Are meet ups OK in 2025 ?

workandturn · 2025-11-22T20:18:16-0600

I’m selling a watch on Chrono24 and a potential buyer has asked to meet in person in London.

I know meetups are common, but I’ve also heard enough stories of them going wrong so I want to be cautious. A face to face meeting does make sense for inspecting a watch properly, but I’m not sure how advisable it is these days ?

If I go ahead I’ll speak with the buyer on a call first to get a feel for things, but as I start selling more of my collection I imagine this will come up again, so I’m interested to hear what the general consensus is on safe meetups and whether people still do them.

Thanks in advance

Evitzee · 2025-11-22T20:24:01-0600

I've never had an issue with a meet up for a buy or sale. Just meet somewhere that is fairly public. If you made a contact via Chrono24 you should conclude the sale on that platform and not try to work around it to avoid the sales commission.

workandturn · 2025-11-22T20:29:47-0600

Evitzee
I've never had an issue with a meet up for a buy or sale. Just meet somewhere that is fairly public. If you made a contact via Chrono24 you should conclude the sale on that platform and not try to work around it to avoid the sales commission.

Why process through Chrono if you’re meeting in person ? Surely a direct bank transfer is easier and safer ?

If processed through Chrono24 do you not run the risk of them saying they never received it ? Why take that risk if you’re there in person ?

Evitzee · 2025-11-22T20:39:27-0600

workandturn
Why process through Chrono if you’re meeting in person ? Surely a direct bank transfer is easier and safer ?

If processed through Chrono24 do you not run the risk of them saying they never received it ? Why take that risk if you’re there in person ?

Because you made the contact via their platform, they should get their commission for doing that. Why should you get a free ride on reaching a worldwide audience? If you don't agree with that you should have used other methods to sell your watch. It's about integrity.

workandturn · 2025-11-22T20:58:43-0600

Evitzee
Because you made the contact via their platform, they should get their commission for doing that. Why should you get a free ride on reaching a worldwide audience? If you don't agree with that you should have used other methods to sell your watch. It's about integrity.

Your presumption seems to be that I disagree, when I’m actually just asking the question. I think Chrono24’s seller fees are fair and I’m happy to pay for a service that works.

That said, the system does expose sellers to certain risks. You may have had a smooth experience, for the most part I have too, but I’ve also dealt with a buyer who tried to deduct £475 from a 1601 because Rolex flagged the crystal as a non-authentic part. Chrono24 offered very little support on that case.

So it’s understandable that I remain cautious,
not because I don’t want to pay, but because I want to make sure I actually get paid.

All that said I appreciate your opinion and advice.

Dan S · 2025-11-22T21:05:17-0600

While I totally agree with @Evitzee's point of view on this and C24's fees are not exorbitant, in practice it would be pretty hard for me to turn down a handful of cash at an in-person meeting to sell something. Done deal, cash is king. When I buy or sell something in person, it's pretty much always a cash transaction, although sometimes a buyer has used Zelle or Venmo for a less expensive watch under $1k.

The last time I bought watches, we met at a coffee shop, and after agreeing to terms, the seller went with me to the bank and I withdrew cash for her. She gave me the watches, I gave her the cash, she got in her car and drove away. It's just so clean.

pdxleaf · 2025-11-22T21:44:11-0600

workandturn
If I go ahead I’ll speak with the buyer on a call first to get a feel for things

This is key. You need a conversation. A hard-core thief could probably lie their way through a conversation, but I like to think that these people are few in reality. Generally the conversation revolves around sharing collections and is fun. A real watch enthusiast generally doesn't take much proding to talk about watches.

You didn't mention the cost. The higher the cost, the more both the seller and the buyer get nervous. A buyer who isn't a little bit cautious is also a red flag, as they either have money to burn or more likely don't plan on really giving you money.

Looking back on it, I have also met several people face to face. I was probably a bit more alert than if I hadn't been carrying a watch. Public places, no where near mopeds. Talk first before showing the watch. Don't be afraid to listen to your gut, although I have never had any bad vibes when meeting people. But I haven't met up in London either.

Good luck.

workandturn · 2025-11-23T05:36:30-0600

pdxleaf
This is key. You need a conversation. A hard-core thief could probably lie their way through a conversation, but I like to think that these people are few in reality. Generally the conversation revolves around sharing collections and is fun. A real watch enthusiast generally doesn't take much proding to talk about watches.

You didn't mention the cost. The higher the cost, the more both the seller and the buyer get nervous. A buyer who isn't a little bit cautious is also a red flag, as they either have money to burn or more likely don't plan on really giving you money.

Looking back on it, I have also met several people face to face. I was probably a bit more alert than if I hadn't been carrying a watch. Public places, no where near mopeds. Talk first before showing the watch. Don't be afraid to listen to your gut, although I have never had any bad vibes when meeting people. But I haven't met up in London either.

Good luck.

It’s still a maybe. It’s a grey dial 1601, not crazy money, but enough that I’m being cautious.

In Singapore I did meet ups all the time but that’s a country where the government had to remind people that crime exists 😀 Now I’m back in the UK, I’m just a bit more aware of the risks.

Let’s see what happens !

Larry S · 2025-11-23T16:14:36-0600

I’ve bought three watches in pubs. Two in Wisconsin and one in London. Overall, very pleasant experiences. As long as you have your wits about you, all good.

Are meet ups OK in 2025 ?

workandturn

Evitzee

workandturn

Evitzee

workandturn

Dan S

pdxleaf

workandturn

Larry S

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