Don't Get Ripped Off - A Guide To 10 Things You Should Avoid When Buying Pre-Owned & Vintage Watches
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2018
- Today's video is a buyer's guide to pre-owned, used, and vintage watches on Ebay, Chrono24, watch forums, and even social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Alarmingly, there's a multitude of risky deals, shady dealers, scams, and watches out there that should be avoided. However, there is an upside! Hunting for that bargain watch can be extremely fun, educational, and rewarding. The online world can simultaneously be a treasure trove of amazing watches and a dangerous minefield. All that is needed is a little knowledge of what to look for to lessen the gamble, so today I've put together my top 10 list of things I avoid and personally look out for when tracking down my next timepiece.
No matter if your budget is just a few bucks or you are looking for that grail Rolex, this is an essential video for the good Gentry. Please share any tips, helpful tricks, and golden nuggets you have to further assist those just getting into this wonderfully enjoyable hobby.
To watch my video on the dangers of buying vintage chronographs, click here:
• Don't Buy A Chronograp...
To watch my video on 10 watches to avoid buying, click here:
• Top 10 Types of Watche...
To watch my video on the safest places I buy my watches online, click here:
• The 7 Best Watch Selle...
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Don"t buy watches off ebay late in the evening after a couple of alcoholic drinks .You wont make your best decisions then !
hahaha
nice !and its probably better quality than 1/2 the shitty watches people are shilling on kickstarter ( well at least its an actual existing product ) and is priced at around what it's actually worth :)
LOLOLOL. 🙋🏽♂️Guilty!
Hahaha!
So true. I would even go further don't buy anything expensive online if you are drunk😂
A quick summary of the points:
10. Missing information - is it running, and keeping time, how accurate, are all the complications working, when was it last serviced, does it have receipts, etc
9. Postage scam - low price but high postage costs
8. Hidden costs - e.g. servicing, import taxes
7. Doing deals away from eBay/marketplace/anywhere offering buyer protection
6. Refurbished dials - look out for repaints, touched-up lume, uneven patina
5. Dodgy cases - over-polished cases, plated cases
4. Bad movements - find out when it was last serviced as it can cost, get a shot of the movement
3. Franken watches - those made up of parts from multiple watches, entry-level Swiss and WW2 watches seem more prone than others
2. Certain countries and brands - Rolex esp prone, countries like India, Vietnam, Uruguay, Argentina, Ukraine, etc
1. Research - do your homework and educate yourself
Thanks. I needed that... :)
Thank you
I got a sneaking feeling this Rolex I bought outta dude's trench coat isn't real. I told him I was after a Pepsi. He sold me a 7-Up, but at a discount.
One scam I was almost caught by: links. Some sellers will photograph a watch with a bracelet, then take 1 or 2 (or more) links off it. Always ask the wrist size of the watch. Extra links can be expensive and hard to find. And if it is sold as a set with box and papers, check whether it still has the spare links it came with originally.
Dang didn’t think about that... they may try to sell the links later. I saw for just a Hamilton they were selling a couple of links for like $40
Or buy say a Rolex. Remove the strap and replace with rubber or a Nato or cheap leather strap. Sell it on but at the value as if it came with the original bracelet. Then sell the bracelet seperatley, as they still sell for a lot of money on their own.
Great tip thx
TGV, I have always worn watches but have only recently, due to channels like yours, developed a passion for them, and have just bought my 1st automatic. I have started noticing how many people wear watches, but without sitting on their lap it is hard to tell what someone is wearing. It would be great if you could do a video to explain the etiquette for asking someone what they are wearing and also give some tips about how to tell a watch from a distance, ie how to spot a luxury watch on the wrist. Thanks for everything.
you're not joking...Number 1.."Do your research". Just bought a Timex Expedition. Chrono24 seller price €170. Amazon price €32. Pays to look around. Great video by the way.
Don’t bid above your budget!
I have recently purchased my grail watch Omega Seamaster 41mm in mint condition it was actually better than the description complete with all its papers boxes outer box all in fantastic condition. The guy I purchased it from on eBay was a complete pleasure to deal with his emails and his feedback was impeccable took a lot advice on board from this channel. As for watch I absolutely love it so pleased to finally getting a omega on the wrist . Keep up the great videos and advice
Spot on, T, quite informative as always. To me, the two biggest red flags are short, succinct responses when you ask questions (As you stated sometimes even rude), and also a " no return" policy. Both together are tantamount to saying "You bought it, you're stuck with it."
Stumbled upon your channel last night. I want to thank you for such an amazing channel. I just bought my first time piece, a Citizen Perpetual Chrono A-T AT4127-52H. You have really sparked my interest on watch collecting. The passion you have is amazing.Thank you so much.
Thx for this video.
Part of the watch buying is the research and hunt 😉
However, knowing what to look for so as to avoid getting scammed is very important. Always appreciate your videos! Thx again
Hi TGV,
It’s always good to remind ourselves to these rules.
Best regards,
Claus
Thank you for another great video. Still watching all the old ones, you really got me startet again with my collection after sold lots of it years ago. Nearly forgot how much fun it is.
Yes! The Urban Gentry!! This channel always gives me solid, reliable and precise information for my horology hobby. I bought my first automatic watch Orient Bambino v2g1 after a month of consideration and you sir helped me a lot along the way. I really enjoy this watch. Cheers from South Korea
Thank you Tiigg,
Extremely appreciated. Fantastic choice on the Bambino! Wear and enjoy it with pride.
Best regards,
TGV
Great Channel! I just got into watches recently, and i can tell you i am really happy to bump on to your channel sir!
I am a long term ebay seller and ebay charges fees to the Seller based on the total price *with* postage. This policy was implemented in 2011 so your info needs to be updated. -
"Final value fees are calculated as a percentage of the total amount the buyer pays, including shipping and handling. Sales tax isn't included."
Fantastic! Strange, I am still getting stung by it myself. Oh well.
One step in the right direction I guess.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
That is what I thought also. eBay charges on the final price and shipping total. Which is why a lot of people combine them and offer "free" shipping.
You are right, eBay for years charges the their tax (Final Value Fee) as a sum of the selling price plus shipping. Still I am amused when I see on eBay someone pulling in a 100 dollar shipping fee for regular service, I usually avoid them.
Tristano, I think it has been more than a year already watching your videos, and I can not "put in words" how much I learnt and appreciate your advice! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you so much Enrique for the inspiring words, that makes it all worth it to hear that!
Very honored to have you with us.
Best regards,
TGV
Awesome video TGV! Great info on buying vintage pieces especially.
Hi TGV - I love that Cartier Tank. You should wear it more often as it looks good on you. It was your video's on Cartier that led me to my beloved Basculante. Thanks for the tips on buying pre-owned watches. All good points and should be used when vintage. Best Regards, John
Great video as always! The best channel is yours caro Tristano, without a doubt. Congrats! Complimenti!
Thank you for the super informative video! 👍 I was just thinking of buying a used/vintage nice watch online, so this video came along at the perfect time. It's like you read my mind 😲
One of the priciest misstakes I've made buying vintage watches has been overlooking the lug holes and how worn they are. A beautiful watch that can´t hold a strap in 6 months is completely worthless.
I hope you haven’t resold it! Why don’t you ask a jeweler to solder some springbars in and then put it on a nato? Same thing happened to my friend
As always great vid- I’m so terrified about buying something vintage and for sure my first one will be one of your recommended sellers.👍🏽
I love a vintage Omega with a uniformly faded dial. I know a lot of people really don’t like that look but I think it looks gorgeous.
Great points made TGV ! When one has a hobby driven from the heart , it’s tricky to spot the iffy pieces , as excitement takes over -- step back , think & count to 10 , then decide !!
Very well said James, I could not agree more.
Thank you James.
Best regards,
TGV
Very good video I think I will go with a trusted seller while I'm still learning about buying watches.
Your videos are a gift to the community. Thank you TGV
love these videos man. I just found you a little bit ago and I am going through your entire video library!
Thank you Luis, welcome aboard!
Best regards,
TGV
PS Gentry you directed me to a quality local reseller with a quality time piece, better to hold and feel the weight of real Rolex, thanks.
Thank you so much! I really needed this video.
Very interesting, informative and helpful! Thank you!
I would say I sell more of my high end instruments off eBay and there is protection through paypal. Of course in my case I have excellent feedback in forums, 100% positive ebay feedback, and usually get referrals. Other than that yes an unknown seller usually avoid. Those in the game or with lots of feedback usually won't risk damaging their reputation for a quick buck.
Thank you for this video, I really need to use this more often.
Thanks for the advice. Great and informative video as always and some wise tips.on what to look for when purchasing vintage watches or any watch for that matter. My feeling is to be safe, you should try and buy from a reputable dealer or seller and yes, doing some homework on that individual or company before pulling the trigger is a prudent move.
Great Advice as always! It's amazing how sorely you will regret being superficial in this line of business or passion! Keep up the excellent work, would love to meet you in person!!
Hey man, how often do you go for an hair cut? Sharpe as always!
Great video TGV!
Stunning intro too!
I was wondering if you'd be interested in making a video covering your top (affordable) jumping hour/analog watches, vintage pieces as well as new pieces.
I hope you might consider it.
Have a great weekend,
Vincent
Thank you Vincent,
Cracking idea, I will certainly consider it.
Best regards,
TGV
Another great video. Awesome info and great tips.
I'm telling the wife!
This is helpful. It's like you are reading my mind. I've been looking for a vintage Seamaster. I'm just scared of getting some disaster of a watch. I would love a buyers guide for omegas....
Cant say enough about this guy's advice. Dont be scared of looking foolish by asking "rookie questions", or asking if the community has heard of someone who you want to do business with etc. The only way i ever started learning anything was when i stopped believing that I knew everything. Take for free the lessons these guys had to learn the hard,(not to mention expensive) way. Cant emphasize that enogh as the take away for the viewers if this video. Keep it up TGV.
Just love that Cartier tank and I honestly hope you get one for yourself but with a mechanical movement. I hope you will soon release a video targeted for younger audience. As always your videos at the top.and I enjoy watching them
Great Video. I have learned a lot from this, as the saying goes, every day is a school day! Thank you
Good advices that can save a lot of money. Thank you a lot sir. 👍
You are always welcome my friend!
Onwards and upwards.
Best regards,
TGV
Research,research & research !! Jolly well done TGV
thanks TGV ,a great video, as always.
Possibly the most informative video ! Thanks very much.
After buying The magic of watches book it's great to see you wearing a cartier tank! It was featured in the "icons of the twentieth century section"! So far the book has taught me quite a bit about how a movement really works... 10/10 Book!
Absolutely!!! One of the most important icons IMO.
So glad to hear you got the book too and you enjoyed it.
Thank you Bradley, that made me smile to know that.
Best regards,
TGV
Buying a vintage watch is not so easy, so this video is very much needed. I've bought couple of pre-owned ones, but never vintage. Some day...
Thank you TGV this is my favorite intro. I've missed it.
Excellent video TGV. Thanks!
Thank you Max,
Best regards,
TGV
Buying a vintage watch with many complications sounds so appealing for the price ends up being a lemon in a month or too. I am so thank full for the triad watches link you shared made things much easier for novices like me.fantastic video something to refer to when ever one buys a vintage watch.
Jaspreet singh
Hey man. Great post. Can you forward the link your referring to please. I haven’t seen that one. Thanks in advance. Sean.
Hi Sean,
Here is the link to the Ebay store he is referring to (Triad Vintage): stores.ebay.com/Triad-Vintage?_rdc=1
Additional information can be found on The Urban Gentry's video The 7 Best Watch Sellers You Need To Know here: th-cam.com/video/2-FPrf2wN1M/w-d-xo.html
Hope this helps! Jon
Hey Sean
th-cam.com/video/2-FPrf2wN1M/w-d-xo.html this is the link to the video.7 best sellers you need to know new or vintage by TGV.
Have a great day.
I really hope to meet you someday, shake your hand and say, "Thank you, for teaching me so much about watches". And then, go on with my day.
Great episode w sound advice! Im not a big fan of ebay but did find a wonderful Rolex Datejust 16000. It was from circa 1985,
and the very same model watch Paul Newman wore in the movie "Color of Money."
Fantastic channel great videos
Thank you so much, very kind of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
I‘ve been a collector of expensive watches for about 2 years. In this time, I bought 16 watches (some Omega,Rolex and Breitling), some even on Ebay. I never got screwed up. Sometimes it was pretty close, because I thought it was such a great deal. Then I closed my Ebay App, thought a little and did some research. Many times I got an Email from Ebay with the title ‚You‘ve had contact with Ebay dealer XY...‘ Those were the moments I thought ‚Lucky you‘... As you said: If it sounds too good to be true, it isn‘t!!!!
I like buying watches on chronext.de, it has the best of 2 worlds: prices are fair an I can still collect my new or preowned watch personally from a store. Ebay always is a little thrill ✌️😎
Ebay has been collecting fees on shipping for years now so the inflated shipping cost "scam" is no longer an issue. Ebay also has been aggressively kicking off sellers who sell off ebay. Ebay does have its issues but most of what you are referring to was in the old days and with a little bit of due diligence on the buyers part there is no need not see it as a viable place to buy a great watch
Favorite intro. Spring In NYC. WOW
Great opening music- Eco en Estereo And even better advice on what to avoid.
Hi TGV
Very fine advice. The problems about franken watches, over refurbished watches and so on are quite simple to avoid if you have done your research properly. That is, however, something that requires experience in itself. Hours & hours of research just to make sure that your hard earned money doesn’t go to waste...
My problem with dealers is usually about service history. It’s surely not a given thing that some dealer is trying to scam you, if he don’t know anything about it. Maybe that the dealer is just trying to hide the fact that he doesn’t know. Admit it, man!
The phase “checked and approved by our watch expert” I’ve just seen so often. Well, which expert and what kind of approval...? All too often you can’t get a straight answer to that question.
Keep up the good work👍
EXCELLENT point indeed my friend. I am so glad you shared that.
You can understand why it has taken so long for me to come up with that "top sellers" list I shared last week. And to be honest, I was disappointed it was so short. The truth is, the more I learn, the more horrors I discover and the fewer people I trust.
Anyways, onwards and upwards!
Thank you Kjeld,
Best regards,
TGV
Appreciated as always.*Tips hat*😉
Thanks for this video, its so informative.
As always, excellent video. You’ve really inspired my passion for horology. Just purchased my first diver (SKX007) after wearing an SNK809 for a few months. Cheers.
Thank you so much! In turn you have inspired me.
Enjoy the SKX, and cracking choice on the SNK too, a killer duo!
Best regards,
TGV
Haha I did the same. Bought the snk809 and just got my SKX007 about a week ago!!!
Nice! I started with the SNK809 then went with the SKX013
I bought an skx007 4 days after buying an snk803!
Jon great minds think alike.
Excellent video! I actually sent you an email to your urbangentry email account a couple of days ago about a vintage chronograph I bought on eBay. The header reads “TGV: I NEED HELP identifying BUXY CHRONO!” But I am sure you get thousands of emails, so I figured I wouldn’t be able to reach you. Anyway. Thank you for your channel and all that you contribute to our community of enthusiasts.
Very informative and educational. Thank you!
