Ebay authentication services OPENS watches!!

[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....

[omar10213245]

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

[TimepieceRPP]

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

[Rado63]

This platform has the potential to be the best way to buy pre owned. In order for it to succeed they will not want any cases of a fake getting through and the story going viral. In this case the process worked but the client did have an unexpected problem. To correct this, the Ebay platform took care of the client. I would say it worked as planned despite the hiccup.

[Cauhauna]

Originally Posted by Rado63

This platform has the potential to be the best way to buy pre owned. In order for it to succeed they will not want any cases of a fake getting through and the story going viral. In this case the process worked but the client did have an unexpected problem. To correct this, the Ebay platform took care of the client. I would say it worked as planned despite the hiccup.

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

[whiskyrolex]

I don't see the issue as they covered the repair.
Until they authenticate a fake, the system is working as intended.

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

Honestly this service is ridiculous and they are no where any expert.

How can you be so sure?
It's not possible for a former Rolex watchmaker to be working there?

[3wheeler7]

Originally Posted by TimepieceRPP

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

I'd suggest that Stoll & Co (who carry out authentication of watches for Ebay) are quite competent in that field.

[whiskyrolex]

Originally Posted by 3wheeler7

I'd suggest that Stoll & Co (who carry out authentication of watches for Ebay) are quite competent in that field.

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

[Bizcut1]

Originally Posted by whiskyrolex

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

Absolutely.

[Nodzex]

Originally Posted by omar10213245

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

This!

[Nodzex]

Originally Posted by Cauhauna

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

Agreed, and they covered the cost of the repair!
C’mon now, everyone makes mistakes and they owned up to it!

[EEpro]

This sounds super legit to me. Thanks for sharing.

[mfnj]

Nothing but positive things to say about the EBAY authentication service. In fact, it not only puts a "stamp of approval" on a watch purchase, it also provides for recourse against a legitimate third-party should there be an issue. In theory, it could make more sense for someone to now purchase a watch on ebay than from someone other than a known grey dealer on one of the forums.

[S7gpt]

bought and sold using the authentication service from eBay, nothing but praise for it.

[Rolexken]

Opening a Rolex and looking at the movement is THE best way to authenticate the watch.

[dannyp]

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

[gwozhog]

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.

How would anyone ever know the watch has been opened before. Their is no seal on the caseback. You simply unscrew the caseback and and screwback on.

[Daytona88]

Originally Posted by 3wheeler7

I'd suggest that Stoll & Co (who carry out authentication of watches for Ebay) are quite competent in that field.

I've sold several watches on Ebay that went through authentication - each time it went to a different watch dealer/repair center for the process (including Stoll & Co once).

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

How would anyone ever know the watch has been opened before. Their is no seal on the caseback. You simply unscrew the caseback and and screwback on.

I thought that there was something inside that would let a RSC watchmaker know if the case back had been opened before. Is that not the case?

[planemad]

Originally Posted by gwozhog

How would anyone ever know the watch has been opened before. Their is no seal on the caseback. You simply unscrew the caseback and and screwback on.

On Omegas there is a little red dot seal on some models.

[3wheeler7]

Originally Posted by Daytona88

I've sold several watches on Ebay that went through authentication - each time it went to a different watch dealer/repair center for the process (including Stoll & Co once).

Maybe Ebay in the US have multiple authenticators but in the UK it's Stoll & Co

https://hypebeast.com/2021/10/ebay-f...luxury-auction

[daveswordfish]

Originally Posted by 3wheeler7

I'd suggest that Stoll & Co (who carry out authentication of watches for Ebay) are quite competent in that field.

This is not entirely true. I know a Secondary market wholesaler that does Rolex authentications for eBay. While Stoll does authentications, they are not necessarily the only one.


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[PMDAY]

Do they test for the watches rated depth rating after authentication?

[77T]

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.

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.


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[Laszlo]

The process is sound and eBay is doing well in this space. The stepped up and the process works. The fees are also very reasonable.

[drrd]

Originally Posted by PMDAY

Do they test for the watches rated depth rating after authentication?

Clearly not in this instance.

If you’re not competent at opening and closing a case back then at least always pressure test.

[Forty6nTwo]

I wonder if Stock x does the same thing?

[rambo99]

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....

how did you know they open the watch for authentication?

[joli160]

For me reason enough never to go this route