OMG I need to rant (watch related) bloody eBay authenticators

JwRosenthal · May 12, 2023

This is all the more reason to sell on the watch forums (like here). Yes, it is a smaller audience (although watchrecon collects all the forum postings in one place so you get a full picture of all listings on all major the forums), and you may not get every last penny from it (due to more experienced buyers who aren’t as eager on the trigger or prone to emotional bidding), but you keep the 15% of flesh eBay extracts and can deal directly with buyers/sellers. I see no reason for eBay other than bargain and parts hunting- or to sell off garbage you don’t want to sell in the forums- and in that case just list them a for parts/repairs so they go as-is.

Bernhard J · May 12, 2023

I would generally agree, but my impression is that most watches offered in forums seem to be quite overpriced.

Archer · May 12, 2023

JwRosenthal
For the majority of people who are buying newer watches that are commonly faked and don’t want to do their own research, the authentication is a big plus and offers them a sense of security. For the collectors, this is a potential disaster (as it was here). But we don’t make up the majority of watch traffic on eBay so they couldn’t give a shit.

We've heard all this same whining since before the program even started, yet people still choose to use eBay...😕

The program is a massive success for eBay. I'm quite sure it saves them far more time and trouble ($) than it creates. As a business decision it's a slam dunk. The very few instances you hear about on forums would tell you that these are isolated incidents for the most part. Although it sucks to have it happen to you, it's the cost of doing business on the bay...

Tom Dick · May 12, 2023

Well chaps

Things have developed today. So I’ve done my research in due diligence on Ebay‘s authenticators in the UK. They do appear to have at least one experienced watchmaker . However I’ve confirmed they don’t have actual accreditations or authorised service centre status particular in this case for Omega. They are small set up on a sub brand of STOLL, who are the large, U.S.-based authenticators.

So the two big things that have happened today are

1: they have backtracked on the authenticity of the box and now confirmed with the buyer that it is not only legitimate but original to the item. The damage is already done and I’ve committed and purchased a new wooden omega box for the buyer at my expense. So out of pocket already for their ineptitude and them jumping the gun!

2: they are still arguing the case over the issue with the crown on the planet ocean. However, I am unprepared to return it to them to check it again as I have sent them dozens of high-definition photos of me opening the box, the crown issue and it’s very clear to all who can see it was sent working and arrived to me damaged. However it’s cut the repair is eBay’s liability and I’m not entrusting my new watch to anyone other than STS in this instance as I trust them and I have absolutely (and justifiably) no confidence in STOLL UK as eBay’s authenticator as they did all this damage in the first place.

wont be giving up on this one with eBay! One cock up is a really poor show but two in the same day is inexcusable!

totally agree with archer that on balance it’s a great programme and a great idea and I’ve just been double unlucky but what really bothers me is eBay utter lack of interest in sorting this quickly for me, but as you say archer, the price of doing business on eBay! Guess you win some, you lose some. I do feel there are still some great buys on the bay and I accept errors happen but as I said in my case I’ve been burned twice in the same day and eBay couldn’t give a monkeys toss

Archer · May 12, 2023

Tom Dick
2: they are still arguing the case over the issue with the crown on the planet ocean. However, I am unprepared to return it to them to check it again as I have sent them dozens of high-definition photos of me opening the box, the crown issue and it’s very clear to all who can see it was sent working and arrived to me damaged. However it’s cut the repair is eBay’s liability and I’m not entrusting my new watch to anyone other than STS in this instance as I trust them and I have absolutely (and justifiably) no confidence in STOLL UK as eBay’s authenticator as they did all this damage in the first place.

A crown failed - it happens. It's not a big repair in the larger picture mate, so don't sweat it.

As for Stoll "causing" damage, I have no idea how they would even "cause" this to happen. It's most likely a crown that wasn't assembled as well as it could have been. Bad luck for sure, but not likely incompetence on anyone's part, other than Omega.

Tom Dick · May 12, 2023

Archer…. You are always the voice of reason and as you say it’s not the end of the world!