Man I hate being poor
Too true
Doesn't mean you can't have a watch and be proud wearing one :) there is lots of great real watches you can enjoy!
Just save
Just stop being poor. \/( :-| )\/
When it comes to a great watch, food, clothing and shelter move down on my list of important things...
Yes this is the moment I've been waiting for. I'm watching the intro. Quite excited now!
So glad to hear, I hope you find this video useful.
Happy watch hunting my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Excuse me for my bad english sometimes! I'm from germany and I unfortunately can't speak english as good and beautiful as I can speak german.
No need to explain, your English is better than my German so you have my respect!
The Urban Gentry Thank you my friend!😁
Oooh, where can I get that ski mask? Asking for a friend...
Seriously though, some great advice in another great video.
Many solid points, well done.
Thank you :D
Best regards,
TGV
This is a great video, extremely informative. ⌚️⏱👍🍾🥂
Bob!
So funny, I was just thinking, where is Bobs coment?! I hope he is ok.
Thank you sir! :D
Best regards,
TGV
I'm sipping a cup of Lavazza Qualita Oro as I'm watching this....damn! it's been a while since I've seen your vids, the mancave is getting more eclectic with more depth (Samurai).
Thank you Andy,
Welcome back, I hope you have been well.
Best regards,
TGV
I ended up on your channel somehow while looking for info on an old casio databank my father bought me when I was young, which I lost in a mugging. I own a smartwatch, a g-shock and a casio calculator watch. Now I have my first automatic on the way, the snkl23. It's not even here yet and I'm looking at seiko turtles! This is an easy channel for a watch novice to enjoy.
So sorry to hear about the mugging, how awful.
On the bright side, I am very glad to have you with us. Outstanding choice on the snkl23, cracking watch.
I am sure you will love it. Enjoy the journey and thank you for the kind words regarding the channel.
Best regards,
TGV
haha, new york in the late 80s/early 90s was no joke, today it's disneyland in comparison. I actually got mugged twice that day.
i really dont wanna brag, but i just bought the seiko cocktail watch. i saw your video and review about it years ago and i work hard enough to have a chance to buy one.
As per your comment about sellers jacking up postage costs, i believe the seller now pay fees on the overall sale price & postage cost as well.
Also i'm not 100% but i read somewhere that paypal do not cover you if your watch is fake.
Great video and advice.
For my grail Rolex I was not going to take a chance, I bought at an AD. If I'm going to get taken, it's going to be for $500 or less, it would hurt much less than being taken for over $5K.
Gotta love the war room compared to the watch tower....so much more character + great vid TGV
Thank you so much Sam, very kind.
Best regards,
TGV
Many of these questions and scrutiny are good when looking for a girlfriend. E.g. "are all your parts original?"
LOL, thank you Jerry.
Best regards,
TGV
Lol! Brilliant.
some of us in the used girlfriend community enjoy tastefully modded examples.
C'mon guys. Certain replacement parts are a nice improvement... :D
Avoid countries like Ukraine, Vietnam or Eastern Europe for that matter 🤣
Fantastic Tips TGV.....Research is key, I find Local Auctions to be another good place to find vintage gems... local auctions have pre-sale viewings where you're allowed to handle and inspect the timepiece, you'll need some knowledge, but being able to hold the piece in your hands is more advantageous than viewing the piece online ....Excellent Video Thanks : )
Thank you sir! And likewise, I have not been to an auction in donkeys years! I really must change that.
Best regards,
TGV
About 20 years ago I bought a gallon sized jar full of watches without straps. This was at a large estate auction. Probably paid $5.00 usd for the lot. Among the watches was a gold watch. It wasn't a Rolex (don't remember the brand). Not working. Sold it to a local jewelry store.
Saw an reduced Omega Speedmaster for £1 and postage £2,750.00. More of a joke than a scam, but as you advise be very careful regarding postal costs.
