Tips for buying pre-owned
Discussion
I've been surfing ebay recently looking for my first automatic, mainly new stuff but have seen a few used pieces that I like. Nothing too pricey or obscure (seiko 6309's and 6138's) so far but I've no experience in buying used through ebay or dealers.
Could those in the know give me some top tips on the do's and don'ts of buying used? My first query is regarding over seas sellers - would you run a mile as they seem to have some really nice/good condition watches at decent prices but obviously returns and aftersales can't be relied on.
Could those in the know give me some top tips on the do's and don'ts of buying used? My first query is regarding over seas sellers - would you run a mile as they seem to have some really nice/good condition watches at decent prices but obviously returns and aftersales can't be relied on.
Current model Seiko divers sell for so close to Creations price on TZ, that buying new makes far more sense. Even if you have to pay a little duty and VAT theyre still a better buy.
For example: an SKX007J1 (black face and bezel, made in Japan on a Z22 rubber strap) can be bought for £122 delivered and a Super Oyster can be bought else where for under £20; making an SKX007J4 for under £145! Used itll sell for more than that - even K models (made in Singapore) sell for that used on an Oyster.....
Its a no-brainer for me.
For example: an SKX007J1 (black face and bezel, made in Japan on a Z22 rubber strap) can be bought for £122 delivered and a Super Oyster can be bought else where for under £20; making an SKX007J4 for under £145! Used itll sell for more than that - even K models (made in Singapore) sell for that used on an Oyster.....
Its a no-brainer for me.
Here are a couple of tips for buying a mechanical watch.
1/ Expect to have to get it serviced / repaired. If you go to an independant repairer, a service should cost about £60. One of my purchases was "professionally serviced" - there was so much oil on the balance spring that the spring was sticking to itself and the watch was gaining 5 mins /hour. If you don't need a repair / service then consider that a bonus.
2/ Take a look at other watches the seller has to offer. You will find a large number of rare watches in mint condition coming from the east, especially Thailand. Now I wouldn't want to falsely accuse these guys of selling fakes, but when the same seller has multiple watches of exactly the same model, you have to wonder.
3/ When buying from abroad, customs will likely sting you for 20% import duty.
4/ Open the package in the presence of the courier. I bought a Tissot watch from Italy once and received a nice Tissot box. Fortunately, I opened the pacakage infront of the couriers, so had witnesses. The vendor was forced to pay up via ebay.
5/ It matters not one jot what the vendor says about liability for shipping and insurance. Ebay rules dictate that the vendor is liable for shipping the goods to you - if the vendor wants to insure the goods, that is their decision. If the goods don't arrive it's the vendors problem, not yours.
6/ Pay by credit card via paypal for maximum protection.
7/ Snipe (I use Jbid watcher). Bidding early is for fools and shill bidders.
I hope that helps.
1/ Expect to have to get it serviced / repaired. If you go to an independant repairer, a service should cost about £60. One of my purchases was "professionally serviced" - there was so much oil on the balance spring that the spring was sticking to itself and the watch was gaining 5 mins /hour. If you don't need a repair / service then consider that a bonus.
2/ Take a look at other watches the seller has to offer. You will find a large number of rare watches in mint condition coming from the east, especially Thailand. Now I wouldn't want to falsely accuse these guys of selling fakes, but when the same seller has multiple watches of exactly the same model, you have to wonder.
3/ When buying from abroad, customs will likely sting you for 20% import duty.
4/ Open the package in the presence of the courier. I bought a Tissot watch from Italy once and received a nice Tissot box. Fortunately, I opened the pacakage infront of the couriers, so had witnesses. The vendor was forced to pay up via ebay.
5/ It matters not one jot what the vendor says about liability for shipping and insurance. Ebay rules dictate that the vendor is liable for shipping the goods to you - if the vendor wants to insure the goods, that is their decision. If the goods don't arrive it's the vendors problem, not yours.
6/ Pay by credit card via paypal for maximum protection.
7/ Snipe (I use Jbid watcher). Bidding early is for fools and shill bidders.
I hope that helps.
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