Descriptions on secondhand watches

[NickD1975]

Does anyone else find that the descriptions on watches advertised (mainly by dealers) almost always come up short? I'm trying to gauge the market and availability for a couple of models and there are so many where there are service parts (e.g. a Swiss Made dial on a early-mid 90s watch, or a replaced bezel), or the box is incorrect for the year, yet described as original.

Even dealers with stellar reputations and undoubted knowledge seem to be guilty of this. They are probably pricing the watch according to these issues, but the descriptions are less than open.

It seems bizarre for products that are low 5 or high 4 figure sums, and that many customers will buy remotely and honestly, reduces my trust in the industry. I feel like I have to get as much knowledge as possible before making a purchase, instead of trusting the dealer, and shows that I was very lucky with my first Rolex purchase, as I didn't know much at the time beyond fair pricing.

What are other's feelings and experiences?

[jimcameron]

It's the second hand jewelry business. No different than the used car business. Descriptions are subject to "puffing". You may score a winner or you may get ripped off to some degree.

[Harry-57]

It is very difficult without actually seeing the watch. Photos can mislead and sometimes give a false bad impression - although it's usually the opposite.

For something which is in new condition with OEM stickers, I would ideally still like to do my own examination. For something not new you will need to examine it before buying. As said above, the used market for anything often features a disparity between seller description and buyer expectations. It's up to you decide. If the seller doesn't have the ability to organise an inspection before buying, I wouldn't buy it.

I've only bought new watches on the grey market. They were all as described and authentic.

[garyk]

It’s difficult when buying a pre owned car you’re excited about. Just realize this person is not your friend and keep a sharp eye out for all aspects of the transaction. I guess buying a pre owned watch is similar.

[NickD1975]

Originally Posted by garyk

It’s difficult when buying a pre owned car you’re excited about. Just realize this person is not your friend and keep a sharp eye out for all aspects of the transaction. I guess buying a pre owned watch is similar.

Very true - however I know more about cars than I'm ever likely to know about watches!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Harry-57

It is very difficult without actually seeing the watch. Photos can mislead and sometimes give a false bad impression - although it's usually the opposite.

For something which is in new condition with OEM stickers, I would ideally still like to do my own examination. For something not new you will need to examine it before buying. As said above, the used market for anything often features a disparity between seller description and buyer expectations. It's up to you decide. If the seller doesn't have the ability to organise an inspection before buying, I wouldn't buy it.

I've only bought new watches on the grey market. They were all as described and authentic.

Would agree but many of todays Rolex owners you only got to look at many of the posts on forum lately. With terms like huge scratch dings etc which in the real world are very very tiny marks. And agree always best to view before you buy if possible.

[77T]

Sometimes the worst of the lot will simply say “minty; see photo’s of actual watch for complete condition”


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[WalterW]

Not a big deal. If you’re really interested in a piece you should contact the dealer directly. If he’s worth his salt then he’ll send more detailed pictures and give you the complete rundown.

[Chester01]

You bet. This is high stakes and all watches are polished these days and they purposely don’t advertise this, stickers can be sourced and it would not surprise me if folks are slapping stickers on lightly used watches and have them polished to look like BNIB, and of course the New Old stock can mean never worn ever and was sitting unworn or in the vast majority of cases worn, perhaps hard for many years, then serviced and polished, and not worn after and people will call that new old stock or describe it as new. I mean with the 6 digit watches they are likely in good shape, I mean the most action they get is out to a steak house and then tucked neatly back into the safe as one would not want to hurt their investment or resale. The 5 digit and earlier references are what you have to watch for. Those watches were worn as tools in an era when folks did not use cell phones, did not pamper the watches, and viewed boxes and papers as junk to be discarded and were likely serviced, parts replaced and polished with no thought about it.

[beshannon]

Fear and greed.

Resellers of everything take advantage of emotion and always will.

[rmlovett1]

The descriptions are absolutely subjective, and differ GREATLY from their own interpretations, or what they just tell their staff to copy/paste on their website descriptions.
Believe me ….some that are described as NIB, or new/unworn, will have “handling/shop” marks like they’ve been worn for 6 months. And that’s from some of the “best” trusted sellers here.
If buying without seeing , I’d ask for certain, about the return if not happy policy.

[1665fan]

Everything is excellent these days…. The only word some dealers use….. excellent lol everything is excellent

[GB-man]

I’d rather they use excellent than unpolished. I think there’s different categories of buyers. Forum types want to know a watch was never polished while 90% of buyers want the watch polished looking new.

Always buy from someone you trust will make it right if you’re not happy.

I know Rolex was trying to reduce flipping by making ADs remove stickers (incredibly stupid idea) but the result has been watches being listed as BNIB dealer removed stickers which really means guy wore it for a month and then we touched it up.

[IamJacky]

Originally Posted by NickD1975

Does anyone else find that the descriptions on watches advertised (mainly by dealers) almost always come up short? I'm trying to gauge the market and availability for a couple of models and there are so many where there are service parts (e.g. a Swiss Made dial on a early-mid 90s watch, or a replaced bezel), or the box is incorrect for the year, yet described as original.

Even dealers with stellar reputations and undoubted knowledge seem to be guilty of this. They are probably pricing the watch according to these issues, but the descriptions are less than open.

It seems bizarre for products that are low 5 or high 4 figure sums, and that many customers will buy remotely and honestly, reduces my trust in the industry. I feel like I have to get as much knowledge as possible before making a purchase, instead of trusting the dealer, and shows that I was very lucky with my first Rolex purchase, as I didn't know much at the time beyond fair pricing.

What are other's feelings and experiences?

I don't sell watches but I used to and still sell some fashion apparels online; most of which are used, and it's very tough to get everyone to agree on the condition of a preowned item. What I deem a 9/10 may be a 7 to some. You just have to ask for more photos and determine on your own, it's all subjective.

[M45]

Everything is rare, and the condition is always far better in the description than the watch itself.

Survived an IED blast? Like new, almost mint condition.

[1665fan]

Originally Posted by M45

Everything is rare, and the condition is always far better in the description than the watch itself.

Survived an IED blast? Like new, almost mint condition.

No that would be EXCELLENT condition…..