Is eBay Better Than Chrono24? -Authenticity Guarantee review!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2023
- 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!
![Getting Screwed on Ebay & Chrono24? | Vintage Watch Buying Guide [2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wn-cCBWsvYo/mqdefault.jpg)
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
Nah, original is better than a bad touch up job.
@@mandomi550
Agree on the bad touch up job. But if it looks like new then I would be more than pleased
Good catch!
This is great news. This issue is the listing failed to mention it. Full transparency is all buyers want.
This was an interesting topic and very informative! I also learned more info after reading the comments.
Thank for the information. This is one of the most informative videos I’ve seen on watches.
I completely agree!
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.
That’s awesome and I’m glad they caught it!
Thank you very much for this, it is great to know and hear it directly from someone who has experience.
Thanks!
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!
Very informative. Thanks!
Wow! Thank you so much for this info! You’re very helpful! You’re very AWESOME❣️🙏
No problem you’re welcome!
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.
Thanks I appreciate the kind words!!
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.
Thanks I appreciate it!
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!
this is great information. here thanks for posting
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.
I’d email Stoll & Company because that’s a huge mistake.
Keep up the good work...good video
Great video, I didn't know about the authentic process eBay was offering.
Thanks!
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.
good video great info.
Thank you for this.
Great information, thanks a lot.
Thank you I’m glad it was helpful
thanks for the wrist check!
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.
Dang! This is horrible! Sorry that happened to you!
sounds pretty much useless verification. I would have though carefully removing caseback would leave the seal intact and serviceable. Sounds like a shoddy excuse.
My first thought was, there’s no chance they open these watches. Way too much risk and liability if something goes wrong.
Wowed! It was scary and risky! I thought need to open the back case and check it out with the movement?
Bugger! They are faking Pelagos's. That's terrible news. Sorry for your experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
does eBAYs company for 2k+ do a good job of putting the watch together? What if they mess that up?
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.
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.
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.
Yes I wish there was a database for stolen watches
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?
We don’t have ebay authentication in Australia 😢
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.
and does your local watchmaker remove the back?
@@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?
That does not make sense, how can they guarantee the watch if it is not opened to make sure the internals are real
Good information but as a seller what additional cost will be incurred going through the verification process?
No cost eBay cover it to protect their reputation
I think the problem with EBay is you have to fully pay for the item BEFORE it goes to authentication. Good luck getting your money back
Chrono does the exact same thing in Europe. For 199eur
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.
It takes a month to get paid from Chrono24 at least it does for me. They hold the money for two more weeks without explanation.
Maybe to keep in escrow to keep in case of a dispute?
So does chrono 24
But I don’t want my watch to be opened because it’s 300m water resistant and it’s brand new …
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.
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.
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.
Chrono24 has a authentication too
Other people have said they wont open the watch because of legal reasons and they say they are shipped out within an hour or so
I would think if that was the case then certain fakes would slip through and ruin their reputation.
That’s what I would think also so it makes me wonder the real process
I have seen this a few times in reviews. Package ship within an hour, often not leaving enough time for a true verification to have been performed.
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.
Is this Ebay authenticity check by Stole only for US sales or purchases?
However, items that ship to a buyer address outside the continental U.S. are not eligible for the service.
I bought my smp300 off eBay last Christmas and it went through verification and it turned out awesome.
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.
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 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.
That’s good to know about the $80
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.
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
If you are truly concerned try Bob’s watches or The Watch Box. Both are extremely reputable.
Both crazy to buy high dollar items on eBay and chrono.
Huge price difference
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?
eBay do not open the case back during the authenticity guarantee. Disappointing for buyers.
Internet rumor
Yes they do
@@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.
@@-Jason-L Not a rumour. I called eBay's auth, got escalated to a manager who confirmed casebacks are NOT removed.
Stoll and Co is not all that great. 😅
I've had some bad experiences with them and so have some several of my colleagues.
Awesome... since when Ebay provides authentication?
For a few years now
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.
Ebay has better high res pictures that you can zoom in on,Chrono24 is low res with bad lighting....impossible to see any scratches on the crystal.
A very useful video my friend. Stoll. Clearly a very good company. I wonder what service company is used in the UK 🤔
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 thought they did not open to case due to legal reasons …
They have to check the movement to authenticate the watch.
@@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.
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.
I would look at the Authorized dealers for brands like Tag, Breitling, Tudor, and Rolex
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??
I would let eBay finish their investigation and keep the buyer informed.
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
Didn’t you send it insured?
Just looked this up. Only for buyers and sellers in USA. that suuuucks
Ebay dont check if the watch has been stolen
No unfortunately I wish there was a database for stolen watches
@@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.
Purchased my Rolex from eBay and, yes, I had no worries because of the verification process..
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.
Some parts can be third party if the watch is vintage, but if it’s a recent model then I would be concerned.
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.
Is ebay authentic just a US service?
items that ship to a buyer address outside the continental U.S. are not eligible for the service.
It's available in the UK also. I've purchased watches using their service.
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
Your statement is exactly opposite of the content of this video…?
@@TheNickGuy408 Are these videos always right? Of course not. I am a very experienced watch buyer
100%
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.
brietling 😆
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 authentication is crap. I just spotted a Gucci purse for $900. That's a definite fake with an obvious difference
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 ...
Who did the authentication?
@@melissasmess2773 yeah you’re right, they don’t need to certify is running, only that it’s a non working authentic..😩
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
Being authentic is not the same as not requiring a service.