The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > General Topics > Open Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 25 August 2022, 11:40 AM   #1
Josunese1975
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: USA
Posts: 85
Ever had eBay authenticated watch turn out not to be genuine?

Anyone purchased a luxury watch through eBay authentication process that turned out to be not so authentic when the watch was sent to an AD or a reputable watchmaker for service or verification? If so, what's the recourse?
Josunese1975 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 11:51 AM   #2
Guybrush
"TRF" Member
 
Guybrush's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Maryland
Watch: 118209
Posts: 697
Can’t say I’ve had this particular experience—have you, or are you just worried about the possibility?

If you research the Authenticity Guarantee program, I think you’ll find that a lot of people have had issues with it. Just my opinion, but I would avoid buying a Rolex on eBay at all costs.
Guybrush is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 11:52 AM   #3
TheHulk
2024 Pledge Member
 
TheHulk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Texas
Watch: Tonas
Posts: 1,070
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!
TheHulk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 11:55 AM   #4
Incroyable12
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,109
A lot of the big secondhand dealers actually sell on eBay.

People like Gray & Sons, Andrew Shear, and Matthew Bain. However their usernames might be different.
Incroyable12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 12:00 PM   #5
burnthesehills
"TRF" Member
 
burnthesehills's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Real Name: Joe
Location: Western MA
Posts: 1,211
I recently went through this process. Both me as the buyer and the seller tried to avoid to no avail. It all ended well and the watch arrived as the seller described. It was authenticated by a watchmaker out of Ohio IIRC and they seemed to be legit and well established. But I did not find this out until after the authentication process.

So in my situation it worked out nicely. I can’t say the authentication process did a whole lot for me and honestly I have no idea exactly what they did. I was also in a unique situation where I got to know the seller and had a ton of communication with him prior to purchase. He was a watch collector not a dealer. So I “bought the seller” and felt comfortable even without the authentication. What it an extra layer of security and peace of mind? I suppose.

But to answer your question, I would take the issue up with ebay with proof. You would have a valid claim against them if an ebay authenticated watch turned out to be counterfeit (along with the seller).
burnthesehills is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 12:59 PM   #6
EndlessEight
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
EndlessEight's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: NJ, USA
Watch: Hulk, BLRO
Posts: 1,644
I can tell you right now that eBay authentication is bogus.


I was looking at a pair of high end shoes and I could tell they were counterfeit from a glaring mistake in the production and they were eBay verified.
EndlessEight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 01:41 PM   #7
anodyne13
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 111
I got an older watch in the $3k range that went through the eBay authentication process. It was quick and extra peace of mind, however I was pretty sure it was authentic before I purchased. Not sure how I would feel about a newer Rolex on eBay, the fakes are so good now.
anodyne13 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 02:22 PM   #8
Moondoggy
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Real Name: Knackers
Location: NI/Aust/USA
Watch: and wait
Posts: 3,302
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHulk View Post
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!
+1

Never ever, ever.
Moondoggy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 03:28 PM   #9
MILGAUSS88
"TRF" Member
 
MILGAUSS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: mississippi river
Posts: 3,195
Quote:
Originally Posted by EndlessEight View Post
I can tell you right now that eBay authentication is bogus.

I was looking at a pair of high end shoes and I could tell they were counterfeit from a glaring mistake in the production and they were eBay verified.
Items are not verified authentic until after they are purchased and are sent to a third party.
So, how do you know they were verified authentic, if you did not purchase them.
MILGAUSS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 04:59 PM   #10
stockae92
2024 Pledge Member
 
stockae92's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Socal
Posts: 4,964
eBay authentication adds zero value in my book. I just delay the shipping. :p

I still only buy the seller and pick-n-choose on the watches.
__________________
135
├┼┼╕
246 R
stockae92 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 06:46 PM   #11
Rashid.bk
"TRF" Member
 
Rashid.bk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Dallas
Watch: 12800ft = 3900m
Posts: 11,173
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHulk View Post
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!
Nothing more to add except this verbatim. If you already bought the watch then this is exactly why I have the point of view of the quoted post.
Rashid.bk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 06:55 PM   #12
HHIslander
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2020
Real Name: Henry
Location: USA
Posts: 4,288
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHulk View Post
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!


