Is it safe to purchase a Rolex on eBay

[rolex75216]

I see a lot of nice watches on eBay and was wondering if it is safe to purchase a watch on their platform?

[White Collar Boy]

I wouldn’t, unless they happened to also be a seller with a brick and mortar presence backed by real reviews. Even eBay feedback can be faked these days.

[ducatiti]

I would rather not. I only recently went grey after all these years. Best bet is to buy from one of the trusted sellers here and spend a little more. Not worth learning your lesson the hard way.

[Bazil]

There are some that have stores, sell on chrono 24 , and also eBay … but off a singular person I don’t think I would ..

[10klakes]

eBay now has a go between service that is supposed to be really good. They escrowed funds, opened case back, and provide a guarantee. I’m 100% unaffiliated, just sharing what I heard.

[Cauhauna]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

eBay now has a go between service that is supposed to be really good. They escrowed funds, opened case back, and provide a guarantee. I’m 100% unaffiliated, just sharing what I heard.

yes
https://pages.ebay.com/authenticity-guarantee-watches/

[VictorGMT]

Originally Posted by 10klakes

eBay now has a go between service that is supposed to be really good. They escrowed funds, opened case back, and provide a guarantee. I’m 100% unaffiliated, just sharing what I heard.

Absolutely, you are good to go.

Prior to eBay adding this service, I purchased my 116713LN on eBay in 2011.

Watch arrived fully stickered with four years eleven months left on the warranty. (Not certain... was the warranty shorter in 2011? Anyway it arrived with only one month run on the warranty). Because it was 2011, I received a substantial discount.

I had NOT yet discovered TRF. After a month reading the forum, I would have NEVER trusted eBay, worn the watch while washing dishes or riding a bicycle, etc.

[brandrea]

I personally wouldn’t. Too many other great trusted sellers to work with.

[KY..]

I say it depends on a few things outside of a straight yes or no.

Modern watches are everywhere so if eBay has one that you feel makes since to you it really should be well vetted.
But you can send it back or use the money back guarantee if it’s not as represented.

For vintage you need to know what you are doing even more so because fewer people can help authenticate.
But you can dispute and get a refund if you can prove it’s not authentic or are not satisfied.

There are deals still on eBay if you are cautious and know how to identify authentic watches and parts.

However I do feel it’s much harder to be a seller on eBay vs being a buyer.

[boltz]

I actually wouldn't do that.

[harvey]

…if you have to ask then I would suggest, no.

[travisb]

I wouldn't. There's far better options.

[PB_nts!]

Chrono24 is safer

[1William]

I have found that in the current market that the prices on ebay are very similar to Trusted Sellers with all things about the watch being equal. There are no deals to be had as everyone can research what they own and understand values. The slight variance in prices does not justify the risk and possible problems that a high dollar purchase could bring from an unknown source.

[Jackie Daytona]

I wouldn’t, but admittedly I have been tempted. I occasionally find a great deal just browsing through vintage stuff there that still lists high enough to be “eBay Guaranteed”. However I don’t think I would do it, just fun toying with the idea of all goes well I suppose.

[robinmgb]

Of course it’s safe from a reputable seller
Many of the large pre owned specialist dealers sell on eBay so as long as you buy from one of those it’s no different to buying through their websites
Private sellers etc. are a different matter altogether

[WatchTimes]

That's a negative Ghostrider.

[JarheadJim]

I personally wouldn't. I also wouldn't want one of their "trusted verifiers" opening the watch. Who knows what their skill level or caretaking looks like.

[Calatrava r]

Even with a trusted seller, there are a lot of fees associated with Ebay which the sellers build into their asking price. Contact a TS directly with a cash offer and avoid all those fees.

[Snowballs]

No thanks - be careful out there....

[Kreyzhorse]

From an individual? I would not....

[Krash]

I’m not sure I’d buy anything on eBay anymore…


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[Swearengen]

I think the authentication process is good for both the buyer and seller. Hear all about it

http://www.scottishwatches.co.uk/202...tirath-kamdar/

[fania123]

Nope

[Law52]

I’d go with a reputable trusted seller, like you can find on this site. If your state charges sale taxes, then when purchasing from EBay and some other sites, you have to pay it.
Remember everything is generally negotiable with sellers and thus you can get a fair market price. I do recommend to locate a good watchmaker in your area, if possible and still have them verify it’s the real deal.

[GRabens]

I feel it is absolutely safe if the watch runs through eBay's watch authentication process. With that said, I would also vet the seller. I would not buy from someone suspicious, low or negative feedback, etc. I have bought and sold a half dozen watches through eBay wiith no issues or complaints. The third party authentication process protects me as the seller and the buyer.

[Tortoise99]

I’m in the UK and would happily buy off eBay. The watches get sent to an authenticator - just do your due diligence. Things may be different in the USA where you’re from though.

[thesharkfactor]

Yes no problem, buy with authentication and your good.

[SAAS]

I’ve used ebay many times for watches rolex/tudor without issue. They now also guarantee authenticity which is helpful though in dozens of purchases previously I didn’t have a serious problem. My one area of caution would be to stick with the US and use a credit card to give yourself another layer of protection. I say stick to the US because if you do need to issue a return on a foreign transaction you become the exporter of the item it can involve paperwork and fees to do correctly the worse I faced was a return to Japan it seams like there is a proliferation of Japan listings lately I will not touch those.

[Hawkeye98]

Originally Posted by SAAS

I’ve used ebay many times for watches rolex/tudor without issue. They now also guarantee authenticity which is helpful though in dozens of purchases previously I didn’t have a serious problem. My one area of caution would be to stick with the US and use a credit card to give yourself another layer of protection. I say stick to the US because if you do need to issue a return on a foreign transaction you become the exporter of the item it can involve paperwork and fees to do correctly the worse I faced was a return to Japan it seams like there is a proliferation of Japan listings lately I will not touch those.

This ^. I needed to return a watch to Japan and had to file as some sort of business entity with the IRS in order to return it with the proper $ insurance coverage as the value exceeded the maximum standard jewelry coverage UPS/FedEx offers to private parties. Good thing I did because UPS lost the watch as they delivered it to a different address in Japan.


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