I think eBay Authentication is a cool idea but are there concerns that they could get it wrong? I mean, I get that the risk is always present as I've read that some ADs can miss the mark, too, but, for all intents and purposes, should I assume that the authentication is accurate?
And I'll add that I'm not overly concerned about it but just wondering about the opinions of you folks with far more experience than me.
Thanks.
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There is always recourse
Hey there! Yeah, I suppose that they could get it wrong. I mean, let's say you took the watch in to a professional authentication service (and I think I remember another member saying that eBay uses so-and-so professional authentication service) - could that service get it wrong? Sure. But, unlikely to do so, yeah?
From first principles, we can deduce that the eBay Authentication Program is going to be a pretty tightly run ship. My own experience using it is that it's reliable.
YMMV 😜
Hey there! Yeah, I suppose that they could get it wrong. I mean, let's say you took the watch in to a professional authentication service (and I think I remember another member saying that eBay uses so-and-so professional authentication service) - could that service get it wrong? Sure. But, unlikely to do so, yeah?
From first principles, we can deduce that the eBay Authentication Program is going to be a pretty tightly run ship. My own experience using it is that it's reliable.
YMMV 😜
Thanks. That's more or less what I figured but wasn't sure how much it really meant to them to get it right. And I hope they keep up the good work so that Jones' 3-month old baby gets its heart surgery.
Check out the Scottish Watches podcast, episode #408. Couple of the folk from eBay talk in depth about it. Very interesting.
I've seen some discussion on this from people way more knowledgeable than I am. The consensus seemed to be that the program would be useful to root out watches that are counterfeit. However not "Franken Watches". Watches with parts from other watches and not correct to the model would still be labeled "authentic"
I popped into my local watch place I use which also sells pre loved watches ,he was telling me his company was used by eBay at the start as part of the trial ,he has 2 ex Rolex employees so I would think they know what they are doing, trouble is unless you send it directly to the manufacturer for a service straight away you have to trust companies
I think the authentication likely ensures your Rolex is real, but I wouldn’t trust it to be completely accurate. Not sure what the parameters or promises are made regarding the authentication, but always worth getting it checked out by a another trusted source if you can.
In my experience they seem to be pretty good. I bought a used Rolex that they flagged because the stainless steel buckle on the crocodile band was not original. It allowed me to negotiate a lower price on the watch with the seller.
I have noticed that some listings fall just short of the threshold for authentication. I wonder why they would do that?
Check out the Scottish Watches podcast, episode #408. Couple of the folk from eBay talk in depth about it. Very interesting.
Made it through most of the episode on the commute home - great advice to check it out. Thanks!
Those are great points. Thanks for your insight.
For anyone who may not be aware, the authentication is provided by Stoll & Co.
https://pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-watches/
In my experience they seem to be pretty good. I bought a used Rolex that they flagged because the stainless steel buckle on the crocodile band was not original. It allowed me to negotiate a lower price on the watch with the seller.
Very interesting! I’ve used it a few times as buyer and seller and it’s been fine - but I was wondering if little details like this would get flagged..
Stainless steel Rolex buckles were made by various companies especially back in the late 50s and 60s. So they may have been ereing on the side of caution. But then again there are also a slew of new stainless steel buckles marked with the Rolex distinctions that can be determined as to originality and I think this was so in my case.