Today I discuss the pros and cons of Chrono24 vs ebay when buying luxury watches. Let me know about you experience in the comments below. Thanks for tuning in!
Purchased a 1980s Tudor Oysterdate via eBay and it went through the authentication service. Listing said, all original, and it was original. However the service emailed me to tell me the hands had been re-lumed and the dial repainted. And they asked if I still wanted it, because the listing didn’t mention these enhancements. I ultimately did not accept the watch. It was nice to get the heads up from the authentication service. I will be using the service exclusively going forward.
I don’t get it. What is it with watch collectors who don’t want any restoration on their watches ? Classic cars also need a new paintjob from time to time
I went with ebay for the same reason, and I'm glad I did. A seller listed a watch on both Chrono24 and ebay, and I chose to buy it from ebay because the Chrono24 method would have left the legwork up to me, the buyer. I bought a JLC MUT Moonphase, which was sent directly to Stoll for authentication. Although the authentication team verified its authenticity, they also pointed out that the condition of the watch was inconsistent with the seller's description. They provided closeup photos showing significant scuffs and dings which were camouflaged in the listing photos due to the use of a light box. I opted to not take delivery of the watch, and Stoll handled the return on my behalf. I ended up buying the JLC from a different seller, which passed the authenticity inspection, and its condition was as described.
This is a very good video. Thank you. Buying anything like this from anyone but an authorized dealer without seeing the item in person is a risk. Period.
I purchased a Tudor on eBay that was advertised as a Black Bay 58 39mm case size. It went through the authenticity guarantee process, and when I received the watch it was an original Black Bay 41mm case size and that wasn’t caught in the process. If you’ve ever compared the two, there’s a huge difference in size. Luckily, the seller allowed me to return it.
Just found your channel and very happy with content. I purchased a Cartier on eBay for about 3K so my watch went to Stoll for authenticity. The process was a dream and I am now looking at more expensive watches on Ebay.
Personal Story: TLDR I bought a fake Pelagos, and it passed their "Authentication process" I purchased a Pelagos about a year ago from Ebay it went through their authentication program, and it passed. About three months later I took it to an AD to have service work done because I cracked my bezel insert. The AD informed me it was fake with a cloned movement. I contacted Ebay and was told to basically pound salt. A) too much time had passed B) I was told that they don't open every watch because it would require them to change seals and they would be subject to servicing the watch.
sounds pretty much useless verification. I would have though carefully removing caseback would leave the seal intact and serviceable. Sounds like a shoddy excuse.
I ordered a Rolex 16013 in the uk covered by the authenticiation guarantee. The seller is also UK. It came and the authentication card has a different model (16322) on it and also a different year to the one given in the advert. The authenticators did not contact me to inform me of this and just sent it to me regardless as normal. No details about the watch when you scan the barcode on the card. Does not specify if the bezel is 18 k gold as the advert says nir does it talk about the dial, hands, or bracelet. Is this what should be expected or is there usually a better breakdown than this? If so, where can I challenge ebay about this?
Super helpful and informative video - currently looking at pieces on both of these platforms to possibly make a future purchase, but also need to unload a couple watches. Glad to have found your channel...where it gets tricky is that I'm in Dubai. On our version of Craigslist over here, there's a ton of "last price bro" with insulting offers (insert eye-roll). Thank you sir!
If you must buy a luxury watch online, another feel good indication is the number of reviews the seller has and what rating they've been given, in terms of stars. 2,000 reviews, all 4 or 5 stars for example is a confidence booster.
I’ve bought a Tudor black bay and Breitling GMTand both went through the eBay service and it has been a game changer. I always buy from either a trusted source or a example with full box and papers etc. Never had an issue and the only reason I see hate for it online is from certain grey market dealers!
eBay’s process isn’t meticulous or detailed oriented. I had a issue with a watch I purchased not being what was advertised. It was authentic but was a different model than advertised.
The eBay authentication is useless because they are not allowed to open up the case back. That would void the warranty. The director of the eBay program admitted as much. At least on Chrono24, you have an automatic out within 14 days. I will always trust a local watchmaker over a faceless service center.
@@ebayuksellertalk1728 not for me but others. He's open up the back and shown fake Rolex movements. The funny thing is that he says other than the movement, the fakes are really good watches.
I read in the fine print that they DO open the back to look at the movement. I also read that people have gotten damaged case backs and/or screws from a possible mangled job of doing so. On the fence whether I should even use it on the alpinist I just bought. What if they scratch up a new old stock watch, you know?