Or anything else that has a value of more than $500. That’s when the dipshits start showing up.
HHIslander is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25 August 2022, 10:26 PM   #13
JRedford
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Real Name: John
Location: Houston
Posts: 191
I bought a Tudor Pellagos that was eBay authenticated. The extra step was really simple…it was sent to a watchmaker who looked at it with a loupe and opened the caseback to examine the movement.

This is not rocket science folks.
__________________
Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today And then one day you find ten years have got behind you No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
JRedford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 12:36 AM   #14
Booth9999
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: California
Posts: 444
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRedford View Post
I bought a Tudor Pellagos that was eBay authenticated. The extra step was really simple…it was sent to a watchmaker who looked at it with a loupe and opened the caseback to examine the movement.

This is not rocket science folks.
This. I have done it twice both with great results.
Booth9999 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 04:51 AM   #15
Nickn
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: London
Posts: 526
I watched a 1500 sell yesterday with eBay authentication
Lots of the movement parts looked questionable including the balance
Nickn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 07:08 AM   #16
Mifune
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: here AND there...
Posts: 2,240
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickn View Post
I watched a 1500 sell yesterday with eBay authentication
Lots of the movement parts looked questionable including the balance
I dont understand a single thing you just said...
Mifune is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 09:25 AM   #17
MILGAUSS88
"TRF" Member
 
MILGAUSS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: mississippi river
Posts: 3,195
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickn View Post
I watched a 1500 sell yesterday with eBay authentication
Lots of the movement parts looked questionable including the balance
Again the item does not get authenticated until after the item is sold.
It is first shipped to the authenticator, who looks at it and rejects or sends it on to the buyer.

It is not authenticated before the listing.
MILGAUSS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 09:32 AM   #18
MILGAUSS88
"TRF" Member
 
MILGAUSS88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: mississippi river
Posts: 3,195
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRedford View Post
This is not rocket science folks.
Apparently it is.
People can't seem to wrap their head around that it is authenticated after purchase not before.

And that the biggest watch dealers in the world are on eBay, so it is no different than buying from anyone else.
(Except now there is an intermediary that authenticates wristwatches over $2'000)
MILGAUSS88 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 August 2022, 09:29 PM   #19
m j b
"TRF" Member
 
m j b's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Real Name: Michael
Location: RTP, NC, USA
Watch: ♕& Ω
Posts: 5,221
I've bought several watches on eBay, some inexpensive beaters, a quartz Omega (back in the old days) and a fake Breitling, which I sent back. That last one had me sweating for a while. You can buy the seller all day long, but this guy claimed that he had no idea it was fake.

It's just another tool to use. Hopefully it discourages the really bad fake sellers.

The only place to buy a used Rolex is here, where everyone is trustworthy.

.
__________________
Enjoy life - it has an expiration date.


Disclaimer: Please note that the avatar is not an accurate representation of how I look. The camera adds 10 pounds...
m j b is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 04:18 AM   #20
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHulk View Post
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!
I've bought a few used watches on ebay with out any problems.

This was before the authentication thing.

They were not big money watches though and I would rather buy watches locally.
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 10:03 AM   #21
Nickn
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: London
Posts: 526
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mifune View Post
I dont understand a single thing you just said...
My point is when it does go for ebays authentication the bad parts will be picked up and the watch returned to the seller
You would hope
Nickn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 11:05 AM   #22
Trailboss516
"TRF" Member
 
Trailboss516's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: In denial
Watch: It's complicated
Posts: 1,620
In my opinion buying a watch on eBay is like buying a watch on Craigslist.
Trailboss516 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 11:46 AM   #23
Spartacus
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: DC
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 2,745
Yes. Look up HorologyHouse for more details. It happens and I’m sure there are people wearing fakes right now thinking they have an authentic watch.
Spartacus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 12:03 PM   #24
Laszlo
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Laszlo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: San Francisco, CA
Watch: Date & No Date
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheHulk View Post
Never ever ever would I buy a watch from eBay!!!!
You should try it. It’s as good if not better than Chrono24. I’ve sold a lot of watches via Authenticity Guarantee without any issues at all, including some purchases. It’s a very good experience.

