 'apparently', because if you google (any part) of the description, you can see where he copied it from (almost verbatim):

http://www.buggysgoneshopping.com/Pages/Watches.aspx

Remember Buggy's Yema N81W53 ?  If not, scroll back to page 6 where the saga begins almost exactly a year ago. 

It's sometimes surprising the difference that 12 months makes. 

Whereas some eBay sellers will carry on re-listing their over-priced offerings at the same 'pie-in-the-sky' asking prices ad nauseam ....

Occasionally you'll get the odd seller who gradually reduces their price to something 'sensible'. Though it may take them a while. 

I'd watched that Yema N81W53 being re-listed so many times I'd lost count - until the opening bid price came down to $55 last week.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281848206529

(Although, if you click the link above shows 'Standard International Shipping' as $40, the description stated shipping to UK, Germany, Spain and Italy was a more reasonable $20 - which is what I actually paid.)

Here's another average used condition Yema Spationaute III (fitted non-original strap) listed on eBay France a couple of days ago.

The opening bid price of 100 Euros is reasonable, but the Collisimo international postage charges of 50 Euros borders on extortion.

So although being offered Worldwide, it's pretty much guaranteed of going to a French buyer. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131651374616

Vends Yema Spationaute III 

Boîtier acier

Chrono

Jour/date

Tachymètre 

Légère rayures sur la vitre

Pile à changer

Seiko7A38 at November 10, 2015 at 5:40 AM

Haven't seen many Yema N7's (C.G.H.'s 7A28 equivalent) anywhere lately. Spotted this fairly rare model (if something of an acquired taste) - a reasonably tidy looking example of the N71Z36 America's Cup listed on eBay by a French seller at the weekend.

That French eBay auction for the Yema N71Z36 America's Cup ended earlier this afternoon, selling for 77 Euros after 10 bids:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221935473374

That French eBay auction for a Yema Spationaute III ended earlier this morning selling for 162 Euros (approx. £113.39) after 7 bids.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131651374616

I suspect the winning bidder was French, because the 50 Euros postage didn't make economic sense for other countries.

Seiko7A38 at September 24, 2015 at 5:37 AM

Another white dialed N80P896 'Pseudo Plongeur' was listed on LeBonCoin yesterday afternoon.

http://www.leboncoin.fr/montres_bijoux/858685874.htm?ca=1_s

Montre chrono yema

Montre yema double quantième

One can only assume that the price hike from 70 to 85 Euros means the would-be seller has had the battery replaced. 

Here's another speculatively (read spectacularly) over-priced Yema Spationaute III which was listed on eBay earlier this week by a French seller. It's an early production watch with the desirable 'cadran drapeaux' mission flags dial; comes with box and papers.

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Montre-Yema-/172009903118

MONTRE YEMA SPATIONAUTE 3 d'occasion en bon état, dans ca boite avec carnet d'entretien et garantie. Couleur du bracelet en cuir bleu et cadran argent avec interieur bleu. Montre étanche.

As can be seen from the seller's second photo, the bezel looks a little worse for wear - missing some of its inlay paint. The hand fitted to the constant seconds sub-dial is clearly a non-original replacement. The blue shark strap fitted appears to be a later replacement - possibly an older ZRC 'double jonc'.

Just spotted this diabolically badly photographed US eBay listing for a Kamatz 517000 with about 9 hours of the auction left to run ....

If anybody fancies a fuzzy photo gamble. 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161894573755

Lether band silver face with gold numbers kamatz quartz chronograph tachymeter 50mm 10ATM