I have an 1163T Siffert that was purchased new by my father in 1971 and I wanted another 1163 to add to it. I have been browsing for a couple of years but never really found one that I fancied. Some were too rough, most were too expensive and I didn't really want an 11630, for no reason other than I prefer the 1163. I've had a couple of abortive attempts over the past 2 years; the first resulted me receiving a bad redial that I returned to the seller and the second was an 11630 dial in an 1163 case. I sold that (with disclosure) to another forum member and he resurrected it to it's former glory.

Anyway, this listing popped up on Ebay last week and caught my eye. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220351112095

There was not much information, but I got the seller to take a closer look and confirm that the case is stamped 1163 and there is a case number between the other lugs that is fairly close to my 1163T. I then got the seller to send me the high-res version of the small pics in the listing...I have added those below. The full size pictures make me think that the dial is in quite decent shape and it's just the crystal that has been through the ringer. The seller states that the watch is not running currently, but I am not that concerned for a couple of reasons. First, I have found that many people unfamiliar with that family of moevements don't think to wind them "in reverse", secondly, I have a tremendous watchmaker here in Toronto that is one of the best movement guys on the planet. He can make anything run like new (or better) and he is very reasonable.

I then browsed Jeff's website until I was reasonably confident that the listing was for an 1163MH, 2nd version and that the dial, subdials, case, hands and crystal were correct for the watch. I also like the condition of the bezel and bezel insert. I'll be interested to see if I'm right or if you guys blow holes in my conclusions.

The only thing I am not sure about is if it's supposed to have a cal 12. Were they produced in this version or do I need to go shopping for a cal 11 movement to make this watch correct?

So, when the dust settles, I'm out $1330.00USD and the is a watch enroute to me. Pricey enough considering no bracelet, box or papers, but I'll be happy if it is actually an 1163MH, 2nd version. If so, it's definitely got strong bloodlines with my 1163T.

Please chime in with any comments; good, bad or indifferent.

Here are the seller's pictures of the watch:

Here are Jeff's 1163MH photos for comparison: