What to watch out for when buying used?

[ThatOtherGuy7]

Possibly buying a used watch from a private seller (not trusted reseller or store) and was wondering what to watch out for. Would meeting at a store to authenticate be enough? Sorry to be paranoid but it's a large sum of $ so I want to do my due diligence.

Thanks!

[Wing Zero]

Vintage is full of fakes and frankens. How would a store authenticate a watch?
The best way is to educate yourself and it takes years of experience.
The other option is to post pictures here and ask opinions from hundreds of experts.


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[TimeToGo]

You are doing the right thing by asking first.
Post a picture on the forum and I am sure many will help you out..
Good Luck!

[Sky21]

Originally Posted by ThatOtherGuy7

Possibly buying a used watch from a private seller (not trusted reseller or store) and was wondering what to watch out for. Would meeting at a store to authenticate be enough? Sorry to be paranoid but it's a large sum of $ so I want to do my due diligence.

Thanks!

Post some detailed pics here BEFORE you buy. That's your best hope unless you're buying directly from a trusted seller.

[csfischer20]

Also meet in public. A fellow here got his Daytona robbed from him the other night during one of these transactions.

[dpa94114]

I would ask for references (who provide pics/receipts or detailed descriptions and willing to discuss- not just random email addresses). Avoid cash and/or wire transfers unless u have 10% confidence

I would also inquire more at HQ Milton and make a visit since u live inn the Bay Area. They have a great selection that isn't always posted.

[ThatOtherGuy7]

I met the seller in person this past weekend To look at the watch. It was in almost mint condition (dial, bezel, bracelet, etc were all clean except for a small tiny light scratch on the side of one of the lugs).

Here are 2 pix that I took (should have taken more). Will post more when I get them from seller. Last 2 pictures are what seller sent a week ago. Asking for more pictures today.

[Wing Zero]

Nice LV. There are some very good fakes of LV out there so make sure to check out this thread: http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...ary+Submariner

Make sure the dial iteration matches the serial number.

The fake engravings are getting better but still discernable. Take a loop to make sure they look nice and crisp.

Good Luck

[ThatOtherGuy7]

Originally Posted by Wing Zero

Nice LV. There are some very good fakes of LV out there so make sure to check out this thread: http://www.network54.com/Forum/20759...ary+Submariner

Make sure the dial iteration matches the serial number.

The fake engravings are getting better but still discernable. Take a loop to make sure they look nice and crisp.

Good Luck

Looks like it matches with the link above? Either way I will be taking it to a local store to authenticate with paperwork for the authentication. Just wanted to see if there's any hidden issues I should know about.

[Gina Marie]

Looks really nice. You came to the right place.