Since I'm just starting out i, I'm willing to pay a bit of a premium to protect myself against redials and other little quirks that a newbie might not be able to catch. Knowing this, what are some places I should know about?

 

https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/

 

With no premium needed on most here

 

Seriously, you can't do better than the sales forum here, but if you are looking for more choice from a 'safe' classic site, these are a few of my faves ... But for 'the same' watch ( there is no such thing in vintage ) you will pay relatively more...

http://www.coolvintagewatches.com/

http://www.hqmilton.com/

http://www.classicwatch.com/used-watches/

http://www.carsandwatches.com/new-arrivals-2/

http://watchestobuy.com

 

+1 for the sales forum, having bought several from there.

Reputable vintage dealers are more expensive of course, but you'd have a lower risk of being conned. It all depends on what you're looking for - if you're looking for a high-value Rolex, ebay's definitely riskier (I went the HQ Milton route).

But if it's a lower-value vintage watch, ebay could still be a potential source, provided you ask the forum early for advice.

 

I agree that these forums are fantastic, but I can't play in this sandbox yet!

 

I'm looking for a 50+ year old manual wind watch with at least one other complication. I don't exactly know how to describe it, but there are a lot out there that I like/dislike based on look alone

 

If you post pictures of ones you like, we may be able to steer you in the right direction...

 

Do not do chrono24, their trusted sellers and trusted check out can't be trusted... In middle of dispute right now.....

I have bought three from lunar oyster, kirill is easy to work with and you get what you pay for

 

Go to the first link you received and have a look at our for sale forum. PM the
seller by clicking on their avatar and send a message

https://omegaforums.net/forums/private-watch-sales/

Enjoy the browse

 

This newbie recently purchased a Constellation and the guidance of the forum members was indispensable in obtaining a good watch. This forum is a great resource and a friendly place.

 

If your definition of a "safe" is a place to buy watches where you will never worry about being defrauded or buying a watch with an incorrect part, then there is only one solution - buy new from an authorized dealer.

For vintage, no such place exists, although you can certainly minimize the risk by buying from a known and reputable seller. Keep in mind that even those sellers can (and do) make mistakes.

The sales forum here is a great place to start, but nothing can substitute for your own research and knowledge of a watch (and seller!) before you buy.

 

Here's a cool complication: alarm watch! 1947 Vulcain Cricket

 

Those sites are fine but what drives me NUTS is when the watch is sold but still on there. If it's sold, take it down so I don't have to sift through it

 

Hqmilton and Bob's watches

 

What about auction houses. Sometimes they are pretty good!