Interesting video - advice is never easy, and you have to ‘go basic’ which is actually difficult when you’ve been in the game a while! Two points of note - it’s surprisingly easy to age lume in actual fact, not for the layman, but a skilled watchmaker can do it. Be warned! Second point is more personal: I buy using a balance of risk technique, which involves a balance of price, intuition for the ad, communication, etc. This is of course not recommended if you’re not confident in your skill as a buyer(!) but I’ve picked up stellar deals on vintage this way 👍🏻
Lot of cowboys out there looking for a quick buck. Thank you for this guide Governor!
Indeed!
You are always welcome Noor.
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Why is "cowboy" always used in a derogatory way?
In the southwest (USA) cowboys are honorable men! 🇺🇸
Great tutorial TGV. Thank you Sir. True Gentry.
Thank you BB!
Always appreciated.
Best regards,
TGV
I now have way too many watches. Maybe forty wristwatches and 14 pocket watches. The money I have racked up would have easily covered the cost of the Rolex Date Just, Explorer or Air King I was after. Maybe of course keeping a couple Casio pieces. So if I am lucky enough to get forty or fifty percent of the money spent back on 99 cent starts on ebay. The good thing is I have learned to work on mechanical watches. Mostly vintage Hamilton pieces. It gave me something to do when I was off for surgery for several months. The bad thing is that I have too many watches, a lot of tools and parts. But now it is a hobby. Now every day is what watch to wear. Does it match my clothes? Is it going to be one of my beaters for work? Black strap with black belt and shoes. But waiting for that mail person to deliver was the thrill of the week. Working on fixing and breaking many along the way. Time to thin out. But the simple fact that I am watching this video on Saturday night confirms I am a WIS of superlative stature.
What your portfolio lacks is nothing at all, if it fed your passion. It definitely sounds like it did that!
Thanks for the excellent advice one can never be too careful
The customs thing is so important. Often I see great prices for watches from Japan (like Seikos, obviously, that come directly from the Japanese domestic market), but importing them to Germany would be much more expensive than buying from a seller from the EU, even if the watch itself might be around 30% more expensive there.
First of all, thank you very much für your Videos! I finally made the next step with watches. Actually it is making fun as you said "hunting"
greetings from Germany
Isn't the plural "Patine"??? Patina = singular... Patine = Plural? Saving people heartache, saving people money and saving people from a fashion disaster! Thank you for another informative video.
Absolutely love that intro!
Great advice, great video as always! I am dipping my horological toes in the vintage market so theese advice are really valuable.
Can I ask you wich reference the wife's Tank ls? I am looking for a quarts Tank for my sweetheart
What is a grail watch? Happy for answers from anyone. Of course TGV if you read this maybe consider making a video on this or talk about it in a live stream or just answer which would be great! Cheers!
Excellent video...very informative...you are absolutely true about franken watches originating from certain countries...I feel bad but it is true that you get loads of them from India...
Had to laugh at the wrist watch check. Not because you're sneaking the wife's Cartier.. I just watched WWT#67 just before this one. Yup, you're wearing her Cartier in that one too. LoL.. In all fairness that video was from 2 years ago and your reactions to wearing it while she's out are priceless. You were much more reserved this time..
great video TGV!
Hey TGV! Would you consider Amazon a good alternative to buy watches from? I'm intrested in buying a SARB033 from there, and peoples opinions are kinda mixed. So what do you think?? Thanks and love the channel!
Your Video's are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much sir!
Very much appreciated,
Best regards,
TGV
ebay has always charged the seller's fee based on total price including postage as far as I can remember. Really good tips thanks very much for the videos I love them!
Thank you so much for the advice 👍👌👏👏👏
A Pete Mondrian wallpaper. My Mrs will love you for ever lol
Hi TGV, looking at vintage Timex and a lot of EBay sellers if not most, replace the crystal, is this a good thing? Does replacing the crystal mean it’s a frankinwatch ?
Excellent informative vid.