But I still want eBay to resolve it! Sadly that’s the down side for them! They Authenticated it and added their seal of approval and it arrived to me not as sold and not as described so sadly in my mind that the downside of this new process for them. The box issue isn’t a big one but again I’m out of pocket for their miss judgement and again I expect them to rectify that not me.

we will see

redzer007 · May 12, 2023

Ebay did $9.8B in revenue in 2022. Im not against the authentication programme, but feel they need to take responsibility if they insist on putting themselves in the supply chain. Ok damage may have occured anyway, but by taking receipt of item i feel they are responsible if the item does not arrive with buyer in the condition it arrived with the authentication service. (Applying normal shipping liability insurances etc)

I do have a problem with their fees, so for that reason i dont sell via them (but did in the past)

As for the box, as it was falling apart pretty much guarantees its a legit 90s Omega box ;-)

Dan S · May 12, 2023

blufinz52
The authenticators are watchmakers, not a booth at the mall. I sold a Breitling on eBay and sent to watch to a watchmaker in Illinois, one with a website, with extensive feedback. The process was seamless.

Illinois, or Dublin, Ohio? I have always sent watches to Stoll and Co.

Archer · May 12, 2023

Tom Dick
Archer…. You are always the voice of reason and as you say it’s not the end of the world!

But I still want eBay to resolve it! Sadly that’s the down side for them! They Authenticated it and added their seal of approval and it arrived to me not as sold and not as described so sadly in my mind that the downside of this new process for them. The box issue isn’t a big one but again I’m out of pocket for their miss judgement and again I expect them to rectify that not me.

we will see

I'm simply (trying) to point out that the crown issue wasn't caused by anyone in the chain of custody. Not the seller, the authenticator, and not you. Sometimes things just break. So when you say that Stoll UK "did all this damage" that is the part I think you are portraying inaccurately.

No one is perfect, not me, you, or Omega, or eBay, or Stoll. Shite happens, as they say...we can't control that it happens, we can only control how we react to it.

Pastorbottle · May 12, 2023

redzer007
Ebay did $9.8B in revenue in 2022. Im not against the authentication programme, but feel they need to take responsibility if they insist on putting themselves in the supply chain. Ok damage may have occured anyway, but by taking receipt of item i feel they are responsible if the item does not arrive with buyer in the condition it arrived with the authentication service. (Applying normal shipping liability insurances etc)

I do have a problem with their fees, so for that reason i dont sell via them (but did in the past)

As for the box, as it was falling apart pretty much guarantees its a legit 90s Omega box ;-)

$9.8 billion…….not surprising since the bastards don’t pay their taxes!

Tom Dick · May 12, 2023

Archer
I'm simply (trying) to point out that the crown issue wasn't caused by anyone in the chain of custody. Not the seller, the authenticator, and not you. Sometimes things just break. So when you say that Stoll UK "did all this damage" that is the part I think you are portraying inaccurately.

No one is perfect, not me, you, or Omega, or eBay, or Stoll. Shite happens, as they say...we can't control that it happens, we can only control how we react to it.

totallly get it pal and am in agreement with you, but, as omega have inserted themselves in to the process I would like them to make a more proactive effort to resolve it. The issue with the box really isn’t a acceptable. Just one of those things I know but I’m still whazzed off with eBay as the box thing has cost me a good chunk of change and the crown is again an additional and unplanned expense

blufinz52 · May 12, 2023

Dan S
Illinois, or Dublin, Ohio? I have always sent watches to Stoll and Co.

Dan, you’re right…it was Stoll. Thanks

Archer · May 12, 2023

Tom Dick
totallly get it pal and am in agreement with you, but, as omega have inserted themselves in to the process I would like them to make a more proactive effort to resolve it. The issue with the box really isn’t a acceptable. Just one of those things I know but I’m still whazzed off with eBay as the box thing has cost me a good chunk of change and the crown is again an additional and unplanned expense

You can sell the box though, right? What model is your PO?

Here's one example of a crown I've had that has failed the exact same way - the threaded tube that the stem threads into has come apart from the crown's cap:

This was a new crown, by the way...

gatorcpa · May 12, 2023

Pastorbottle
$9.8 billion…….not surprising since the bastards don’t pay their taxes!

And you know that how?

