Collector's Corner..On Collecting Dedicated Chess Computers

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vonderlasa
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montreux bidding

Post by vonderlasa »

Don't these people know that early bidding only drives up the eventual sale price? Much better to decide on what you'll pay and snipe. :D
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Steve B
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Re: montreux bidding

Post by Steve B »

vonderlasa wrote:Don't these people know that early bidding only drives up the eventual sale price? Much better to decide on what you'll pay and snipe. :D
Correct
however I do notice that the bidders list includes some seasoned veterans and they all know its better to wait until the last seconds
they must have their reasons...

Bidding 101 Regards
Steve
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Steve B
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Post by Steve B »

Well the Montreux sells for "only" $970
given the early bidding i thought it would sell for at least double that

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221773494861?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Ya Just Never Know Regards
Steve
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vonderlasa
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Post by vonderlasa »

The price was stable, as a RISC 2500 went for $800 in April. The $1599 RISC 2500 from Canada has seen no bids.
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vonderlasa
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Post by vonderlasa »

Sorry, my cataract is giving me fits reading, the price escalated from $800'for the near twin to $971.
IvenGO
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Post by IvenGO »

Comparing to past year when Montreux was sold for 1700 euro on english Ebay and one spanish man privately sold 2xRISCs-2500 for 1500 euro each one this price looks very reasonable.
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Post by Larry »

IvenGO wrote:Comparing to past year when Montreux was sold for 1700 euro on english Ebay and one spanish man privately sold 2xRISCs-2500 for 1500 euro each one this price looks very reasonable.
I thought maybe the disclosure by the seller that unequal pressure
to operate some squares compared to others might have factored in. It
does tend to indicate a lot of usage. Also, note the seller did not offer a
picture of the machine working. Of course luck always plays a role too.
L
IvenGO
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Post by IvenGO »

I always wonder how people can bid on DCC without picture of working one!? Probably all bidders asked for photos privately (hmm...)
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Post by Steve B »

Havent seen a Prestige Challenger in quite some time
the computer seems to have several defects so this one is not for the squeamish
nice is the leather carry case and the two opening book modules
the EOC module comes from the highly sort after 5 module Encyclopedia Of Chess Openings Set
auction also includes two adaptor modules(model ADP) which allow the use of the smaller modules to be used in the Prestige module bay which was designed to take the larger Prestige modules

price would be high even for a perfect condition Prestige which this one is not but the seller is taking offers

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Fidelity-E ... 3f4d71e98e


EOA-EOE Regards
Steve

Steve
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pr1uk
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Post by pr1uk »

Steve B wrote:Havent seen a Prestige Challenger in quite some time
the computer seems to have several defects so this one is not for the squeamish
nice is the leather carry case and the two opening book modules
the EOC module comes from the highly sort after 5 module Encyclopedia Of Chess Openings Set
the auction also includes two adaptor modules(model ADP) which allow the use of the smaller modules to be used in the Prestige module bay which was designed to take the larger Prestige modules

price would be high even for a perfect condition Prestige which this one is not but the seller is taking offers


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Fidelity-E ... 3f4d71e98e

EOA-EOC Regards
Steve
Never seen one before but it needs a lot of work and certainly priced at the high end, but for a collector who can refurbish it a nice one to own i am sure.

Peter
King Performance Chess Computer M830
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chesspcmac
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Post by chesspcmac »

To Steve B and all the other Gurus, what makes the Montreux so appealing? Programmer, hardware, software?? Please let me know

Ignorance regards

Mike
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Steve B
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Post by Steve B »

chesspcmac wrote:To Steve B and all the other Gurus, what makes the Montreux so appealing? Programmer, hardware, software?? Please let me know

Ignorance regards

Mike
I Guess its a combination of factors
firstly it is one of the few dedicated chess computers programmed by Johan de Koning of ChessMaster(PC) Fame
second...it was only for sale for a short amount of time(Mephisto brochures only advertise the computer for one year)
Thirdly it does have a very nice cosmetic design ..but that is just my personal opinion

The King Sends His Regards
Steve
Larry
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Post by Larry »

chesspcmac wrote:To Steve B and all the other Gurus, what makes the Montreux so appealing? Programmer, hardware, software?? Please let me know

Ignorance regards

Mike
Butt kicking playing strength and rarity. There were only an estimated 500 produced. It's reported to have a huge opening book, but this we suspect
is wrong. An earlier thread a few years ago dealt with this.
A British retailer told me by email some years back that Montreux was
produced to rectify freezing problems with the earlier risc2500. Certainly
my Montreux is reliable.
Bragging rights come with rare and strong machines, and there is also
plain good investment value for the money minded among us.
L
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Post by Steve B »

Super Rare Fidelity Elite Champion Sensory Number 124 of 500
Sadly the seller is selling it "As Is" since he cannot say if its working ..
relying on the ol "no power supply" excuse..
for a $900 item you would think the seller would spring for a $25 adapter to test it
also... the front Gold Plaque is missing ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-rare-Fide ... 3aab1d3b87

Its Always Something Regards
Steve
Larry
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Post by Larry »

Steve B wrote:Super Rare Fidelity Elite Champion Sensory Number 124 of 500
Sadly the seller is selling it "As Is" since he cannot say if its working ..
relying on the ol "no power supply" excuse..
for a $900 item you would think the seller would spring for a $25 adapter to test it
also... the front Gold Plaque is missing ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-rare-Fide ... 3aab1d3b87

Its Always Something Regards
Steve
So it looks like the back has been taken off the Elite. Some people
deliberately disconnect the speaker to stop others in the same room
from being driven crazy by the monotone voice. Maybe i'm a bit too
sceptical, but to me, this may or may not be a genuine "Elite". We
can be sure the wooden frame is from an Elite, but it's a very simple
job to switch the main body of the machine with an ordinary Champion.
This is especially true if there are no "Elite"markings on the playing surface
or control panel, and nothing can be shown on the display confirming it
is an Elite.
Once it arrives, the new owner can only confirm it's Elite status by
setting up positions and checking the solving times versus solving times
for a normal Champion.
I know this Elite is being sold minus it's original box. Steve, does the
original Elite box have it's own distinguishing markings?...eg is there
a copy of the serial number, and perhaps an "Elite" sticker?
Of course the price is on the nose too.
Only a gambling man would buy this thing, IMO.
L
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