Buying pre-owned
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Jason
I am finally able to view watch videos and not order what I just saw.
Kentucky
Member since
Last active: 9 hrs ago
My take is that there are good and bad sellers and good and bad deals on both platforms. As far as I'm concerned the authentication process is a nice extra but no substitute for either really knowing your stuff or buying from a dealer who has a long-standing reputation to uphold. The authenticator is unlikely to have really specialist brand-specific knowledge.
My experience with eBay has been that the buyer protection works if the item is not as described or defective. That is especially useful for watches sold for less than the authentication threshold.
I got a great deal on a preowned Tudor on eBay! Its still in warranty. Go for sellers with lots of positive reviews. For peace of mind, I go for watches with box and papers. I know that’s not important for everyone its just my preference.
eBay for me. Numerous £500-1000 Seiko's, Aqua Terra quartz £1300, Seamaster 300 £3300..... No problems at all.
Neither. Find a good, honest watch dealer.
(And yes I know there are watch dealers on Chrono24, and they'd be the pick of the bunch to deal with, rather than individuals, but outside of Chrono24, the prices are going to be better, because they aren't factoring in Chrono's cut. Same principle on eBay, but less dealers on there in the first place.)
Neither. Find a good, honest watch dealer.
(And yes I know there are watch dealers on Chrono24, and they'd be the pick of the bunch to deal with, rather than individuals, but outside of Chrono24, the prices are going to be better, because they aren't factoring in Chrono's cut. Same principle on eBay, but less dealers on there in the first place.)
Likely the best option. Limited choices where I live, but bigger cities within 1‐2 hrs drive. One jeweler in town has Bulova and that's as fancy as it gets. Lol
Likely the best option. Limited choices where I live, but bigger cities within 1‐2 hrs drive. One jeweler in town has Bulova and that's as fancy as it gets. Lol
That 1-2hr drive could be worth it, once you've ascertained online that they have things you like.
That 1-2hr drive could be worth it, once you've ascertained online that they have things you like.
Working with an AD wouldn't be a bad idea.