Blown out/over exposed "for sale" pictures... WHY?

[M@2]

Howdy!
I'm new to the forum, and looking for my first Rolex (seeking a 14060M in particular) and have noticed a trend in many of the ads on ebay, bob's chrono24 etc... they display the watch straight on, dead center, with white background and very over exposed photos. I can hardly get a sense of the watch condition, and definitely can not tell the level of polishing or state of the chamfers etc.

So I guess my question is.. WHY? Why do ads do this? Is it safe to assume they do this to make the watch difficult to assess, or to hide condition issues? Or am I over-thinking this and it's just industry best practice? Some of the best pics I see are from private sellers, but I'm trying to "buy the dealer"... the pics are making it a challenge.
Thanks!

[thesharkfactor]

I think you answered this yourself.

[chro.nic]

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

I think you answered this yourself.

Yup!

.nic

[77T]

Originally Posted by M@2

but I'm trying to "buy the dealer"... the pics are making it a challenge.

Don't use Chrono24 or eBay.

Try the TRF Boutiques and other trusted sellers here.

Challenge negated.


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[M@2]

Thanks all. Looking forward to the search and I’ll definitely check out the trusted dealer list

[996marty]

If you do a search you’ll probably find some highly recommended sellers and as you mentioned some that aren’t that great with the stunts they pull

[joli160]

I’d never buy from a seller who uses these shady pictures. Something to hide.

[PepsiBezel]

If you are looking for a 14060, check out:

https://tropicalwatch.com/

https://www.mvvwatches.com/

They have the best honest photos. Also tend to have a lot of neovintage, and both are great to work with.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by 77T

Don't use Chrono24 or eBay.

Try the TRF Boutiques and other trusted sellers here.

Challenge negated.


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[rmlovett1]

Originally Posted by M@2

Thanks all. Looking forward to the search and I’ll definitely check out the trusted dealer list

When you inquire…ask them for more detailed hi-res pics. Most all will oblige. If they won’t….move along.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by rmlovett1

When you inquire…ask them for more detailed hi-res pics. Most all will oblige. If they won’t….move along.

+1


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[Tortoise99]

Sometimes sellers will use “stock” photos as they don’t have the actual watch to sell. Avoid these

[M@2]

Thanks again for the input. PepsiBezel, agreed, tropical watches photos are excellent!

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

If you are looking for a 14060, check out:

https://tropicalwatch.com/

https://www.mvvwatches.com/

They have the best honest photos. Also tend to have a lot of neovintage, and both are great to work with.

Agreed. Angela at Angel City Time also does a fine job with honest pics and usually has a 14060/M in stock at a fair price...

https://angelcitytime.com/

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by rmlovett1

When you inquire…ask them for more detailed hi-res pics. Most all will oblige. If they won’t….move along.

That’s a very good point Richard. Any reputable seller will gladly provide high resolution pictures even video

[Saints1]

Originally Posted by brandrea

That’s a very good point Richard. Any reputable seller will gladly provide high resolution pictures even video

Exactly. I always ask for a video, and I ask that the watch be set to the accurate day/date and to set the hands at 8 and 20, to start it the video, to ensure that they are sending a fresh video of the actual watch I'm interested in (and not some old video of a previously sold watch). If they won't do it, I move on.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Saints1

Exactly. I always ask for a video, and I ask that the watch be set to the accurate day/date and to set the hands at 8 and 20, to start it the video, to ensure that they are sending a fresh video of the actual watch I'm interested in (and not some old video of a previously sold watch). If they won't do it, I move on.

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