Ebay Authenticator Service?

Ive researched this and watched YouTube reviews on it. I haven't used it yet but I am confident in it. To summarize all the research I did, it's legit, they have a separate reputable firm handle the authentication and it's got a seal and authentication card from eBay. It can add a few days extra to the delivery process but it's worth it. *Also you won't have to touch anything or mail anything to anyone to check, and the seller won't get the watch back at anytime to switch it out with something fake etc. that's what I was worried about. Also* it's for watches $2000 or more. I read but can't confirm myself if it's a selectable thing you can pay $80 extra for as a service if it's a sub $2k price. I read that you could, but I couldn't see how it's done so not sure if it's a real thing. I'd pay for that service on a sub 2$k watch but again I couldn't confirm or deny that's an actual option.

Also* when you are searching watches you can filter by those that have that guarantee. So it will eliminate many potential fakes during your search. Then you can do your personal steps dealing with and researching the seller in your own way, from that point on. You should still do check IMHO on your own about the product too so don't forget that

Thank you! I paid the $80 for a recent purchase of a vintage Omega. Freaking myself out that the authenticator will void the purchase over something small ... like a wonky replacement crown. Fingers crossed.

I’ve also heard that you should only buy from sellers that give a detailed description and have lots of quality photos of the watch. They will reject it if the watch doesn’t match the description of condition. So it’s not just about verifying genuine watches or not. Sounds like a a pretty comprehensive service, but I haven’t used it either.

I used the service for the first time in January.

I received a phone call a day or so I’ve the seller posted the Watch from a very friendly, but apologetic, lady saying that they couldn’t verify the stated 200m water-resistance on a 17 year old watch, and did I want to reject it because of that? I wouldn’t expect water resistance to be guaranteed on any watch more than a few years old, so I was fine with it. The watch arrived securely packaged the next day.

So I’ve had a very positive experience with eBay Authentication.

I have used them a number of times and would say it’s a great service that makes eBay a safer bet than Chrono24. The company eBay uses has been around for 30 years while Chrono24 has you do the legwork. The only hiccup with eBay is if the listing says seller refurbished, then the authenticator allows a wide range of non OEM replacement parts and will still authenticate it. My recommendation is go with eBay and make sure the listing confirms that it’s not seller refurb. This video was helpful in explaining the differences.

https://youtu.be/au_sU3wU36o?si=PEoOivOzq7xBXvq4

Yes, 3 times in total.

It's a PITA having to wait an extra few days, but worth it for the peace of mind. 👍🏻👍🏻

So I’ve used it lots - as a buyer and a seller. Overall it’s great - less so because of the checks - than the fact it’s a independent middle man. So it sort of proves that what is sent out is what it’s claimed to be - and what is sent back (if a return is needed) is what is claimed.

The support line is a more advanced one based out of Ireland who are very helpful.

I had a weird one once where the authenticator lost the “extract of the archives” for a Patek Philippe. It was investigated and ultimately I was refunded for it.

No issues, slight delay in shipment but worth knowing you are getting something legit.

Not necessarily true. I used the service in early 2021 and the Omega I bought was not quite as described. Certainly not in the pristine condition it was described as (but the pictures weren't great and shame on me for not asking for more). That said, the price was very attractive and I don't regret the purchase at all. It remains my favorite and most worn watch.

I have nothing bad to say about eBay's authentication service other than you will become impatient waiting for the watch to arrive. Once you win your bid/auction, the seller has to send it to the authenticator and then the authenticator sends it to you. This can result in a 2-3 week authentication period which upsets the seller as they don't get the money until you get the watch and are happy with it and it upsets the buyer as you really want the watch to arrive ASAP as if it was Amazon Prime.

But again, I'm glad the service exists. Very glad.

I’ve used it once or twice. Went flawlessly. Ebay is basically the only place I will buy a used watch online.

I have had both good and bad experiences with the service. I personally will not purchase another watch through EBAY because of their 'no return' policy. Example..I wanted to gift a watch to a friend for a special occasion. I tried my AD and they did not have in stock sooo, I went to FLEA Bay and found one. A new never worn piece for $200 less then MSRP. I lulled the trigger and told them I needed it in 8 days. Well that was March 1st, I got it yesterday. I ended up finding another one at a different dealer and purchased it and they sent it to me on time. So now that i can not return it I have another watch in my collection..I have been selling down the collection..it isnt working out very well LOL JMO enjoy the hobby..This is the oiece I ordered..

I used it a few times.

They do, in my opinion, a good job. Two Omegas that I bought were authenticated. Some time later I serviced them (always do that when I buy a used watch) and they were perfect.

Last week I bought a Tudor BB Pro. They called me (on Sunday) to say that the watch was authentic, but the case did not match the description on the post. The minor scratches turned up to be much deeper than described. They told me that if I wanted the watch I could go ahead as the inside was perfect, but if I didn’t because of the immaculate description I could return it. I did return it and the refund hit my PayPal a few days later.

I recommend using it

I’ve used the authenticator for a few purchases on eBay and no issues. I got ripped off once on eBay but it was not an authenticated purchase so from now on I will only purchase watches that are authenticated on eBay.

Here in the uk this is all part of the eBay process for watches over like 1.5k I believe - it seems to work very well

No issues, slight delay, but worth the peace of mind.