where would i get help with authentication of an ebay item?

[flames]

i tried to make a thread in both this section of the board and in the 'watchout' section, but they don't seem to make it past the moderators.

i understand that there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there that would like to test their fakes against the knowledge of the board, but i am not one of them. so i ask, if this board is not the spot for a novice to ask questions and request some guidance in the process, can you recommend one that i might ask these questions?

thanks very much.

[Safetrends]

Well, you should start by self learning watches.

Pick up a book and learn about the watch that your interested in and read about the fakes and the authentic watches. Then when you are cruzing on Ebay you will be able to spot the fakes from the real ones. Learn about the movements and how they are made to ID a fake one also.

Also look in the Library on TRF and the internet.

[flames]

i appreciate that, however in my mind it would take years to pick up all of the subtle nuance. also knowing the sellers other auctions and whether the other items they are selling seem legit. it's all very daunting and i'm a newcomer and don't want to get burned right out of the gate.

[Speed]

Hi there. Welcome to TRF!

Love Chicago BTW. Spent two very happy years of my life out your way...

My frank advice is to avoid eBay. Really. Avoid eBay.

The risk on the watch quality / authenticity there is so much higher than buying from many enthusiast forums...like this one for instance.

If you are set on buying on line, there are reputable (albeit expensive) sites like bernardwatch.com...

My 2 cents...

[flames]

Originally Posted by Speed

Hi there. Welcome to TRF!

Love Chicago BTW. Spent two very happy years of my life out your way...

My frank advice is to avoid eBay. Really. Avoid eBay.

The risk on the watch quality / authenticity there is so much higher than buying from many enthusiast forums...like this one for instance.

If you are set on buying on line, there are reputable (albeit expensive) sites like bernardwatch.com...

My 2 cents...

thanks. yeah, ebay is pretty scary. all of the threads in the watchout section are enough to make me worry enough to probably heed your advice.

i love chicago too. just need my cubbies to start playing a little better.

thanks again.

[Changmaisausage]

Good advice from Speed though I have bought several watches from ebay without any problem (buy the seller) I would imagine you would find what you want in the TRF sales area.

[Tools]

All of your posts are showing up, and you seem to be getting plenty of help and good advice.......