Help with feedback on 118238

[Sd-owl]

Hello. I’m in the market for 118238. I found one within budget from a local “dealer” on moda. I did a reference check within the group and he is 1 hour drive from me ( can meet in person). However, I don’t have enough knowledge to ascertain that this is all original. He says it’s a full set. Here are the pictures provided. 2008 model. Does this look all original? What else should I ask for to determine its legitimacy? Any feedback ?
Thank you in advance

[KatGirl]

It looks fine, though the top lugs appear to have some discoloration, caused by oxidation. I’m surprised that wasn’t polished out before listing it for sale.

Kat


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[huncho]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

It looks fine, though the top lugs appear to have some discoloration, caused by oxidation. I’m surprised that wasn’t polished out before listing it for sale.

Kat


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probably a reflection, you can see it sneak in on the bottom left lug and you don't see it in the second pic. the side pic has a bit of a pink tint as well. it wouldn't just turn entirely pink like that in one section of the watch

looks to be in mint condition which is the most important thing with these older models. too many of them are over polished

[Law52]

I have the exact model with the Champagne Roman Numerals dial. The only piece I see missing is the hang tag. My suggestion would be is to have it authenticated by a reputable watchmaker.

[padi56]

Watch looks fine and in very good condition the slight colour on lugs could simply be down to lighting when picture was taken.

[996marty]

Looks ok to me

[KatGirl]

After reading the other comments, I can see that I’m probably wrong about the discoloration. It appears to be in great condition. I’d snatch that up, if I were you.

Kat


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[THC]

Thats a beauty …snatch it up

[Sd-owl]

Thank you all. I messaged him that I want to go ahead with the purchase and hope he didn’t sell it already :)

Thank you very much for all the feedback

[77T]

First off, you also need to verify if those checks are legit or not.

Are those Moda "members" who vouched for him legit?

There are a bunch of respected dealers with actual store fronts who are in Moda but sounds like this guy is not one of them?

On the watch, it looks nice - probably authentic - but stolen watches can look nice, too. One thing that could help your peace of mind is if the name on the warranty card agrees with any store receipt or work order.

But impossible to do a legitimacy check in advance. If you send it to RSC afterwards, and it's on the theft report, will this dealer refund you?


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[Sd-owl]

Originally Posted by 77T

First off, you also need to verify if those checks are legit or not.

Are those Moda "members" who vouched for him legit?

There are a bunch of respected dealers with actual store fronts who are in Moda but sounds like this guy is not one of them?

On the watch, it looks nice - probably authentic - but stolen watches can look nice, too. One thing that could help your peace of mind is if the name on the warranty card agrees with any store receipt or work order.

But impossible to do a legitimacy check in advance. If you send it to RSC afterwards, and it's on the theft report, will this dealer refund you?


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Thank you. Yes those are all moda “members” …I posted asking for a reference check on him and got maybe 7-10 responses vouching for him. Seems like he has sold a bunch on there but not a major dealer by any means.
You are right regarding the legitimacy or stolen etc. I am hesitant …is there anywhere in south Florida that you aware of that that can “authenticate” or do “appraisal”? I don’t mind paying for the service before completing the purchase since he has agreed to meet in person

I’m sorry for all the questions. It’s my first time attempting to buy from non AD

[Sd-owl]

I’m so disappointed. I did some detective work and found a fb post for the exact same watch from a brick and mortar store in the same city as the appraisal documents. I contacted them asking if the watch was available for purchase and was told it sold. I explained the situation to them and messaged them the moda dealer profile+ listing.
The brick and mortar store owner said that it’s a fake profile that is using his actual name *jaw drop*. Brick and mortar is located in TX.
I’m glad I didn’t get conned …but this is crazy! And there were at least 8 different references on Moda for him !
I wonder how many got scammed this way

[Sd-owl]

The moda dealer had even agreed to meet in person …don’t even want to think abt what could have happened if I did go. This is crazy!!!!
I’m reporting him to moda but anything else I can do to make sure he doesn’t con anyone else ?

[chro.nic]

I'm glad you dodged a bullet OP, looks like PaulG (77T) was right!!!

.nic

[1William]

Sorry to hear this but good that you caught it. Several members of the local watch club are always talking about MODA but when questioned about it there are always more questions than answers about the watches and some of the sellers. I believe price is behind most of the watches and some members report good deals. I prefer to stay with our Trusted Sellers and other reputable sellers. While it may cost a little more, not all the time though, I have the peace of mind that comes from having a reputable dealer that stands behind what they sell. Good luck on your search and I am sure you will find the right watch.

[thesharkfactor]

Lesson learned.

If you want to play safe best buy from a grey dealer with a high street store. You may pay a little more but peace of mind is priceless.

[offrdmania]

You stated that the price was in your range but as the old saying goes, "if the price is too good to be true, then it most likely is". Always buy the seller and not the watch. Very rarely does a newer watch sell for much less than market value. Red flags if the price is considerably lower.

[Modiferous]

I am a member of MODA, and have bought a couple hundred thousand dollars worth of watches on there, as a collector (I am not a dealer).

From what I understand, Sd-owl somehow ended up on a fake Moda site where the vouches themselves were also fake.

This incident did not happen on MODA.