I recently tried buying a watch and then eBay suspended my account because I accessed it via VPN after the sale. Had to call eBay customer service to get my account back. The seller received notice my account had been suspended and had I not asked them to transfer my money back I almost may not have gotten it back. Short summary, be very careful when transacting money on eBay.
Adrian, I remember you saying you (and I believe other influencers) were approached by eBay to become an official authenticator when the program first started, and were critical of that as you were not in anyway qualified to do that. What are your thoughts on the authentication program now? Is it actually worth the paper it is written on? What has changed?
I purchased a vintage Rolex from eBay it went to the authentication Center then was shipped to me. I unpacked it, turned it over to undo the buckle, and the crystal fell off because it had been glued in place. eBay‘s authentication program is absolute worthless garbage I wouldn’t expect them to know the difference between a shoe and caviar.
I’ve bought and sold through the authentication process and had no problems. As a seller be aware that you can take all the photos you want and describe the watch in great detail and get it authenticated but the buyer can still open a not as described case within 30 days. So effectively they can wear your watch for a month and then try to return it. As long as it passes back through the authentication process in the same condition there is nothing you can do. I was told this by the watch authentication customer service team. Bit shit eh!!!
There is a red seal on the watch once it has passed authentication, which is not something anyone would wear. If they really did, it would also be noticeable.
I was really nervous during my first EBay watch purchase. I bought a Tudor BB GMT (Pepsi). Bought it, it was sent for authentication, then shipped to me. All of the paperwork, cards, everything included. Took less than two weeks total. Was a perfect transaction. Could not be happier 🎉
I love the idea of eBay's authentication process but it needs to be a global service, we have limited access to watches in New Zealand and I'd love to have the confidence to purchase internationally
My tip would be: don't be afraid to buy from sellers in Japan. Most sellers try to be very clear about the condition of vintage watches, and the actual condition is usually better than it sounds like it would be. They package watches carefully, and shipment is surprisingly rapid. Obviously, there are always exceptions, and you still need to follow all of Adrian's tips, but I've been very happy with my purchases. One caveat: if the watch is on a bracelet, make sure to doublecheck the length of the bracelet.
That authentication centre is a game changer for Ebay, authenticity was the main thing holding it back the buying experience due tot eh fear of being ripped off!
Seen it and asked a few questions about it. In the end I lost out (too you) it appears. I have the same model but mines a little fragile now. Looking forward to the review of this. If you need a service the ‘watch bloke’ aka Duncan Hewitt is you man. Superb workmanship and very reasonable indeed
Thank you for the tips. I have bought on Ebay previously and feel even more confident now. I too am after a 2 tone Santos as my ultimate dress watch, probably a medium. Been following you for a while and About Effing Time is one of my favourite RU-vid shows. Thanks again from Sydney, Australia
Great video Adrian and great tips! Just my feedback on the editing tho - far too choppy with too many angles back and forth. Made me feel a bit nauseous 😅 Prefer your old editing style with a bit more relaxed talking. But that’s just me.
I bought a Quartz, a Black dial Auto and a green dial Auto PRX from Ebay to try and decide which I would prefer, being decidedly underwhelmed I put all three back on sale on Ebay only to be informed by a friend that the green dial auto was a fake😱 I had bought through Paypal and once informed they contacted Ebay ,who on receipt of the watch refunded me through Paypal. I also had two vintage Zenith Port royals( one quartz ,one Auto) go AWOL in the post from Spain again refunded by Paypal. If you are considering a lower end watch or a vintage watch Paypal is well worth considering.
I have purchased 16 watches off of eBay. All are in the affordable side so not eligible for eBay's authentication service. That being said, with the possible exception of one time, I have been very happy with the process and the products. I agree with all your points Adrian. It's all good advice. Photos are important. The only exception is if you are buying from a well established gray dealer like Jomashop or Ashford. And eBay are very conscientious of buyers. My only additional point is to read the description very well as good sellers will spend some time describing what you need to look for. Considering this is your second eBay purchase I think you are well on your way to being an expert! Cheers 🥂.