This is the first time that I hear about the authenticating company opening up the case to verify the interior. They, probably don't want to be accused of swapping out the movements.
Excellent video, great information for buyers, BUT maybe you could do a video that gives advice to sellers. Sellers nowadays are getting the short end of the stick. For example during that 2 week escrow period the buyer can wear the watch, damage it then say that it was received in that condition. There are a ton of other scams that 'buyers' use that would take up far too much space here.... As for the protection offered to sellers, 99% if not all is limited to US & UK sellers- that only accounts for a very small percentage of the sellers market globally. Just my 2c worth-keep the vids coming.
I have bought several expensive watches on eBay. I am very careful to make sure the seller has a long history with nearly a 100% positive review history selling those types of items. Ideally I also try to buy from sellers with a brick and mortar location (although there are a few exceptions such as totally well known online dealers). The authentication program is a big plus as well. I also take the watch to a very good super old school watchmaker in Manhattan who I have used for many years after I get the watch, just for peace of mind. As a result, I have bought watches at very good prices compared to many other secondary market retailers.
Thank you for the content, this was very useful as I'm new to the game. Question during the verification do you know if they speak to water damage? Something I didn't think about but one listing was very adamant about mentioning. Curious.
It's crucial to emphasize that eBay's authentication process only confirms the authenticity of the watch, without verifying whether it was stolen. Additionally, in my case, they did not take any action against the seller who sold me the stolen watch, even though I provided evidence of this fact.
I ordered a Rolex 16013 in the uk covered by the authenticiation guarantee. The seller is also UK. It came and the authentication card has a different model (16322) on it and also a different year to the one given in the advert. The authenticators did not contact me to inform me of this and just sent it to me regardless as normal. No details about the watch when you scan the barcode on the card. Does not specify if the bezel is 18 k gold as the advert says nir does it talk about the dial, hands, or bracelet. Is this what should be expected or is there usually a better breakdown than this? If so, where can I challenge ebay about this?
How intresting,you would have thought the site that only sells watches would be better at the way they buy/sell/ handle the watches,well done Ebay and a big 'ol BOO to Chrono 24 .
Love eBay authenticity (literally the best) I bought a tutor P01 and the authenticity person called me on my cell phone to ask if I still wanted the watch despite the listing description not mentioning it was on a replica strap.. I ended up granting a pass, and we continued with the sell
@@coldpizzawatchreviews they added a certification process similar to ebay. Its not on all listings but is an option. It goes to authenticator before being sent to you. I think its new. Probably copied ebay.
Any idea if the same eBay-procedure also works in Europe? Great video. I have only sold and bought on C24 so far. On C24, the buyer has no way to protest a watch when bought from a private person. I experienced it and it sucks.
Yes they do, well certainly in the UK. When you look on the ebay listing in your country there will be a tick next to the listing stating ebay authentication, you then know it'll go to them before being sent onto you. In the UK it's a £1500 minimum, I would assume it's a Euro 1500 minimum also.
Id like to know who the authenticators are. I really dont care about the guarantee. the next time the watch I buy will be assessed might be when I die and my kids are selling items off the estate and ebay and the authenticator are long gone. Id like to know which company is authenticating the watches - are is some joe shmoe pawn shop or a reputable watch specialist.
I’ve had more than one watch come thru Stoll with crowns that had stripped threads such that they only turned a tiny bit instead of the proper full revolution or two. Also had watches not accurate to the rate specified on the listing eg, -10s/d off! So not perfect.
Excuse me? Cheap Seiko movement? The NH35 movement is available in two options: regulated and non-regulated. Regulated movements are certified by watchmakers to have an accuracy of 0 to +8 seconds per day.
I think eBay will bring an end to not only Chrono24, at least in the United States but also the Grey Market dealers. Why would I buy a Rolex Pepsi Jubilee for $21k from people like Roman Sharf or whatever, especially when they are known to be shady. When the same Rolex Pepsi Jubilee is listed for $17k on eBay. The only real issue is Stoll & Co. being able to keep their quality especially when they're gonna have to deal with a steady increase in volume.
Big problem with that is the authenticator isn't very consistent. There are still people who got fakes even with the authenticator. Your best bet to not lose 17k is to just buy from an authorized dealer or buy the watch from a family member.
I recently bought a watch on eBay. It did not pass authentication and I got a full refund no questions asked and no sweat on my part. Also I do not know if this was the case when this video was posted but now you can pay $80 for authenticity guarantee even if the watch does not come with it on eBay.
