Ebay authentication services OPENS watches!!

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by Bensrolex

I recently discovered that the eBay authentication process involves opening each watch. Obviously this is problematic since it may affect manufacturer warranties, and also can introduce problems that did not exist when the watch left the seller's hands.

In my case, this resulted in the the need to do a full service of the watch due to an improperly replaced gasket. Fortunately, eBay agreed to pay for the entire cost of the repair.

Buyer beware. However, I have got some fantastic deals on eBay, so....

I'd be concerned about ANYONE providing an authenticity didn't inspect the movement. You sound surprised?

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I still think that there should be an option to decline it (agreed upon by buyer and seller) for watches still under warranty.

There is. Buy from another seller. There is overwhelming support for this service. If you don't like it, stop looking there. There are many other options.

[garyk]

eBay = Scary….

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by garyk

eBay = Scary….

ebay and c24 are not trustworthy for sure. build relationship, be patient and buy from an AD/boutique is the only way you can get a rolex and bring you the peace of mind.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

Certainly, they would catch a fake quicker than 90% of the people on this forum.

I would say 95%.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by 77T

This isn’t news - been known since eBay began authentication.

How did you think they validated genuine Rolex movements?

If you don’t want authentication, don’t buy on eBay.

A mistake may have happened but eBay stood behind its correction.

This covers it.

There's nothing more to see here.

[77T]

Originally Posted by rambo99

how did you know they open the watch for authentication?

Everyone who reads the eBay authentication process knows they open a watch.

For example, it is disclosed in several places including the summary shown below (my red underline added for emphasis)




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[EEpro]

Good info.

What surprised me about this infographic is that people buy Tag Heuer. Kidding. Sort of.

[thesharkfactor]

One I bought on eBay a few weeks ago..

[Lucinda]

I always thought that anybody opening the case back had their warranty voided. There's not necessary a tamper evident seal but tool marks might give the suspicious people at Rolex an excuse to not honour the warranty.

[gmtmister]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

I always assumed this was the case. How else would they be able to authenticate it?

You mean you assumed it was the caseBACK….

Sorry I’ll see myself out.

[TimeAZ]

100% excellent service. Worth it to have the added layer of protection. Also the authenticators are true professionals with the correct tools and correct technique to examine the movement.

[1William]

No issues with the Authentication Service on eBay. It makes the experience better for me.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

100% excellent service. Worth it to have the added layer of protection. Also the authenticators are true professionals with the correct tools and correct technique to examine the movement.

looks promising but does ebay charge buyer premium to cover the cost of hiring watchmakers to authenticate watches?

[JRedford]

Originally Posted by rambo99

looks promising but does ebay charge buyer premium to cover the cost of hiring watchmakers to authenticate watches?

When I bought my Tudor Pelagos there was no charge to me for the service.

[dmash]

I'm a big fan of their authentication service, I can only give them top marks. While I don't have experience with watches, I do have experience on multiple LV purchases. 3 examples:

1- seller listed pictures of a like new keepall 55 with luggage tag attached. During authentication, they immediately notified me of seller's initials being stamped on the luggage tag (which wasn't pictured) and gave me the option to cancel, which I did.

2- seller sold me a 'new open box' keepall. Authentication contacted me and mentioned there was extremely light scratching on some of the leather pieces, very insignificant stuff, which was probably just shelf wear and you would find on items in store. Still, fully appreciated how thorough they were and again gave me the option to cancel.

3- received an authenticated briefcase. However, when I opened the bag, I noticed it had the small (1cm or so) {V} stamp which indicates it's an employee purchase. Authentication went WAY above and beyond on this one, apologizing profusely for letting this get by their team and as a gesture of good faith gave me a ONE HUNDRED PERCENT REFUND and let me keep the item.

Not sure if I've experienced such amazing service as I personally sell high end goods on the platform as well, with over 1000 feedback and an ~15 year history, but I can say nothing but amazing things about them. eBay has really grown over the years and it's a fantastic platform.

[rambo99]

Originally Posted by dmash

I'm a big fan of their authentication service, I can only give them top marks. While I don't have experience with watches, I do have experience on multiple LV purchases. 3 examples:

1- seller listed pictures of a like new keepall 55 with luggage tag attached. During authentication, they immediately notified me of seller's initials being stamped on the luggage tag (which wasn't pictured) and gave me the option to cancel, which I did.

2- seller sold me a 'new open box' keepall. Authentication contacted me and mentioned there was extremely light scratching on some of the leather pieces, very insignificant stuff, which was probably just shelf wear and you would find on items in store. Still, fully appreciated how thorough they were and again gave me the option to cancel.