Great eBay commercial, Adrian! I think the switch from watch journalism to mainstream marketing will be a great move in the long run! You made some great watch content but sales/marketing is def your strong suit! Especially with AET, you’re poised to make the big bucks pushing products and selling ads! You’ll be missed in the watch space
Have to agree. EBay is awful, full of fakes and scammers. I waisted my time reporting it. And now here’s Adrian promoting them. You can’t trust anybody anymore. Even the good guys will mis-sell you for a coin. Sad wish I had never seen this video. Now I’m sceptical of past posts. Car salesmen always come across as nice people,
I’ve heard from another prominent watch RU-vidr that scammers have been getting around the “authenticity guaranteed” of eBay by checking off a box for “custom”, leading to a fake watch being listed with the “authenticity guarantee” badge on eBay -therefore misleading unsuspecting buyers. Any comments on this?
Yes that correct. If you list a watch as custom it will bypass the authentication check. It’s also the same for trainers which are equally as faked as watches.
My experience with non-delivery of eBay was they DO NOT stand behind its guarantee -- this was for a less than $200 item. I cannot imagine what a nightmare it would be to deal with them on anything that costs $1000s of dollars My experience has been much better at Chrono 24, Hodinkee, or Watchfinder; eBay? Not for anything pricier than a Seiko...
EBay or chrono24 Adrian? I have a greater sense of security with chrono24 but that could be historical Been very tempted with eBay but not pulled the trigger on anything
The information in this video is 10/10, but I made it about 3mins in before having to turn it off. The frequency of camera angle changes and jump cuts are headache inducing. I love the direction, but I would personally dial it back a bit next time.
For a paid sponsor video that was probably the best I’ve ever watched. Actually made me want to search on eBay for watches and gave me great tips to do it with as well. Christmas present for myself coming up i think. Cheers Adrian.
My one experience with @ebay authenticity guarantee was actually negative and I wouldn't personally recommend this service to others. I bought an automatic Cartier Tank XL and the eBay authenticity card that came with it said it was quartz. So to me this suggests that these “experts” either didn't look at the movement or aren't experts hence assumed it was a quartz watch. To be sure I took it to a watchmaker and got it authenticated, which added unnecessary cost to my purchase.
See I’d love the opposite of this. Like do a deep dive of selling watch and how to do it safely. I have watches that I’m kinda like I could part with this but selling it anywhere online seems sketch and a lot of the watchbox or watchfinder I know I’m not getting the most I could.
Hi Adrian, how is your vintage Omega Seamaster that you inherited from your Dad doing? I recently purchased a solid 14K yellow gold Seamaster De Ville, manufactured 1963 with a 560 movement, while in the US. A stunning watch, in excellent condition, with the original strap and buckle. Had it serviced in the UK by a master watchmaker, rather expensive, but I wasnt going to take any chances, not having a service history. I recall you being advised by Omega (a few years ago), not to bother servicing it. Not quite the best advice, having been advised by a number of reputable watchmakers to the contrary. Still enjoing your channel. Best Wishes
Love the video and its message / points you make. Little gripe though - those cuts were a bit fast for me, slightly disorienting. But maybe that’s just me 😅
Great video idea: “how to fall back in love with a watch” I bought my dream watch a while back an explorer 114270 was absolutely obsessed obviously for a while but now it’s just “my watch” the magic isn’t there most of the time anymore. How to get that feeling and magic back?
Ive bought 3 watches through the verification process, all good and as described. My advice go and try on a version of what you're thinking of buying 1st, all the youtube reviews in the world are no substitute for actually handling the thing.
Ebay authentications is not all rosy. Had 2 bad experiences first I sent a spotless GS which in the process of authentication they scratched a lug and the buyer then sent it back as he wanted spotless example, 2nd I purchased a unused sd43 from a trusted dealer and ebay authenticators managed to scratch the caseback...I sent the watch back as I wanted a spotless example. That worked in my favour...usually its the seller that gets screwed over.
