It’s really here - eBay’s unilateral 3rd party authentication

X350 XJR · Aug 28, 2020

Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in the thread, but this is the first listing I've seen for something which will sell well under $2000 that is listed with the Authenticity Guarantee.

This would appear as though any seller can opt in. ??? BTW This is just a clueless seller of random junk.

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Dan S · Aug 28, 2020

X350 XJR
Sorry if this has been discussed earlier in the thread, but this is the first listing I've seen for something which will sell well under $2000 that is listed with the Authenticity Guarantee.

This would appear as though any seller can opt in. ??? BTW This is just a clueless seller of random junk.

That's interesting. I don't see any way to opt in, the decision seems to be made unilaterally by eBay at the time of listing. However, eBay does indicate that they will include watches under $2k if they are well-known models from luxury brands.

Edit: It looks like they have changed the FAQ to remove that clause, but they do say that auctions "expected" to go over $2k will be included, and who knows how they determine that. Looks like they also removed the description of ultrasonic or steam cleaning by the authenticator. 🙄

JwRosenthal · Aug 28, 2020

This is truly becoming insane in theory- eBay (or their authenticating contractor) has no way of handling the volume of watches that would be subject to authentication, that trade daily on the site.
I am still waiting to hear from anyone who has dealt with this in practice.

I just searched finished Rolex auctions and there have been 36 over $2k sold just today-so far....and that was just Rolex!

airansun · Aug 28, 2020

An update: I have heard nothing since my last communication with the seller in the OP. I’ve told him I’m interested, and I’m ready to make him an offer so long as the watch doesn’t go to an authenticator, as I know the watch is authentic. BTW, I don’t want to go outside eBay; I want to see if the seller can get eBay to remove this from the program in order to get a sale.

As a side note, this listing, for a very similar watch, posted around the same time as the OP listing, but this one doesn’t go through the authentication program.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124165018830

X350 XJR · Aug 28, 2020

Dan S
That's interesting. I don't see any way to opt in, the decision seems to be made unilaterally by eBay at the time of listing. However, eBay does indicate that they will include watches under $2k if they are well-known models from luxury brands.

Edit: It looks like they have changed the FAQ to remove that clause, but they do say that auctions "expected" to go over $2k will be included, and who knows how they determine that.

Considering this is a gold plated/steel back watch in rather unremarkable condition I can't imagine how this one was somehow included in that over $2000 bracket.

As others have said, this whole thing is an absolute mess.

It’s really here - eBay’s unilateral 3rd party authentication

X350 XJR

Dan S

JwRosenthal

airansun

X350 XJR

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