If you have a watch for sale, then 'sell it!'
I'm guessing I'm not much different from most here. Meaning, as we're collecting watches, we're buying some used ones along the way. The older watches are obvious, but my focus here is really buying any used piece.
This is where some of my frustrations begins. When I'm shopping for anything 'less than new,' I usually go to Chrono 24 or Ebay first. Why? Easy, they have the biggest selections.
But here is where it can get frustrating fast. It's the seller / retailer themselves. They're so paranoid about (over)representing the watch, they say nothing. They put it all on you to find out about 'their' watch. Or they say, 'the condition of the watch can best be seen in the pictures. BS. Pure, BS.
So, my tips to watch Sellers & Retailers:
Your watch. So, for now, own it. Provide details.
Age. They have serial numbers, use them. Especially with any newer piece. Say, 25 years old & newer?
Condition. You sell watches, represent its' condition in detail. Both mechanically & cosmetically.
Bracelet. If it has one, try to have some extra links available. At the very least, know where someone can go get them.
Box(es) & Cards. At least to me, these are very important. If you don't have the originals, expect to discount accordingly. And 'no,' $50.00 or so doesn't cut it.
Export / Import. Have a clue as to what it's going to potentially cost. Not down the to the penny. And not for every country, but certainly the larger ones. Like the U.S.
Know this Sellers & Retailers, in general, the more ambiguous & unknowing you are, the more my suspicion, concern and ultimately, my contempt, is raised. Common sense 'red flags.'
I just bought another used Omega. One I'd wanted for quite some time. But I could never find one where the seller was forthcoming with basic information. I had to drag it out of them. Finally, a shop in Belgium had one. Well represented by them. Done deal. And I paid more for it than the others. Yet, I still see those others I'd first looked at. Guess what? They're still sitting there.
Step up! If you want to sell it? Then 'sell it!'
Born & raised on the Left Coast, but I escaped. My hobbies, in alphabetical order are: Cars, Cigars, Watches & Whiskey (preferably Rye). I love being old / older because you can get away with a higher...
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My gripe is poorly presented watches. Low quality images, and crystal that haven't even been wiped over. Make it look as attractive as you can, for God's sake😂
I've bought a number of watches over the years without a problem. I respond to well prepared sales posts. I ignore the ones you refer to. Bad pictures-ignore,sketchy descriptions-ignore, no box ,papers, extra links-ignore.
If I walk into a shop and it's a mess inside I walk out. If clean and well stocked I shop there.
It's up to me to chose who I buy from.
“The condition of the watch is seen in the pictures” is NOT BS. I sometimes add it in my Facebook marketplace listings. I explicitly call out all the major scratches, and even small ones that you have to catch in the right light to see at all. But do you really want me to write a novel about the wear on the buckle of the bracelet? Have you met the median shopper? They don’t read your description anyways. It’s also a bit of CYA protection because there’s a valid fear of a “professional buyer” (for lack of a better term) trying to scam you with a fraudulent refund request.
“The condition of the watch is seen in the pictures” is NOT BS. I sometimes add it in my Facebook marketplace listings. I explicitly call out all the major scratches, and even small ones that you have to catch in the right light to see at all. But do you really want me to write a novel about the wear on the buckle of the bracelet? Have you met the median shopper? They don’t read your description anyways. It’s also a bit of CYA protection because there’s a valid fear of a “professional buyer” (for lack of a better term) trying to scam you with a fraudulent refund request.
Rather ironic. There's a post that just went up here a few moments ago. The guy bought a brand-new Grand Seiko. Brand-new and it showed up all scratched up. What did those pictures hide?
My thoughts were my perspective as a shopper / buyer. Maybe more Sellers should mentally put themselves in our place in order to see & hear what we see & hear.
Rather ironic. There's a post that just went up here a few moments ago. The guy bought a brand-new Grand Seiko. Brand-new and it showed up all scratched up. What did those pictures hide?
My thoughts were my perspective as a shopper / buyer. Maybe more Sellers should mentally put themselves in our place in order to see & hear what we see & hear.
The trouble is sellers are also buyers. As a seller, you need to think like a buyer. If the pictures and description are not good enough to convince you to buy something, why on earth would anybody else?
The trouble is sellers are also buyers. As a seller, you need to think like a buyer. If the pictures and description are not good enough to convince you to buy something, why on earth would anybody else?
Thank you! ✔
Rather ironic. There's a post that just went up here a few moments ago. The guy bought a brand-new Grand Seiko. Brand-new and it showed up all scratched up. What did those pictures hide?
My thoughts were my perspective as a shopper / buyer. Maybe more Sellers should mentally put themselves in our place in order to see & hear what we see & hear.
You don’t have the full story on that one, and the situation is not resolved. Regardless of whether it’s the first watch, or the replacement, the outcome of that is unknown. There could be legitimate reasons for it, or it’s just a shitshow at that AD, but until both parties draw a line and it’s over it’s a private business transaction that doesn’t need 100+ opinions yet or even at all.
