🟢 Note 1 - Near‑Mint / Almost Like New
Definition A Note 1 item is exceptionally preserved, showing almost no signs of use. It represents the closest state to “new” that a vintage piece can realistically achieve.
Typical Characteristics
- Ultra‑minimal wear, often invisible without angled light
- No scratches, dents, or structural imperfections
- Mechanics in peak condition — crisp ignition, firm click, precise movement
- Surfaces clean and sharp: lacquer, metal, enamel, or plating remain pristine
- Collector‑grade presence — visually striking, technically flawless
Who buys Note 1 Collectors and connoisseurs who:
- seek top‑tier condition
- want pieces suitable for display, investment, or long‑term preservation
- value rarity and purity over patina
- prefer items that feel timeless and untouched
Value Position Note 1 is the highest value category:
- premium pricing justified by condition
- strongest long‑term appreciation
- ideal for rare references or limited editions
- represents the benchmark of the Vigenti grading scale
🟢 Note 2 - Excellent Condition
Definition A Note 2 item is in excellent, well‑preserved condition with only light, superficial signs of use. It is not mint, but it is close — the kind of piece that has been owned, not worn.
Typical Characteristics
- Fine, shallow micro‑scratches visible only in certain light
- No deep marks, dents, or structural flaws
- Fully functional mechanics with clean, confident operation
- Strong visual presence — lacquer, metal, enamel, or plating remain crisp
- Overall appearance: refined, clean, and clearly cared for
Who buys Note 2 Collectors and users who:
- want a near‑mint experience without paying Note‑1 premiums
- value clean aesthetics with minimal wear
- prefer pieces that feel prestigious and well‑kept
- want a display‑worthy item that can still be used
Value Position Note 2 sits just below the top tier:
- excellent price‑to‑condition ratio
- ideal for collectors who want quality without perfectionism
- strong long‑term value, especially for rare references
- visually impressive, mechanically reliable
🟠Note 3 - Good Condition
Definition A Note 3 item is fully functional and shows normal, visible signs of use. It has lived, but it has not been mistreated. The wear is honest, consistent, and expected for its age.
Typical Characteristics
- Visible surface wear: scratches, marks, light edge rubbing
- Stable mechanics: ignition, click, or mechanism works without failure
- No structural damage
- No deep dents or cracks
- Aesthetic wear is present but balanced — the piece still presents well
Who buys Note 3 Collectors and users who:
- want a reliable vintage piece with authentic patina
- prefer function over flawless cosmetics
- appreciate the character that comes with age
- want a daily‑use item rather than a display‑grade piece
Value Position Note 3 sits in the upper‑middle range of the grading scale:
- strong value for functional collectors
- ideal for everyday use
- priced below cosmetic grades (1–2)
- above restoration‑oriented grades (5–6)
🟠Note 4 - Acceptable Condition
Definition A Note 4 item shows clear, visible signs of use, yet remains fully functional. It carries its age openly, without compromising its purpose.
Typical Characteristics
- Noticeable scratches, marks, or wear patterns
- Small imperfections in finish, plating, lacquer, or enamel
- Minor mechanical fatigue (slightly softer click, lighter tension, slower mechanism)
- No functional failure — the piece works as intended
- Aesthetic wear is present but not dominant
Who buys Note 4 Collectors and users who:
- want a reliable vintage piece without paying for top‑grade cosmetics
- value authentic patina over perfection
- prefer items with visible history
- plan light servicing but not full restoration
Value Position Note 4 sits in the middle zone of the grading scale:
- priced below collector‑grade
- above restoration‑grade
- ideal for everyday use or entry‑level collecting
- strong value when the model is rare or mechanically excellent
🔴Note 5 - Heavy Use
Definition A Note 5 item is heavily worn, with clear optical and functional limitations. It may still operate, but not with the precision or reliability expected from higher‑grade pieces.
Typical Characteristics
- Deep scratches, dents, or pronounced wear on surfaces
- Visible aging of metal, lacquer, enamel, or plating
- Functional limitations (weak flame, inconsistent ignition, stiff mechanism, slow ink flow, etc.)
- Loose parts or components that require adjustment
- Aesthetic flaws that are immediately noticeable
Who buys Note 5 Collectors and users who:
- want a working piece without paying collector‑grade prices
- appreciate the raw, lived‑in character of vintage items
- plan to service or refurbish the item later
- need a functional tool, not a display object
Value Position Note 5 pricing is determined by:
- model rarity
- restoration potential
- cost of servicing
- demand for the specific reference
- completeness (box, papers, accessories)
🔴 Note 6 - Defective / For Restoration
Definition A Note 6 item is non‑functional or significantly limited in function. It may power on but not operate correctly, or it may not operate at all.
Typical Characteristics
- Major functional issues (ignition failure, mechanism stuck, leaks, broken components)
- Heavy wear or structural damage
- Missing parts or internal components
- Optical flaws that go beyond normal use
- Not suitable for immediate use
Who buys Note 6 Collectors, restorers, and specialists who:
- rebuild vintage pieces
- harvest parts
- restore rare models
- appreciate raw, untouched condition
Value Position Note 6 is priced based on:
- rarity of the model
- availability of parts
- restoration potential
- collector demand for the specific reference