I have bought a tudor bb58 from ebay. I have received a watch through their authenticity guarantee with a loose case back that I could turn with my hand. I have sent it back to be tightened however they refused to pressure test it for more than 2bar despite they have opened it and broke the seal. Nor they check for condensation. It was an iso certified diver less than a year old, still under manufacturers warranty. Should I wish it to be waterproof again, it has to go back to tudor for an extra £400 service.
@@coldpizzawatchreviews Thank you for the advice. I did try, their official response was that they had to open the watch to authenticate and there for they do not guarantee water resistance of any kind. I cannot return the watch as the seller sent it exactly how it was listed. Check mate basically
As a private seller considering selling my Rolex Submariner that I bought brand new in 1994. I've decided against Chrono24 despite the much more attractive commission rate compared to Ebay, the latter being very greedy in my view. My reasoning is simple: there is nothing to stop a Chrono24 buyer returning a fake watch and getting my 100% original and genuine Submariner as well. I might seem cynical, or perhaps I'm just an experienced man. I came to this conclusion long before seeing this chap's pro Ebay video.
Always been amazing to me the level of trust all these online watch buyers exhibit. Often the listing will have ONE picture (straight on) of a watch selling for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. No way I would. I've bought some watches online, but all under $2 grand where it is unlikely thieves would go to the trouble of counterfeiting them.
This ebay authentication company rejected my Rolex Sub, and my Bretiling Bentley both brand new, I question there ability to know the difference! I sold the Rolex to a dealer that certified it was real. I won't be selling any watches on ebay !!
I’ve seen fakes on both sites, but you’re more likely to get a better deal on Ebay as anyone selling on C24 is really into watches and knows their value.
I will only buy from a trusted dealer, eBay has screwed me over too many times so won’t buy anything on eBay. Tommy Boy says he can shit in a box and put a guarantee on it.
@@NorthwestMariner No they don't - I called eBay's auth customer service and got escalated to a manager who confirmed they DO NOT take off the caseback.
@@simonthewatchguy6073 I think they could do it if they suspect something could be wrong. In many watches there is no need as other things point out that it’s authentic. However there could be very good reasons to open the case back, as sometimes the watch is real except for the movement! Anyway I have sold 3 watches on C24 which was NOS, I would rather not that anyone opened the case back as it could mean marks on the case which would be rather bad… It’s a bit of a dilemma.
In eBay you are protected regardless !! When you buy anything, PayPal hold the money…if you find that the item is not authentic, they send a email to the seller and they have certain days to fight the claim. If they don’t answer, you get your money back.
Thanks, great comparison! I’ve not bought or sold a watch on eBay over £2k, I’m set up to sell on Chrono24 but haven’t yet because you are tied into 3 months for it to sell or not. I’ve not bought through Chrono 24 yet either.
Nothing but bad experience from Chrono 24, just because they show you the time mentioned , doesn't mean it's authentic. A lot of fakes that cant be deferentiated unless you open them up.
I tried to buy a watch on Chrono 24 and I was starting getting a lot of if he responses and even if they responded at all. At that point I just stayed off. eBay I don't trust very much but it depends on what I'm buying and if I know when I'm getting
@@coldpizzawatchreviews I agree they should but I’ve read up a bunch and most evidence shows they don’t open the case back they just inspect the outer case, bracelet etc
With Rolex sometimes you literally cannot tell without opening the case back. Some chinese super fakes in the 1,000+ dollar range are indistinguishable to anyone besides a master watch maker under microscope. They absolutely open the case back. Its the only way to tell.
You misunderstand ebay and chrono 24s authenticity guarantee. They do not open the watch at all. Think about it .... If they open a watch, they will need to pressure test it which costs a fortune. That watch you're buying could well be a Frankenwatch. Always best to learn how to authenticate your own watches.
I’m just using the information from Stoll & Company the one that does the authentication. Also there are specific instructions that eBay even states about after market parts. I agree that you should get a second opinion if you know someone that can authenticate a Rolex.
