Top Ten Things to Avoid When Buying Used and Vintage Watches

Introduction

• Importance of careful consideration when buying used, pre-owned, or vintage watches.
• Quick wristwatch check: Cartier Tank (quartz)
• Potential risks in buying pre-owned/vintage watches.
• Tip: Use reputable, trusted experts to avoid risk.

1. Missing Information

• Avoid listings with missing or misleading info.
• Avoid “sold as seen” listings.
• Ask important questions:
  • Is the watch running? How accurate is it?
  • Do complications work correctly?
  • History of the watch: where did it come from, how long has it been with the seller?
  • Any damage or wear and tear?
• Request additional pictures if necessary (focus on caseback, movement, close-ups).
• Confirm watch originality and condition.

2. The Postage Scam

• Some sellers set low prices but high shipping costs.
• Low postage fee to avoid eBay fees or scam buyers during returns.
• Avoid listings with suspiciously high postage fees.

3. Hidden Costs

• Be aware of additional costs like servicing, taxes, and import fees.
• Servicing complicated watches can be very expensive.
• Investigate possible import taxes when buying internationally.

4. Avoiding eBay Scams

• Sellers might suggest off-eBay transactions to avoid fees.
• Avoid buying outside eBay to retain buyer protection.
• Check seller’s history and engagement in forums.

5. Refurbished/Repainted Dials

• Generally avoid refurbished or repainted dials.
• Check for sloppy paint or thick lettering.
• Verify luminescence (e.g., tritium vs. super-luminova).
• Signs of water damage or uneven patina could indicate bigger issues.

6. Over-Polished/Dodgy Cases

• Avoid watches with over-polished cases; they lose original sharp edges.
• Request straight-on views to check case symmetry.
• Understand the impact of polishing on case quality, especially precious metals.
• Avoid chrome-plated and gold-plated watches (they don’t age well).

7. Poor Movement Condition

• Verify when the watch was last serviced.
• Inside condition may not always match outside appearance.
• Snap-back cases are more prone to moisture damage; get pictures of the movement.
• Compare movement numbers and ensure originality.

8. Franken Watches

• Watches made from parts of different watches (avoid entry-level Swiss brands).
• Repainted dials, mismatched hands, and added military markings indicate franken watches.
• Be cautious of items from certain countries (Vietnam, Uruguay, Argentina, etc.).
• Verify historical accuracy and previous use.

9. Certain Countries and Brands to Avoid

• Riskier to buy popular brands due to high instances of fakes (e.g., Rolex, Omega).
• Beware of counterfeit hotbeds from certain countries (Vietnam, India, Ukraine).
• Start with smaller investments before spending big on high-risk brands.

10. Lack of Research

• Research is crucial (seller background, watch history).
• Leverage community knowledge (forums, groups like UGWG on Facebook).
• Avoid impulse buying; verify bargains.
• Engage with local watchmakers for advice and insight.

Conclusion

• Share personal experiences and additional advice in the comments.
• Benefits of thorough research and community engagement to secure safe purchases.

Remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.