Looking before I leap

[ecorl]

I have a rolex coming as a graduation gift and am giving some very serious consideration to purchasing it from someone through this site. Could someone walk me through the transaction? On my side the money is there, it will be a gift from my Dad, so the first name and address will be different on any transaction. After purchasing I'd like to take the watch to be appraised basically for authentication rather than value. My fear is that he tells me I have just purchased a $5000 shiny case full of used pinball parts. Which method of payment affords me the most protection and what is the procedure for getting my money back. It seems bank wire and paypal are the preferred methods, it's my understanding there is a fee involved with paypal and I'm not sure about what buyer safety is provided in a bank wire.
I know there are many trusted sellers here and I really do think the chances of a bad transaction with one of them is very slim. However, I don't know them and desperate times can call for desperate measures....money can make people do irrational things. I just want to know I have an ace in the hole and how I use it should I need to.

[GradyPhilpott]

There are a number of sellers on this board, whom many swear by. However, experience has taught me to never complete a business transaction that makes me nervous to any degree.

I don't think that paypal charges a fee. I've been using it for various purchases for several months and the money comes straight out of my checking account, just as if I were using a debit or credit card.

[kyle L]

If you see something you like from a seller, just tell us the username and we would be more than happy to give references. Or just search up the seller in the Whos who corner.