To buy pre-owned watches who do trust more?

I've only bought pre-owned once and it was from WatchBox.

I feel that they price the watches higher than other pre-owned platforms such as Chrono24. That aside, the experience was pleasant and was a smooth transaction, and I got an impression that the staff have decent watch knowledge and didn't seem like clippers.

Id say 90% of my purchases over 10+ years have been eBay - dearest being £3400.

Also do a fair few trades/swaps on Facebook forums.

Never used chrono24 or Watchfinder, both way too pricey as they're running a business.

I have only purchased used from eBay. I have probably bought 10 over the past couple of years. I have never bought any expensive watches though.

I buy from postings at another forum where I've been a member for years.

What forum is that?

Do you think, would be Watchcrunch a safe place to buy from other users?

I buy on eBay frequently but only in the $500 or less category. I think I’d confidently go up to $1k for the right Watch but never have with EBay, or used at all for that matter.

Watchuseek.

There are, however minimum posting and length of membership requirements in order to sell/buy.

Gnomon Watches and some times Joma Shop

I have had good luck ordering through both. However, I placed my vote for eBay because I can find out more about the seller than I can through Chrono24. Won't buy from any seller on either platform unless their reviews are all/mostly positive (99% or greater).

WC is relatively new as forums go and has a lot of relatively new members. It takes awhile to develop a consistent membership base that contributes on a regular basis. In this day and age it's risky to do business with someone who can't be vetted easily. The key is verifiable references. I would never buy from someone whose sole purpose for being here (or anywhere) is to sell a watch.

Sales can be a slippery slope.

Didn't know Gnomon and Joma had pre-owned watches!

Good advice ✨

Yes it is with Joma but it also has new ones in brands like Seiko, Orient and Certina for example. There I bought 2 new Bambinos and two Kamasu as well as a Seiko and a Certina.

How unfortunate that we cannot ask @Lydia527's opinion on this point... she is gone 😂 (already?)

I don’t think one platform is really any more trustworthy than the other. Both are simply markets where third parties sell their products. You have to buy the seller as they say.

Notwithstanding the above statement, the sheer size of eBay means that it’s more likely to have scam/shady sellers. But if you remember to buy the seller and if it looks too good to be true, it probably is, then you should be OK.

I’ve purchased many watches on eBay, the most expensive of which was a pre-owned Doxa, and the sellers were helpful, responsive and trustworthy. I’ve not used Chrono24, but I am not actively avoiding it.

Local selling platforms are my way to go:)

I have had three good experiences with Catawiki; quick delivery and everything as advertised. It’s primarily EU sellers (which tax wise is a good thing for me)

Catawiki, great site 👍

My favorite AD is my primary source for both new and preowned. I did pick up a couple of pieces at Crown and Caliber. But while Chrono is useful to browse, both Chrono and eBay can be the very worse of the Wild West. Too many potential problems for my tastes.

eBay authentication guarantee has been a game changer

My last 2 purchases were through Chrono 24. The first was a Tudor from a private seller, stateside. The other was a Speedy Pro from a Japanese dealer. Both with box and papers. Both were good deals. The thing I trust aboust Chrono 24 is the escrow system: even after the merchandise is in my possession, the seller doesn't get a payout until I verify that I'm happy with the purchase. This discourages fraudulent sells.