Has anyone bought a pre-owned watch from Japan?

[Dirty John]

I noticed that there are a lot of good deals and a wide selection on Ebay and chrono24 from Japan. Has anyone bought from one of these dealers? If so, which one?

Thanks in advance.

[R1P]

Have you checked WatchvaultNYC? Curated selection, most or all of them originating from Japan, but the inventory is already in the US.

[iamkrish]

I did use chrono24 to get my first Omega from Japan.

[swaini3]

Yes i have. Generally speaking, they are honest about all service or replaced parts, history of the watch etc. I have noticed this in several stores. But obviously, use common sense.
For eg, I was at Quark (well known watch shop in Japan) in Osaka a few months ago and asked about the crystal of a vintage watch I was looking at, he got back to me and told me it was a serviced part. I have major respect for honest people like that.
when I asked about another watch and the price difference, the salesman told me it was because of a replaced case, which is hard to pick up if you dont know your stuff.
Conditions of cases and dials are generally very very good. You can get really nice old watches there.
If you want to buy online, I suggest timepeaks.com, they have an option of buying a watch for you, authenticate it and will only send it to you if it is original. Otherwise, you get your money back. I have asked them how 'deep' is their inspection, they said all parts are checked but relumed dials and hands would still pass their checks. So, If you're into modern watches or dont mind relumed vintage watches, and your main concern is an authentic watch, I would get in touch with them.
I would be very very cautious using Chrono24.

[swaini3]

Jackroad and betty
Quark
Ippuukishi
are well known.