About to buy my first watch on ebay. Is it a re-dial?

trackpad

Just a PSA to anyone in the same situation, considering making their first vintage purchase from eBay. My advice would be DON’T.

If you had to design a machine more ill-suited to buying your first vintage piece, and more tilted in favor of unscrupulous or unqualified dealers - it would be harder to do better than eBay. I say this with no offense to the good ones out there. There are many. But not necessarily all those with 99.2% positive feedback. And therein lies the problem.

My humble advice to buying your first vintage, in steps:

1) Browse WatchRecon.com to get inspired by different styles and designs, and to narrow down your tastes by period, manufacturer or model.

2) Study and learn from forums where enthusiasts of whatever you narrow in on tend to congregate.

3) Finally, look for a private sale from a member of said forum. You want a member in good standing with good references, and whom you trust. This person will never pressure you, answers your questions, and doesn’t set off your creep-dar in any way.

Edward53

Anyone who thinks 100% positive feedback on ebay is a guarantee of seller honesty is seriously deluded. I could name several ebay sellers (but I won't) who are just about the vilest scum going. They have been on ebay for years, are "power sellers" and know exactly how to defraud naive buyers and manipulate the system. If you want to find out about an ebay seller, googling their current and any previous usernames is the nearest thing to a reliable way.

chrisblanch

Hey all, thanks for the advice.

I did not buy it, and I think I've learned to stay away from ebay and potentially even chrono24 for this purchase.

mikechi22

I’ve had good luck on Chrono24 working with smaller jewelry stores and brick-and-mortar watch dealers. The trouble there is that the mark-up is hefty, though the business will stand behind the product. I’ve not enjoyed working with the bulk of private or anonymous ones on there, but I’m sure there are plenty of good apples in that barrel!

trackpad

Agree that 100% is also not a guarantee of anything. I should have used that number instead.

But - and just curious - if you know a fraudulent seller or sellers on eBay, why don’t you call them out in the reviews section of this forum? Assuming they are dealing watches that is.

That people take the time to do this is exactly how Googling their eBay ID’s actually works.

niko4891

I'm quite sure that Baume & Mercier is a redial. What do others think?

niko4891

I'm quite sure that Baume & Mercier is a redial. What do others think?

chrisblanch

Thanks all for the advice. I think I'm starting to get the eye.

chrisblanch

Thanks all for the advice. I think I'm starting to get the eye.

Ninja2789

Instead, think about starting with examples that are known and collected. They may cost more, but you'll have much more tools (and experts!) at your disposal to navigate the vintage market.