An AD would have different standard than an eBay seller. Mr Smith selling a 1950s Omega he found in his grandfather’s sock drawer during a house clearance is under a lot less scrutiny than a business with an online shop, and the platform allows for the posting of pictures pertaining to that particular item. These pictures are representative of the item - I should hope so, it’s the very essence of the auction for that very watch. An AD selling a brand new watch, yes, that better be brand new, and generic model pictures from the brand are probably the only thing they have unless they photograph every individual item they have in stock which might be overkill if they are shipping volume. Regardless, caveat emptor applies at every level, and conversely customer satisfaction is also key, so both parties just need to be sensible when they go about their dealings. Be polite, be helpful, be calm… it’s just a watch.
I recently purchased a watch on eBay that was for sale forever. They were asking 1400 as a starting bid and you could buy it now at 1800.😆 they had five pictures of completely different angles nothing really, super close. The ad also stated “ looks like it’s never been worn”. I wanted this watch for a long time and it was a pretty rare piece. I contacted the guy and offered him a grand. After some going back-and-forth, I gave him 1050. I was right in doing so. My gorgeous new acquisition needs a $650 service.
You don’t have the full story on that one, and the situation is not resolved. Regardless of whether it’s the first watch, or the replacement, the outcome of that is unknown. There could be legitimate reasons for it, or it’s just a shitshow at that AD, but until both parties draw a line and it’s over it’s a private business transaction that doesn’t need 100+ opinions yet or even at all.
An AD would have different standard than an eBay seller. Mr Smith selling a 1950s Omega he found in his grandfather’s sock drawer during a house clearance is under a lot less scrutiny than a business with an online shop, and the platform allows for the posting of pictures pertaining to that particular item. These pictures are representative of the item - I should hope so, it’s the very essence of the auction for that very watch. An AD selling a brand new watch, yes, that better be brand new, and generic model pictures from the brand are probably the only thing they have unless they photograph every individual item they have in stock which might be overkill if they are shipping volume. Regardless, caveat emptor applies at every level, and conversely customer satisfaction is also key, so both parties just need to be sensible when they go about their dealings. Be polite, be helpful, be calm… it’s just a watch.
Don't know how much more reading into this is necessary. The title of his post is, "When you order a "NEW" watch from an authorized AD"
Let's not conflate a brand-new watch in with your example of a 1950's Omega. Misrepresentation by virtue of little or no product description by a Seller was the point of my original post.
Yep, it's a Buyer's Beware / "caveat emptor" world out there.
Don't know how much more reading into this is necessary. The title of his post is, "When you order a "NEW" watch from an authorized AD"
Let's not conflate a brand-new watch in with your example of a 1950's Omega. Misrepresentation by virtue of little or no product description by a Seller was the point of my original post.
Yep, it's a Buyer's Beware / "caveat emptor" world out there.
I’d suggest reading the whole thing, and the earlier posts. It’s already a replacement - but the story isn’t over and thus sending for the baying mob is premature. The AD name is already public from earlier posts, so I’d argue the damage is already done, but it’s also a private matter, it doesn’t need any input from anyone, but here we are.
Perspective and platform is also important. You can’t expect casual eBay sellers with limited watch knowledge to behave as a top-end AD, or to have the wherewithal to follow your guidelines. It’s not one size fits all therefore caveat emptor.
I’d suggest reading the whole thing, and the earlier posts. It’s already a replacement - but the story isn’t over and thus sending for the baying mob is premature. The AD name is already public from earlier posts, so I’d argue the damage is already done, but it’s also a private matter, it doesn’t need any input from anyone, but here we are.
Perspective and platform is also important. You can’t expect casual eBay sellers with limited watch knowledge to behave as a top-end AD, or to have the wherewithal to follow your guidelines. It’s not one size fits all therefore caveat emptor.
Well, admittedly, I've not paid close enough attention to this "private matter." I see a matter being played out publicly when being shared with the entire WatchCrunch society.
I had hoped a few suggestions might help a Seller's sell and their 'customer' get a better product & experience. So much for that.
Finally, no one suggested a casual Ebay seller behave as a top-end AD. Just represent 'whatever it is you have for sale' openly & honestly. I'm stepping out of this pile. Tried to help a bit. Again, so much for that.
A watch being represented badly is not always a bad thing. I just bought a Seiko solar chronograph, sold as 'excellent condition, working perfectly' but the minute chronograph hand didn't reset properly and I don't think the owner knew how to do it, so I got it very cheap.
My only 2 cents to add to this…if you’re buying used/preowned from a private seller (and you aren’t paying for polishing, etc) expect to get something used. I have friends buy their first vintage watch and complain about light scratches.
My experience is that retail assistants rarely know anything about watches. They may know the brand name and model, but that's about it. Buy from a good private seller on eBay and they can tell you everything. That said, I tend to buy good used watches, not new ones
My experience is that retail assistants rarely know anything about watches. They may know the brand name and model, but that's about it. Buy from a good private seller on eBay and they can tell you everything. That said, I tend to buy good used watches, not new ones
I do buy new. And, like you, I really like to "buy good used watches." My original comment / post was after running into multiple sellers that wouldn't, or couldn't, tell you anything about what they were selling. Really? Is it too much to ask that they have an idea of what it is you're selling? They are trying to sell something and make some money, right?
On one of my last contacts, I really liked the watch. But trying to pry info out of him was exhausting. Final straw? He had a 'no return' policy. Uhh, no. Red flag, done.