what are your thoughts on buying a watch on ebay ?

I bought a few, no problems so far

eBay has supplied many of mine and I've not had any issues. For discontinued models in that price range I don't know of a better option.

Always buy from sellers with plenty of reviews and at least 98% feedback this allows for nutters who are never pleased with a purchase or if new seller a stamped warranty and you will be fine I have bought and sold hundreds of watches on ebay and have 100% positive feedback and all good sellers hope for the same it's a trust thing and goes a long way

Go out of your way to read any poor feedback, to give yourself an idea of the problems other buyers have experienced. Consider also the hassle of returning a product to some overseas vendor.

I've found that problems are resolved more easily when paid with PayPal credit.

Agreed re: items not as described - eBay will usually find in favour of the buyer. I've found that very useful. I started out buying sub-$30 vintage watches and now mostly in the sub-$400 space. The more info and photos you can get before buying, the better.

I'm less convinced about the eBay authenticity guarantee when it comes to vintage watches. It takes real expertise to know whether all movement parts are original or whether there's been any dial reprinting or refinishing. E.g. Is a Rolex service dial "authentic". Bluntly, eBay's authenticators aren't vintage specialists.

Once the eBay appointed authenticator has "authenticated" the watch you have much less recourse as a buyer.

Undoubtedly the authenticity guarantee is great for things like modern Rolex where fakes can be easily identified by opening the watch and looking at the movement to check for a free-sprung balance. Less so for vintage imo.

I've bought 5 watches there with zero problems.

As a seller, the fees suck though.

I’ve bought a few from Japanese eBay stores every one has been better than described and ghe shipping has been really quick. Plus the prices are good I’d buy from them every time

For the people saying never, what’s the worst that can happen? eBay has the best buyer protection just like Amazon. If anything sellers hate it because the eBay will always side with the buyer. If something is wrong you get your refund with no problem. Worst thing you gotta do is print out the label and return the watch or item

Indeed. I'd rather buy a $1999 watch with eBay's standard buyer protection than a $2000 one with the "authenticity guarantee".

Most of mine are from eBay with no issues. I bought a Hamilton from Japan (I'm in the UK), again no issues.

Difficult one. I already had. Never had an issue with my GShocks, but i ve burnt myself with my baby- monster (which i thankfully was able to get new/ complete set otherwise), so vintage/ used; no. New, from a professional seller, Gs yay, all others nay

No issues with eBay or Chrono24.

What are your thoughts on chrono24 ? I feel like the prices are super inflated there

On some items, yes. Most items are market value priced. Like eBay, some sellers are open to offers & suggestions.

Ehh I try not to need EBay to make a purchase. Instead I’ll use Amazon. Not saying EBay it’s terrible, I have purchased watches from them before Amazon just make it a lot easier on returns and quality

I know the US site have more stuff in general, but the canadian website seems to have only a few models..

Bought many, and sold too. No issues to date.