Completely agree, the authenticators damaged a SMP300 I purchased in January. I ended up keeping it as I felt it was unfair on the seller to return it.
I had one purchase through eBay's authentication, a Tudor BB58 gilt. They held it because it was apparently missing a document, which had myself and the seller puzzled because we both agreed the papers were all there. I authorized the authenticator to send me the watch, and it's been on my wrist more than just about any watch since. It has dings, it has a story, and I'll pass it on to my son one day.
I have bought a few watches off eBay. I have always done what you have explained. I did try and buy a Rolex Milgauss that then failed the authentication process for being in the condition as described. So I feel safe buying there with the authenticity guarantee. Though my BB Pro I had to buy extra links and screws for as they were past the point when they could be adjusted. Small amount V what I paid via retail.
I've both bought and sold a watch through Ebay's Authentication Scheme, worked well for me both ways. They even had my back when the buyer of my watch tried to claim it was in a different condition than the photo's and force a refund. (It wasn't - unless it happened during the authentication process or shipping)
I bought an unworn 3 year old Tudor P01 through the eBay authentication system. The watch was fully stickered and in perfect condition. £960 below current RRP with peace of mind. Can't fault the eBay authentication guarantee.
I hope it’s the speedy. I would absolutely love a speedy. I’m going to get one soon I know it. I have a submariner and a bb58 blue and I’ve had a speedmaster racing edition but I so badly want the OG speedy. Omega is my favorite brand.
I wanted a Submariner, Rolex 124060 no date is $9100 USD plus 7% tax for me. I purchased a Tudor Submariner 75190 36mm blue dial on ebay, I got my Sub for a substantial savings. this is the watch that Tudor Should make in 2024.
Merry Christmas and I can't wait to see what will change for you and your channel now that you do not do AET, unfortunatly. Have a good end of the year and thanks for the content!
My concern is the authenticity program. Do ebays people really know every make?? What if they're wrong?? Do they remove the casebook and inspect fully the movement?? I doubt it because you dont receive a certificate prooving the water test. So they dont check them fully imho. You could end up with a watch that is fake and theres probably nothing you can do about it because the "experts" say its genuine?? Super clones are almost identical to the correct models so I dont this their program is as useful as they make out, so to me eBay and their authenticity program is something to avoid.
Just dropping into say that this was the best production value I’ve seen in: “man speaking alone in a room about buying watches” Incredible set up Adrian!
I am very critical with that ebay service, and it also lacks of transparency. I heard many bad stories about it. Actually if you sell a watch would you like that service to open it? Also if you buy a vintage and they open it and the old rubber ring particles fall into the clockwork…..
Other YT channels have also noted that eBay Auth. does not open up the watch to authenticate the movement, so that is another aspect to consider. Have watchmaker or AD nearby to check out the watch. I's not all simple and shiny like Adrian is making it out be.
If the price is crazy cheap compared to other platforms...be vigilant. If you think noone would make a fake version of the weird vintage watch model you're into, be warned: There are cheap and odd models out there that have more aftermarket (not original) or fake parts in them. Not the worst if you are Juna st going for looks, but you have to be aware...as I was not at some points in time. Even some sellers were genuinely surprised to find out their watch was not 100% original and the honorable ones will take the watch back. Don't be put off, but embrace the hunt as part of the fun!
I sold a watch in ebay and the person who authenticated it swapped my brand new bracelet and stole the spring bsrs i'd used the watch on a tudor blue suede strap snd never wore the bracelet and that was explained in my description but when the buyer recreived it the bracelet had crud in the clasp and also hed stollen the spring bars, i had to reduce the sales price, by £100 Fk ebay and paypal 😮
You said it, buy what you like, not the trend. I purchased a Seiko vintage 1984 because I fell in love with it, I was only 4 when it came out and I wear it as my everyday watch.
