eBay authentication
Apologies if this has been discussed before, but wondering if anyone has had any experience on thoughts if it’s trustworthy. Thinking about getting a watch through there and it seems like a good program, but have also seen some review that challenged the timeframe in which the third party could have authenticated the watch. Thanks.
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I cannot speak with total authority on the eBay authentication program but read an article about it authored by a knowledgeable guy in the vintage watch space. He pointed out (in the vantage watch arena) that the "authentic" determination is highly debatable. He pointed out vintage watches sold as authenticated that had parts cannibalized from other models. At what point is a watch no longer "original" or authentic? He pointed out models that he judged to be "franken watches" that were authenticated.
I haven't read anything on how good the service is at detecting counterfeit pieces.
Yeah that’s a tough one because if it’s all authentic parts just taken from other watches, who’s to say it’s not “real”.
I haven't used the program myself.
Vintage has a lot of grey areas so it could be a mine field and really come down or opinion.
If you are buying something relatively modern the authentication process should be pretty straight forward.
For me I'd be comfortable trying it for newer watches but not for vintage.
There is another consideration about the authentication process on ebay; it is only available for purchases over $1000. Not sure how much you were wanting to spend, but there are a lot of vintage watches that wouldn't be covered because they were less than $1000.
I’ve bought ebay before. I mainly buy modern watches. I do some research. I shopped for the watch I wanted. Found a price I was comfortable with. It’s not necessarily the cheapest and I always do the box and papers thing. Then when I find a watch I like. I research the hell out of the dealer. I don’t buy from individuals or new dealers. They need to have a lot of reviews. I read them and form an opinion. If I like them. I try to message the dealer and I ask a few question. Maybe I’ll ask for something particular about the watch, about their return policy or for more photos of a watch. Something that will give a some feedback. Something simple like how long did it take for them to respond matters. I’ll feel more comfortable if they respond quickly with an informative response. Once I feel comfortable I’ll let it rip. I haven’t had any problems with the authentication progress. If it takes a few extra days. I’m ok with it if it supplies another layer of scrutiny and comfort.
There is another consideration about the authentication process on ebay; it is only available for purchases over $1000. Not sure how much you were wanting to spend, but there are a lot of vintage watches that wouldn't be covered because they were less than $1000.
Yea I definitely wouldn’t do it for vintage. Looking about $3-4k and in last 10 years.
I have bought two watches on eBay recently through the authentication program, and I bought two watches over ten years ago before it was in place (one of them being a pricey JLC!). If at all possible I recommend you do your own vetting before hitting the buy button but contacting the seller and asking about the providence.....where did they get it from. If it was from a dealer, contact the dealer (that is what I did with the two watches back in 2013) and just ask them to verify the watch came from them in the rough timeframe the seller is indicating. You don't need to ask for personal info as to who they sold it to. In both instances the watchmakers at both dealers responded to the positive, which gave me a bit of peace of mind that at least that part of the advertisement was correct and that someone other than the seller had verified the authenticity prior to their ownership. Also one of them was able to verify that the watch had come back to them for a servicing, good to know.
The other thing I will mention is that both of the watches I bought recently (>$2K) took less than 2 hours in the time they arrived at the authenticator and the time they were "put back on the plane". So how much can they be doing in that time? I'm sure they can spot obvious giveaways, but I doubt it is much more rigorous than that. Still better than nothing.
Also, if the watch was stolen, odds are the originating dealer might have been contacted and would probably be more than happy to pass that info on to you. :)
The person in charge of the program acknowledged that they are not allowed to open the case. So it's pretty much useless. So I don't count on it at all.
As the other gentleman pointed out, buy the seller. I've bought from Japanese shops with tons of reviews. There are good deals there.
There is another consideration about the authentication process on ebay; it is only available for purchases over $1000. Not sure how much you were wanting to spend, but there are a lot of vintage watches that wouldn't be covered because they were less than $1000.
it's 2000
it's 2000
I have seen watches with the authentication label for just over $1000.
The person in charge of the program acknowledged that they are not allowed to open the case. So it's pretty much useless. So I don't count on it at all.
As the other gentleman pointed out, buy the seller. I've bought from Japanese shops with tons of reviews. There are good deals there.
That’s disappointing to hear especially since the video on eBay even says that they open the case.
That’s disappointing to hear especially since the video on eBay even says that they open the case.
The statement was that opening the case would in someway void the warranty. So they are not allowed to do that. All they can do is a visual inspection of the outside.