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Buying used watch advice

M
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So, some practical advice please

I’ve found two of the same watch - the infamous 2531.80 one through a prestigious pre owned watch chain and another through eBay uk. Both full sets (the one through the chain is missing the outer box) the one on eBay is a one owner watch with even the original purchase receipt.

the one from the shop is immaculate from the pics (2006) supposedly had a full service, but who knows ( I doubt it). The one from eBay is in excellent condition given it’s from 2000, but the odd scratch on the bezel and strap obviously.

now the price differential between the two is £800. In my view is it better to go through eBay, have the extra cash to get it through 2 official omega services?

pros and cons would be good to hear!
 
A
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It's your money so you had better make the decision.
All stuff you will know, the chain is a business so a percentage above the watches actual value keeps their doors open. Degree of full service, who knows? Do you get some sort of Omega service warranty to back it up?
The private seller has a good idea of what it is worth and has probably priced it high on the private sale price list while knowing the fat in a dealer sale isn't supported on an EBay sale.
Are you a wearer or a collector? If you are looking to flip it in the future then you need what the next buyer wants. Wear and keep it, buy the one that you want.
 
M
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A ArmbandUhr69
It's your money so you had better make the decision.
All stuff you will know, the chain is a business so a percentage above the watches actual value keeps their doors open. Degree of full service, who knows? Do you get some sort of Omega service warranty to back it up?
The private seller has a good idea of what it is worth and has probably priced it high on the private sale price list while knowing the fat in a dealer sale isn't supported on an EBay sale.
Are you a wearer or a collector? If you are looking to flip it in the future then you need what the next buyer wants. Wear and keep it, buy the one that you want.
Both are full sets apart from the small differences as described. It’s going to be worn. I was think with the £800 difference, I could almost get 2 full omega services. The one from the shop does come with their 24 month warranty. They have an omega accredited service centre.
 
Dan S
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No idea how much these go for. Is £800 a small fraction of the total price? I don't think there's necessarily any difference in condition. The retailer has just polished it up and posted the usual deceptive photos.
 
Larry S
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@Matty1 you need more pics of the dial on the eBay watch. Specially between 40 and 45.
 
M
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Larry S Larry S
@Matty1 you need more pics of the dial on the eBay watch. Specially between 40 and 45.
Is that better. There is some lint on top as he just cleaned the crystal for my benefit.
 
9DC5C620-05F8-45DA-9632-EE2C18290978.jpeg
Larry S
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M Matty1
Is that better. There is some lint on top as he just cleaned the crystal for my benefit.
Nope.. Even more concerned now. He needs to clean it up and take some better shots without direct light overhead, window sill perhaps. You need to be assured that’s not dial damage.
 
M
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I can see reflections etc, but where are you seeing a damaged dial?

thanks
 
Larry S
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M Matty1
I can see reflections etc, but where are you seeing a damaged dial?

thanks
Same quadrant. I would not buy this based on the pictures.
 
M
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Larry S Larry S
Same quadrant. I would not buy this based on the pictures.
I’ve asked for some more. It’s a hard dial to capture for sure. There others in eBay and other shops that are just as difficult to examine
 
M
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M Matty1
I’ve asked for some more. It’s a hard dial to capture for sure. There others in eBay and other shops that are just as difficult to examine
Larry S Larry S
Same quadrant. I would not buy this based on the pictures.
 
EF843F87-EFCB-4A19-BF4C-EFD865E7AE13.jpeg
Larry S
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M Matty1
This quadrant looks ok to me
I disagree. You really want the watch, I get it, but, based on these pics, I think that dial is damaged between 40 and 45.
 
M
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Larry S Larry S
I disagree. You really want the watch, I get it, but, based on these pics, I think that dial is damaged between 40 and 45.
Please can you edit the pic and show me? Thank you
 
M
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Larry S Larry S
I disagree. You really want the watch, I get it, but, based on these pics, I think that dial is damaged between 40 and 45.
Are you talking about what I have circled?

thanks
 
D2FD0D82-320B-464F-B68C-43E6B3B74701.jpeg
SkunkPrince
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Larry S Larry S
I disagree. You really want the watch, I get it, but, based on these pics, I think that dial is damaged between 40 and 45.
I think that's a reflection. It's just too straight.

Now, that said, in this case only, I think you might want to un-ass the chair and see if you can find something you can hold in your hands and lay eyeballs upon it. Bring a loupe or a hand-magnifier with you. See how tight the bracelet feels. Smell it if you have to.

I, personally, do buy a lot of things from picture only, but I know what my risk is and how to mitigate it. You might too, but maybe not?
 
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