@@coldpizzawatchreviews Then let me say it again, eBay nor Chrono24 actually open your watch. They do not authenticate movements nor do they even check to see if the internal parts of a watch are all real. They only inspect the dial, hands, crown and case. They even have small print that says things like bracelets will not be checked. The reason I am being so adamant about this is I as a watch maker have seen a massive increase in fake and Frankenwatches being sold on eBay especially. People are wrongfully seeing an 'authenticity guarantee' and thinking this means they don't have to be diligent. I see watches whereas the seller understands this and simply complies with what will be inspected. The watch passes its eBay inspection and only when the watch comes into someone like me is it discovered to have either a completely fake movement in it, or has replica parts mixed in with real. My latest discovery involved a person who had purchased a Rolex 116610LN which had an entirely replica movement within. He is now suing eBay, but their terms and conditions are so air tight, he will lose and be out of pocket to the tune of thousands. Again, if you do not open a watch, you cannot authentic anything. And if you do open a watch, you will need to either get the sellers and buyers permission to leave it unprotected against moisture/water or pressure test it again and provide the documentation. DO NOT fall for their BS.
@@coldpizzawatchreviews I've just realised I'm coming off as aiming my anger at you. I'm not. I'm just highlighting something I feel passionate about. Sorry if I offended you.
You do not know what you are talking about. There is no formal authentication process in writing that exists with eBay and Stoll. They opened my watch and it came back damaged, tampered with and are subject to further exposure due to nefarious business practices. They need to be put out of business; if I had my preference, someone would burn Stoll to the ground, unfortunately a civil manner is required after they have screwed many consumers. My research tells me is because they have expanded dramatically and have hired authenticators (yes this was the Stoll job listing), no watchmaker skills outlined, understanding or experience in the field of expertise.
I ordered a Rolex 16013 in the uk covered by the authenticiation guarantee. The seller is also UK. It came and the authentication card has a different model (16322) on it and also a different year to the one given in the advert. The authenticators did not contact me to inform me of this and just sent it to me regardless as normal. No details about the watch when you scan the barcode on the card. Does not specify if the bezel is 18 k gold as the advert says nir does it talk about the dial, hands, or bracelet. Is this what should be expected or is there usually a better breakdown than this? If so, where can I challenge ebay about this?
Just watched a guy here on youtube 5 minutes ago, watch expert examining a Rolex that had been passed by ebay. He pointed out some parts were 3rd party made. So based on that, I am not sure how good ebay authentication really is. Maybe the watch was an exception.
Whoever asked about what watch you wear, forget them. That whole "wristwatch check" that so many youtubers do is tacky and I always skip through that part of the content. Your videos get straight to the point and that's what's important.
Does anyone know about the problem with Tag Heuer? Seems that there are fakes on the market, which does not surprise me, but also Tag will not service some of their 100% legit watches. I guess this has something to do with gray market or non authorized imports, but I would just like to know where I have to buy one to have a true Tag Heuer warranty on it.
@@coldpizzawatchreviews or you have to show a proper proof of how you acquired the watch as part of the listing process. Ebay wont do this - too much trouble.
I Sold my Rolex on eBay and sent it to their Authentication department. On the tracking it shows as delivered and signed for and has a picture yet eBay claim it has been lost in the warehouse. The buyer is now asking for a refund and it’s been 2 weeks and eBay just say it’s “Under Investigation” the funds are on hold and I’m worried I’m just gonna lose out on 34k as I don’t trust eBay at all. What should I do??
They have finished the Investigation and are now saying they never received it, when I spoke to customer services they are now saying they did receive it but nothing was in the box. They said it had no evtn number on which it did as I printed it straight from eBay and made sure everything was correct, I just feel like they lost it and are just trying to cover up and get out of it. They have refunded the buyer 1hr ago and just said “case closed” I’m now out of pocket for £34,000, I’m beside myself and don’t know what to do next
Well there are good reasons to do it. But do the research. Buying from shops is not without problems either, the biggest problem is the extortionate price you often have to pay.
Both C24 and eBay are useless for buying and selling expensive watches. Fees are way to high and their service is for the uninformed. There are enough grey market dealers who know what they are doing.
Ebay is safer because there is a full checkout, which gives some buyer protection. However, the Ebay authentication system is a joke. They outsource 'expertise' to watch service centres. Watch service centres are not watch experts and do not usually claim to be, and they know very little about vintage watches
I think they are most likely checking condition and function and making some basic checks for authenticity. But they can be wrong as other commenters have had bad experiences. You probably could not expect the people they have checking would have in depth knowledge of 70 year old vintage watches as such people are relatively rare.
Hi there, I recently bought a vintage date just from "time luxury" and supposedly the sent the watch to be certify and the watch still came with a deficiency, after winding the watch it would completely stop running every 40 to 50 minutes, I sent it back... So I don't know if the watch really went to be authenticated ...
Wow… that’s tricky af! An authentic piece of crap lol I guess that’s the trick! Most watches cost $500 for a service!? Makes me think i just keep my quartz and one automatic