That figure is eBay’s gross receipts. They have expenses too. In fact, their financial statements show they accrued a current income tax liability of over $450 million worldwide. This doesn’t include direct taxes like sales tax or VAT where required. See p. 108 of their financial statements below.

https://ebay.q4cdn.com/610426115/files/doc_financials/2022/ar/2022-annual-report.pdf

This is how disinformation happens. Let’s stop it please.
gatorcpa

nkhandekar · May 12, 2023

I understand about the crown. I had an old IWC arrive from Japan with a similar issue. It cost $50 to fix, and I did although a little begrudgingly, and the seller was nice enough about it. It was easier for me to swallow the cost than sending it back with all the associated challenges. As a matter of fact I am wearing that watch right now and could not be happier that I spent the money and have the watch. There is a difference between the morally correct path and the most pragmatic approach. Morally I can see you are on the right path of asking for full accountability. But I know if I were you, I would just get it fixed and enjoy the watch.

jjen · May 12, 2023

eBay increased their fees too. Ugh

SC1 · May 12, 2023

Archer
No one is perfect, not me, you, or Omega, or eBay, or Stoll. Shite happens, as they say...we can't control that it happens, we can only control how we react to it.

Bullshit, my first wife said I was "Perfect" before she froze all my assets, put a lien on my record company royalties, seized all my musical gear so I couldn't make a living and took my dog.

JwRosenthal · May 12, 2023

Tom Dick
Archer…. You are always the voice of reason and as you say it’s not the end of the world!

But I still want eBay to resolve it! Sadly that’s the down side for them! They Authenticated it and added their seal of approval and it arrived to me not as sold and not as described so sadly in my mind that the downside of this new process for them. The box issue isn’t a big one but again I’m out of pocket for their miss judgement and again I expect them to rectify that not me.

we will see

I do see value in holding eBay’s feet to the fire for this process- not in any spiteful way (and possibly not yielding any compensation), but since they are insisting on the authentication process, and there are obvious kinks, the more they are held accountable the more they will learn from it and hopefully respond accordingly. If nobody complains, then there won’t be any reason to enact change.

BSUdude · May 13, 2023

kaplan
Phew I feel for you, so devastating issues stacking like this, when it happens I usually just want to give up and regret all my recent life decisions

Back when I was a total newbie, all my entrepreneurial ideas were marketplace related, obviously amateur ideas as it requires a lot of effort and heft to create a marketplace, but coming full circle, my best idea is again a marketplace

I really think there's a strong gap in the world, a marketplace with eBay's practicality, but risks are buyers and fees are minimal, so you buy the seller, seller has peace of mind

It is pretty easy to buy the seller on eBay. I give eBay sellers the same healthy skepticism as sellers elsewhere on the internet. Feedback, length of membership, location, and other context clues can give you a pretty solid idea if the seller is legit or questionable. Plus you can engage in a dialogue with them to judge their communication as well.

iamvr · May 13, 2023

I bought a watch on eBay from a US seller on April 18th, and it has been stuck at their distribution center in Glendale Heights IL since April 21st with the status "Your item is being inspected". I couldn't file an inquiry until the expected delivery date May 10th (what a lead time to start with!) was missed. The eBay customer relationship rep's response (translated from German using DeepL) was:

"I have details of Omega Seamaster - Vintage 1958 - Honeycomb / Waffle, Two Tone Dial - Original and the decision has been made in your favor.

Due to the high value of the order, the decision must be confirmed by the team of experts.

Within the next few weeks we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you very much in advance for the reliable handling of your eBay transactions.

I wish you a nice weekend."

After reading this thread, I'm anxious what this "team of experts" are going to do to the watch 🤦. Plus the response implies that nobody has moved a finger for three weeks until I inquired about the whereabouts of the watch. And it will take another "few weeks".

OMG I need to rant (watch related) bloody eBay authenticators

JwRosenthal

Bernhard J

Archer

Tom Dick

Archer

Tom Dick

redzer007

Dan S

Archer

Pastorbottle

Tom Dick

blufinz52

Archer

gatorcpa

nkhandekar

jjen

SC1

JwRosenthal

BSUdude

iamvr

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