Hesitant to buy 16610 Submariner on TimeZone

[tah12]

I recently came across a 16610 for sale on TimeZone. It is in excellent condition and includes box/papers.

I am not familiar with TimeZone and am unsure of its legitimacy. The seller's name is "Stokes".

Has anyone previously interacted with this seller and/or know if TimeZone is generally a reliable site?

Thanks!

[Mac-427]

I can't speak to "Stokes" but have purchased several watches on Timezone and consider the site very legitimate. One of the criteria I use is the number of posts as well as references and internet searches involving the user, or given name of the seller.

[Stew7]

Originally Posted by tah12

I recently came across a 16610 for sale on TimeZone. It is in excellent condition and includes box/papers.

I am not familiar with TimeZone and am unsure of its legitimacy. The seller's name is "Stokes".

Has anyone previously interacted with this seller and/or know if TimeZone is generally a reliable site?

Thanks!

Timezone is long established but you obviously can't assume every person selling on the forums is honest. Check the sellers references on past sales whenever possible.

[Boaters]

Always buy the seller first.

[m j b]

The problem with using a seller's history and feedback to determine worthiness is that how does a new seller start out? Someone has to take that first leap of faith.

And even someone would good history can change, or get their account stolen.

So what I do is verify them - who they are, where they live, how could I get my money back if it turned out to be a fake or never shipped or whatever. Ask the seller for a copy of their driver's license. Google them. If they own the home, you can find deed records. You can also google them for criminal history. Call them on the phone and talk to them. If the selling forum permits credit cards, use your credit card for that extra level of security.

If they refuse to do any of this, then move along. There are literally thousands of subs for sale.

[gmtln]

Originally Posted by m j b

And even someone would good history can change, or get their account stolen.

...Chris Essery springs to mind

[REFZ]

You can compare TimeZone with this forum and both are legit websites.
But this doesn't say anything about the users of both websites.

So ask yourself the question what would you do if the watch was for sale on this forum?

[swaini3]

Originally Posted by m j b

The problem with using a seller's history and feedback to determine worthiness is that how does a new seller start out? Someone has to take that first leap of faith.

And even someone would good history can change, or get their account stolen.

So what I do is verify them - who they are, where they live, how could I get my money back if it turned out to be a fake or never shipped or whatever. Ask the seller for a copy of their driver's license. Google them. If they own the home, you can find deed records. You can also google them for criminal history. Call them on the phone and talk to them. If the selling forum permits credit cards, use your credit card for that extra level of security.

If they refuse to do any of this, then move along. There are literally thousands of subs for sale.

Well said buddy. While we struggle finding honesty nowadays with all these scams, new sellers will have a difficult time, and is unfortunate.
Reference checks are also good.

[envuks]

Timezone is an older forum. It was the place to be before TRF blew up. I’ve bought / sold over there, but not for 10 years+

Try searching the watchnet good guys forum. It’s like TRF’s who’s who, but it tends to cover transactions from both watchnet and timezone


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[illiguy]

So, don't buy?

[st8edge]

Always hard to determine seller and identity when it is so easy to have one's identity compromised by clicking on a link etc. It is always said if the offer is to good to be true then it probably is not.

[faimag]

The website is very legit. But do your due diligence on the seller.

[neophyte88]

nice one m_j_b,.thats a good one- a DL .
Thanks