Fratello On Air: Misleading Words in Watch Ads
In a recent episode of Fratello On Air, hosts Michael and Balazs discussed commonly misused and misleading terms found in watch advertisements, particularly for vintage pieces. They highlighted words like 'new old stock,' 'military,' 'tropical,' 'unpolished,' 'rare,' and 'barn find,' explaining why these descriptors can be deceptive or inaccurate in the context of watch sales.
The hosts identified 'new old stock' as frequently inaccurate, noting that such pieces often show signs of wear.
The term 'military' watch is often applied broadly to field watches with black dials and Arabic numerals, regardless of actual military issuance.
'Tropical' is described as a misleading term used to positively frame dial damage, which can sometimes be attractive but may also result from poor handling.
The accuracy of 'unpolished' descriptions is questioned, as sellers may not have definitive knowledge of a watch's history.
'Rare' is identified as an overused word often employed to artificially inflate a watch's perceived value.
'Barn find' is noted as a description that, while initially charming for raw pieces, loses its appeal over time.