My eBay Experience: I purchased a new to me 2022 Seamaster Pro 300m in January from fellow watch enthusiast… the seller was fantastic, he basically photo vlogged the entire process of him sending the watch to me including a leather wolf watch case. The watch went to the ‘Authenticators’ who promptly stole the watch case and damaged the watch. When challenged they denied it despite picture evidence of the watch being in perfect condition beforehand and showing the package being handed to the post office with it. eBay protected the authenticators and issued me a refund of the cost of the case (admission of guilt?) but i don’t feel it is a safe or reliable service. Luckily I got my SMP300 and love it but would never go through the eBay authentication service. Beware!!!
They definitely side with the authenticator. Received my watch with an issue with the date not changing probably the result of a drop. Ebay accepted no responsibility.
Authentication works! eBay called me because an Oris I purchased was listed as stainless steel, but it was actually a titanium case. I told them that I knew it was a titanium model and send it.
Vintages watches are a minefield, and the ones that look half decent cost a fortune, I'd rather spend that money on watches that don't carry all that 'history' but do have a great heritage and are well made and have decent prices. Also I know they will last. I am talking about the Hamiltons, Tissots, Longines etc - In time they will also be vintage watches, but I will have lived a life with them, not somebody else's life. Also avoid all those European sourced frankenwatches, redialed, recomposed from watch parts... a sham...
You pretty much hit all the important points. I'd reiterate 1) Shop the seller, check their ratings and see if their response is quick and answers what you want to know. Don't mean to harp on any one that doesn't have good English and grammar, but, potential communication issues should be noted if any problems should arise during the transaction and afterwards. 2) Ask any relevant questions, especially directly ask the seller if there is ANY damage or details about the watch that you should be aware of 3) If not enough photos or they are of poor quality, request new most recent ones to be taken and sent to you 4) Do your homework and cross reference as much as you can so you know exactly what to expect
Not sure this new editing style with so much, imo, unnecessary cuts, zooms & animations fits your personal brand Adrian! You’ve put forward a very easygoing & balanced take on luxury and watches so far and the excessive camera movement is more suited to people who deliver high energy hot takes. If we look at MKBHD’s slow zooms, I think that works well to add emphasis when you’re talking without making it feel like I’m watching a TikTok video that’s desperately trying to hold onto my attention.
I’ve bought and sold loads of sub £500 watches on eBay, as a hobby I guess. But this week I bought a £3000 Omega Aqua Terra, my first ever big watch purchase from eBay. Fantastic deal but I’d never have dropped that much on an eBay watch purchase without the authentication process, it’s a game changer. My new AT is currently with them being inspected, it adds a good 5 days to the buying journey but definitely worth it I think.
I bought a couple vintage watches in the lower price range to hone my watchmaking skills, take them apart, repair them, learn stuff. It's horrendous to see how many Frankenwatches and outright fakes are on this platform! I stumbled upon a Breitling chrono with a 7733 movement yesterday and i instantly loved it. It's just nowhere to be found on any Breitling wiki and there aren't any other pictures of a watch like this anywhere on the net. In the end, i'd buy an old unserviced movement in an old case with a fake dial - and for this the price is already too high. Be careful! eBay's watch "department" is a shark tank!
I've used rhe EAG and bought a Tudor. I'm pretty sure it's not a brilliant fake that passed Stoll! I'd use again. Very good. Only problem is, anything under £1500 doesn't qualify for the service
I’ve bought some watches less than $2K I think and nothing yet with the new authentication service. I’ve sold maybe a dozen and a half or more including 6 in the last year, some using the new service (U.S. $2K and up). It does add time and delays getting the money to the seller but it’s good for the buyer.
I think vintage watch hunting and salmon fishing have a lot in common. You might catch a cheeky salmon, but more often than not it’s a carp masquerading as a salmon who will also taste horrible, and whose flesh will not be orange and flaky. I have bought my fair share of salmons (1) but it turned out to be a shameless carp.
Hey Adrian. I don't know if you remember me. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! I complimented your video 3 years ago, and told you Peter Mckinnon would be proud. Take that video, and this video, and make it have a baby. Most importantly, have fun doing it. I know you are hard at work. Keep it up buddy, because we are cheering you on.
