I've spent a lot of time on ebay just browsing, but I've never found *that* watch that the widow pulled out of her late husbands sock drawer and sold for an insane price... obviously over-stating it, but you understand what I'm asking...

 

If I knew of a better place I wouldn't tell anyone. With prices constantly rising, why would I want more competition?
That being said, l have found lots of interesting stuff on Ebay, and I know of many others who have --depends what you look for and how, and whether you have an open mind.
Best regards

 

Also depends on the confidence you have in knowing what you're looking at.

 

What do you mean about having an open mind?

 

Thanks. It's a good point because I don't have a lot of confidence in knowing what I'm looking for. Feeling both absolutely obsessed with watches and ignorant at the same time.

 

No worries- join the club. Stick around here and you'll hopefully learn more with time. I know the forum's saved me a few times from impulsive idiocy.

 

I've gotten 2 great deals on eBay. 1 involves minor risk, the other some verification. Both required knowledge and a hunt.

 

have you tried hitting up the local pawn shops or thrift stores in your area? I have a local run I do when we are out in Palm Springs and have yielded the following:

JLC for $6.99



And this one.



And most recently this one.




The latter two were picked up at discounts that are comparable to Invicta discounts.

 

By open mind I mean, if you like dive watches don't tell yourself you're only going to consider Omega divewatches. Learn how to identify something that's good quality even if it's not your primary target, and allow yourself to jump on it if you like it and the price is good. One member here, Dennis. called it a target of opportunity.

Until relatively recently I was very focused on a couple of watches only, and wilfully ignored countless others. As my tastes evolved and time was passing I realized I had ignored exceptional watches which were then available at a decent price but are now incredibly difficult to find.
I have changed my approach and if I see a watch I like, I just set myself a price limitation to ensure I do not overspend, and if I get it then it's a bargain, if I don't I move on. I have never found a miracle bargain but I have found watches I really like at very reasonable prices.

Also "open mind" depends on what you want. If you like vintage watches and have decided you will not look at any watch smaller than 37mm then you're unlikely to find a bargain.

 

Man, that's awesome. Yeah, I've assumed that's the way I'll find anything. On the weekend I've been popping to my local charity shops, but haven't seen anything quite like that. I wonder if the US is better for it? I'm in London (born and raised in Texas, though).

 

Super helpful. Really appreciate it.

 

You're in London and have never found a bargain?? Get out of the city into the country side, into the car boot sales, fairs, flea markets and little shops-- the Uk is full of unbelievable stuff, I have many pals who live there and find great watches all the time.
But again that requires a lot of learning and reading to know how to identify a good quality watch.
Again, are you looking for vintage or modern?

 

The is no silver bullet. There isn't just one place where barn finds are magically found. You have kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. You also have to be ready to act quick as the good examples don't last long. Luck and timing are definitely in play. Personal networking is perhaps the best method of securing those grails... build your network within the horology community, be active on forums, go to get-togethers, etc. The more you personally invest in terms of time and effort, the more opportunities will present themselves.

 

True, I just need to get out there.

 

LOL

 

I should add, when I advise to look at more than one brand, that's only if you want to find bargains. Because bargains are not a particular brand. But many watch collectors and enthusiasts end up having a brand of choice -- and it is said if your goal is to be a collector that's how you learn to identity the more unique watches. Howver, that's not necessarily how you will find bargains, which was your initial question.

 

Yes

 

In the US, Salvation Army and the large thrift store chains send almost all watches back to a central location now. Blame an OF member for it.

 

I think Dennis put it best when he said that eBay is unique in that it handsomely rewards those who are knowledgeable and decisive, but harshly punishes those who are ignorant and impatient.

That said, these days most people selling a watch with a name on the dial (like "Speedmaster" or "Autavia") have Googled it and found that they are valuable