Vintage Eames chair with replaced leather. Impact on resale?  

Do you suppose that
there's a direct inverse correlation between interest in design and interest in value ? That is, the more a person seems interested in potential value (meaning, potential net profit), the more that person is probably not in this game for the love of the object as a work of art/design ?
I'm afraid (all other things being equal) I do . . .
Bur then, I'm a designer, not a collector.

Fine, here ya go. What's...
I didn't realize that asking what BALLPARK percentage discount would you need on an otherwise $3000 chair was so complex.
Fine, you win.
Here ya go.
What's a fair price?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330986040714?

It is very complex. Housekeba...
It is very complex. Housekebab, I wouldn't bid on the chair at all. I would never be satisfied with owning a chair that had badly redone cushions like this. To most people, the upholstery may not be noticeable, but they were not correctly executed and thus have a far lower value than an example, which has retained the original upholstery. There is no shortage of Eames lounge chairs on the earth, so I would highly recommend waiting a bit longer and you can easily find a nice original example with $3000 to work with. The grain of this chair is outstanding, but not enough to make up for the upholstery. Someone will buy this chair, probably for 2500 or so and will be very happy. If you would be happy with owning this chair for 2500, you can probably win it for that amount. Nonetheless, the value of this design comes from originality and condition. The originality has now been compromised, so the value is now far lowered. When you see an Eames lounge sell for 5k or more, it is often for good reason. If the chair is all original and grain is really spectacular, the sky can be the limit. If the chair has great provenance and is all original, that can do it as well. If it is an immaculate, museum quality example, the same can possibly be said. Best of luck to you and really, I would wait it out until you find a better, untampered example

Yesss....
I don't understand why people constantly want to buy either refurbished, replaced, or remodeled anything, when there's pristine original examples just begging for a good home. Near mint, or mint original examples not only show the love, and care that was dedicated towards the pieces, but it also speaks volumes about it's resale price.
If you watch a Barrett Jackson auction, you will see that cars with matching numbers, and all original parts will blow an altered hot-rod away on final sale price. No one wants a Kit Car Ferrari with a Fiero chassis, and steering wheel, pushing 138hp. Some do, but we just all laugh at them.
Original is where it's at, especially in artistic objects. That can't always be the case though. Coca-Cola machines, for example, most time need to be restored, but it's expected due to the nature of the item. They still use all original parts, and grade A paint to bring them back to life for top dollar. Stick with original, and as near mint as possible. These objects are investments, and need to be treated as such. Get the best the first time, and you'll never have to trade up for something better down the road.

I'd advise looking, researching,
Researching, and looking some more until you're confident in your own judgements as to value vs. desire.
Oh, and I'd probably drop the "kebab" part if you don't like getting skewered.

Upholstery is not rocket...
DavidR, thanks for your concrete reply. While I do feel reupholstery is not rocket surgery, if it damages resale then I will avoid this one until I understand the market better.
onegroovydude, it's obvious that a numbers matching 1966 GTO will go for $60,000, where one with a crate motor might go for $15,000. Duh, an original is worth more. My questions is how much more? Someone might get this Eames for $2000 refurb. or less if no bids. In my area, AAA mint vintage Eames chairs go for $6000. For someone, the $4000 discount may be worth it. Yea, it's not an original. That's why it's priced at $2000, and not $6000. There is a market for all grades.
tktoo, I agree. For now, I am not confident with my knowledge of the Eames market to know if a refub is worth $500, $1000, $2000, or $2500. It seems the market for a used Eames is about $3000. I see many new in box Eames languishing on Ebay in the $3500 range.

Rocket surgery
Never heard of that one.
But seriously, you are thinking too hard about this.

Not really, I asked a simple ...
I disagree, sir. I asked a simple question. What is that chair worth? It is the forum that is thinking way too hard. I just wanted a number.
Personally, I don't give a damn about refurb. The chair is more likely to fall apartwith 40 year old seams. In fact, I PREFER a refub chair. Used furniture is creepy and disgusting. Some guy probably jerked off on that chair for 40 years.
I prefer either brand new or refurb. But, I am a numbers guy. If it's worth $2200, and I get it for $2000, I am happy. If it's worth $1900, and I pay $2000, I am not happy.
I got one vote that he simply would not buy it at any price. I want liquidity in all my investments. So, if he represents a non-trivial segment of Eames buyers, I will pass. I'd rather pay more, and ensure liquidity.

"If it's worth $1900, and I pay $2000, I am not happy."
You should work on that.

You like overpaying for...
You like overpaying for stuff? Maybe you are the one who needs working on. I have an extra apple. Want to give me $56 for it?

.
it's taking an enormous amount of restraint not to pollute this thread with a snappy.
Aunt Mark

Aunt Mark
FTW.
HouseKebab- If someone here tells you that the chair is "worth" $1900, will you be salty if someone else buys it for $2000?

Why would I be mad if some ot...
Why would I be mad if some other guy overpaid?

All right then.
It's worth $1900.
Good luck to you.

Bidding starts at $2000. ...
Bidding starts at $2000. I'm out. Thanks.