Where do you buy your vintage watches and why?

Trying to grow my vintage collection, omega, Rolex, others...
Bought a few from eBay with good experience...

I usually get vintage or simply used watches from Chrono 24. Buying from a professional in the EU has advantages, like a two-year warranty. I also appreciate the Chrono 24 escrow system.

For cheap things I sometimes use eBay.

I’d never explore why we buy these watches...
I’m better off not knowing what pathology I have.
Was wondering more why you choose Chrono24 vs eBay vs other.

You will get various feedback on your question!
Most important is "which is the best place to search for a vintage watch without been fooled" and the answer is super easy: www.OMEGAFORUMS.net 😉😀

Got this from Chrono24

+1 to this! OF is just the best in terms of experience, honesty, interesting pieces, and fair value. And everyone works hard to keep it that way.

After that, chrono24. It's got a solid system of escrow, low commission, good guarantees, and attracts serious, honest sellers. I had an issue with a piece recently and the seller immediately offered a full refund, no fuss. You'll pay a slight premium, but I'd say it's worth it.

Ebay is good for the occasional deal, but you are always taking a risk with it. This is not necessarily b/c of seller dishonesty (which, in my experience, is relatively rare), but rather seller ignorance. Many of the vendors don't know much about watches, don't describe their condition well, and think "oh, it's only losing 1 min. a day, surely it's fine." I generally avoid the "big sellers" b/c I don't like the often absurd mark-up and they tend to polish the watches and replace parts without hesitation. I've generally had good experiences with private sellers on Ebay, but you have to read the fine print, really know as much as possible about the watch, and always be prepared to walk away or lose an auction.

All that having been said, I found the prize of my collection, a nearly pristine Ranchero, at an antiques fair in rural SE France, and for a price that made me cry with happiness. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. In the end, as much as I enjoy the watches I own, I've enjoyed what I've learned about this art and its extraordinary history even more!

Last three buys: C24 ; two via parcel (fed ex : not good, DHL : OK) one directly from seller face to face.

I would also recommend buying via uhrforum.de

Never: ebay ; no more: ebaykleinanzeigen.de or leboncoin.fr

Mostly eBay because I like to take a risk 😎 and most of the time it is a bargain. If I really want something, I buy from collectors through Reddit/Instagram/OF. The hunt and impulsive buy is all part of the game. It makes watch collecting more fun!

Mostly from eBay, one from Chrono24 so far. And this is my new approach to acquiring watches...https://timeandtidewatches.com/pickpocket-watch-stealing-tricks-revealed/