The good stuff I still buy through Trusted Sellers.
__________________
"You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die."

Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca
Laszlo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 12:23 PM   #25
JRedford
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Real Name: John
Location: Houston
Posts: 191
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trailboss516 View Post
In my opinion buying a watch on eBay is like buying a watch on Craigslist.
Have you ever done either? What was your experience like?
__________________
Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today And then one day you find ten years have got behind you No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun
JRedford is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 27 August 2022, 01:16 PM   #26
michaelodonnell123
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Real Name: Michael
Location: NJ
Watch: Panerai 112
Posts: 1,172
Quote:
Originally Posted by MILGAUSS88 View Post
Items are not verified authentic until after they are purchased and are sent to a third party.
So, how do you know they were verified authentic, if you did not purchase them.
Crickets, Crickets....he has no answer.
michaelodonnell123 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 August 2022, 03:44 PM   #27
favre12rodgers
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: WI
Posts: 173
To echo what was previously said, I sold my Navitimer on there a few months ago and it was an easy process….sent watch to the authenticator and they sent it to the buyer after authentication. Buyer was happy with the watch. I feel you are probably safer buying on Ebay than Chrono because at least someone is authenticating it by examining it.

I actually think EBay has done a good job of trying to make it the place to buy watches. The cost to sell was really reasonable, too. I think I paid around 5 percent to sell the Breitling.

A lot of sellers have return policies on EBay. I’ve bought a watch or two and returned it after trying it on because I didn’t love it (because where else can you find any of these watches to actually try on). I didn’t pay a restock fee, either (these were pre-owned watches, not new).
favre12rodgers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 August 2022, 07:26 AM   #28
Nickn
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: London
Posts: 526
Quote:
Originally Posted by favre12rodgers View Post
To echo what was previously said, I sold my Navitimer on there a few months ago and it was an easy process….sent watch to the authenticator and they sent it to the buyer after authentication. Buyer was happy with the watch. I feel you are probably safer buying on Ebay than Chrono because at least someone is authenticating it by examining it.

I actually think EBay has done a good job of trying to
make it the place to buy watches. The cost to sell was really reasonable, too. I think I paid around 5 percent to sell the Breitling.

A lot of sellers have return policies on EBay. I’ve bought a watch or two and returned it after trying it on because I didn’t love it (because where else can you find any of these watches to actually try on). I didn’t pay a restock fee, either (these were pre-owned watches, not new).
The Bain of sellers on eBay
And the poor seller has to pay the return postage
I’ve sold watches for spares or repair returned because they don’t work
“It looks smaller in person “
“I bought this for my dads birthday and he doesn’t like it!’
Nickn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 August 2022, 11:15 AM   #29
Trailboss516
"TRF" Member
 
Trailboss516's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: In denial
Watch: It's complicated
Posts: 1,620
Quote:
Originally Posted by JRedford View Post
Have you ever done either? What was your experience like?
Definitely not, and not planning on it.
Trailboss516 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 August 2022, 03:27 PM   #30
favre12rodgers
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: WI
Posts: 173
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickn View Post
The Bain of sellers on eBay
And the poor seller has to pay the return postage
I’ve sold watches for spares or repair returned because they don’t work
“It looks smaller in person “
“I bought this for my dads birthday and he doesn’t like it!’
Guess what, it's called Ebay. If sellers don't like it...then they can do a no returns policy or sell elsewhere. GTFO....
favre12rodgers is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

OCWatches

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.