Input on selling vintage watches on ebay with new policy?

If a watch is running, I list it as running. If it got any issues, like a date not advancing, stiff time setting, etc, I explain them in detail. I also test it in a timegrapher in 3 positions, show the results, and explain to the best of my abilities what they mean.

Now if a watch is barely running, stops once in a while, or stops in a certain position, I'll list it "for parts or repair". Will also explain the same things as above, so the buyer has some context on what they're getting.

A lot of the buyers I've encountered, are people who understand watches to some degree and will take the time to check photos and read descriptions. If they don't, it's their problem.


That is statistically bound to happen. I bought a watch from a dealer, was working fine and keeping decent time. A week later it stopped completely and still have to send it for a service. Sometimes you gotta take the loss and move one.

I find it best to just be honest, describe items/watches accurately and let the rest take care of itself. Regardless of categories, return policies etc, you’ll always get buyers remorse or people trying to game a partial refund etc.

I don’t worry about it, people will be people and you can’t control their actions. If I sell a watch on eBay and someone wants to return it for an issue I had clearly described (or any issue), I just accept the return and avoid any stress. This is my hobby, not my business and I don’t want the fun sucked out of it getting bogged down in arguing return policies etc.

If it’s on the fritz, it may not be running by the time it gets to its destination. So, I’d rather undersell the condition.