Advice for first-time second-hand buyer

[Diamondgal]

Hello everyone! I was hoping for some advice from the collective here.

I’ve been looking for an Oyster Perpetual for a while and have been on the “interest list” with an SA locally for about 5 months- so far, crickets. I have found a nice looking, reasonably priced 20-year old specimen, the seller has excellent feedback on eBay and Chrono 24, the bracelet code seems correct etc. There is a box, but no papers.

You guys know your stuff- what should I look out for here? Any major pitfalls? Thank you for reading.

[Harry-57]

This is a recorded message:

Buy the buyer.

For me this means going to a bricks and mortar establishment to meet the watch and going over it with a loupe. This after having researched the seller as much as possible.

I don't know what you could reasonably expect from a 20 year old watch to support its 100% authenticity unless a RSC had serviced it in the past few days/weeks.

[brandrea]

Personally speaking I’d reach out to the trusted sellers here to see if they can source the reference you are looking for. Hassle free experience from folks who have excellent reputations.

Alternately, the escrow service on chrono24 provides you with some protection, but you’d still want to authenticate the watch (at least I would). Not sure if eBay has similar protections in place.

EDIT: who’s the seller?

[Hardtimes]

I have no issue at all buying preowned. However, you are entering a snake pit. Be VERY careful, but the buyer as has been said. Also, if it seems to good to be true.......

[mountainjogger]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Personally speaking I’d reach out to the trusted sellers here to see if they can source the reference you are looking for. Hassle free experience from folks who have excellent reputations.

Alternately, the escrow service on chrono24 provides you with some protection, but you’d still want to authenticate the watch (at least I would). Not sure if eBay has similar protections in place.

EDIT: who’s the seller?

Have to agree and Brian has added the most important question. Who's the seller? Without this, you are spinning the wheel.

[Diamondgal]

Thanks everyone! I have decided to pass- it’s not worth it to me to spend 80% of retail on something I have no idea about. But the advice is all brilliant and much appreciated.