3- received an authenticated briefcase. However, when I opened the bag, I noticed it had the small (1cm or so) {V} stamp which indicates it's an employee purchase. Authentication went WAY above and beyond on this one, apologizing profusely for letting this get by their team and as a gesture of good faith gave me a ONE HUNDRED PERCENT REFUND and let me keep the item.

Not sure if I've experienced such amazing service as I personally sell high end goods on the platform as well, with over 1000 feedback and an ~15 year history, but I can say nothing but amazing things about them. eBay has really grown over the years and it's a fantastic platform.

wow! such good service. that's out of my expectations already.

[Runfar]

Simply no way to authenticate without opening would you want a watch you bought to not be opened to be sure you got the real deal?

[carwashchris]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

Certainly, they would catch a fake quicker than 90% of the people on this forum.

I live 5 minutes from Stoll & Co they have preformed various repairs / pressure test for me. Very knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. After opening and verifying the movement is real and matches the ebay listing description, they close it up and pressure before shipping out { so I'm told }

Chris

[WatchGuy1966]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

Honestly this service is ridiculous and they are no where any expert. How do they prove and check the authenticity.

Are you sure your statement is factual? Seems like you've got zero legitimate sources.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

100% excellent service. Worth it to have the added layer of protection. Also the authenticators are true professionals with the correct tools and correct technique to examine the movement.

Yeah apart from what happened to the OP.

Opening and then not-quite-closing a guaranteed waterproof watch and failing to pressure test it is not 100% excellent.

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by rambo99

ebay and c24 are not trustworthy for sure. build relationship, be patient and buy from an AD/boutique is the only way you can get a rolex and bring you the peace of mind.

This concept is not however about Rolex. It's any watch and in reality, most of the watches in question would not in fact be Rolex current models, or even Rolex! The other aspect here is that accountability for the authenticity is taken on by eBay. It is a service that is offered as part of their sales which answers the single biggest fear of buyers.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by joli160

For me reason enough never to go this route

Exactly.

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by drrd

Yeah apart from what happened to the OP.

Opening and then not-quite-closing a guaranteed waterproof watch and failing to pressure test it is not 100% excellent.

How long have you been into watches or on the forums? There are outlier stories in EVERY buying format, including AD'S.

[928ktgold]

Originally Posted by padi56

I would say 95%.

I like this response Padi!

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by watchmavan

There is. Buy from another seller. There is overwhelming support for this service. If you don't like it, stop looking there. There are many other options.

I don't disagree, nor do I have a dog in this fight (not an eBay shopper myself). However, I don't know that all buyers put together the fact that a watch advertised as still under warranty may have that warranty voided due to the opening of the case back. I agree it's just a simple tradeoff, but all parties should understand that tradeoff. I also think that one should be able to waive inspection, but understanding that certain aspects of buyer protection will be forfeited.

Originally Posted by rambo99

looks promising but does ebay charge buyer premium to cover the cost of hiring watchmakers to authenticate watches?

I think that eBay has realized it's much cheaper to do this than to cover all of the authenticity guarantee claims it had to pay when counterfeit watches were sold.

[Bet]

Originally Posted by Cauhauna

100%. better to open the watch and mess up the seals, than sell a fake.

+1

[drrd]

Originally Posted by watchmavan

How long have you been into watches or on the forums? There are outlier stories in EVERY buying format, including AD'S.

I’m simply questioning all the commendations.

If RSC open a Rolex I understood they replace the gasket and pressure test it afterwards.

If someone’s Rolex leaks after being eBay authenticated then that strongly implies that these steps are not normal practice for the authenticators.

The ‘outlier’ is it’s only a fraction of the time that the waterproof rating is actually tested, or that the seal is so completely ineffective that the watch fails in normal daily use.

[watchmavan]

Originally Posted by drrd

I’m simply questioning all the commendations.

If RSC open a Rolex I understood they replace the gasket and pressure test it afterwards.

If someone’s Rolex leaks after being eBay authenticated then that strongly implies that these steps are not normal practice for the authenticators.

The ‘outlier’ is it’s only a fraction of the time that the waterproof rating is actually tested, or that the seal is so completely ineffective that the watch fails in normal daily use.

They are proving authenticity not a service. If you buy any watch second hand you don't know what has been done. Here you do.

[fsprow]

I have used this service and am happy with it. Regarding seals etc. my assumption is that any pre owned watch should be factory authorized serviced (which I pay to have done) and I consider that in the price. All I look to eBay for is authentication and follow up per their policies, period.