Good price on a submariner?

[Rowe]

Originally Posted by IMG2

I may be opening myself up to ridicule, but I just bought a Submariner on eBay. I would agree, if you don't know what you're doing on eBay or if you are new to what you are buying, there are better alternatives. I was working with some guys on TRF, but it just didn't work out.

That being said, there are some reputable dealers on eBay. I called and spoke with each of them who had a watch I was truly interested in bidding on. Some of these guys have sold over 1,000 watches with 100% positive feedback. This means either all 1,000 of those people were happy or the seller did what had to be done if there was a problem. If talking with them on the phone doesn't clear up any doubts you may have, run. There are a lot of individuals who I wouldn't buy a Tiimex from, let alone a Rolex. Cavet Emptor, let the buyer beware.

X2.

Do your homework. I spoke to the store and then googled them to read reviews and see if there were any reported scams. I got the watch all original papers/booklets and inner/outer box with a free appraisal. Soon as I got the watch I took it to an AD for verification within the return window. I didn't join this community until after my purchase though, otherwise I would have probably bought here. IMO, good thing about eBay and PayPal though is you are protected as the buyer.

[MortgageGuy]

I agree with the above I would not purchase on Ebay... just me but stick with the trusted sellers here on TRF and you will never look back

[johnnydrama]

While there are certainly wiser minds than mine who have already contributed... I was in your position not even 4 weeks ago. I took the advice of TRF and bought from the forums. I snagged my 1 owner, L series 16610 from OCROLEXGUY (Patrick) for right around 4k. That included papers, box, etc, and piece of mind from a reputable seller that has a great reputation here. If you're patient, it wouldn't surprise me if you'll find another in similar condition for 4-4.5k. Good hunting, I know you'll enjoy this piece as much as I am

-Drama

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by IMG2

I may be opening myself up to ridicule, but I just bought a Submariner on eBay. I would agree, if you don't know what you're doing on eBay or if you are new to what you are buying, there are better alternatives. I was working with some guys on TRF, but it just didn't work out.

That being said, there are some reputable dealers on eBay. I called and spoke with each of them who had a watch I was truly interested in bidding on. Some of these guys have sold over 1,000 watches with 100% positive feedback. This means either all 1,000 of those people were happy or the seller did what had to be done if there was a problem. If talking with them on the phone doesn't clear up any doubts you may have, run. There are a lot of individuals who I wouldn't buy a Tiimex from, let alone a Rolex. Cavet Emptor, let the buyer beware.

Originally Posted by up2nogood

Buyer protection is solid on Ebay. If you use PP linked to CC and buy from a company that regularly sells the same kind of gear, you're not likely to go wrong. Make sure you get all the pics from the seller and ask heaps of questions. This is being sold by a pawnbroker with a large online business, if they got duped you will get your money back.
I just sold a Breitling on ebay, first time watch over $600 although I have 180 feedback score and all positive. Am I a bad guy out to scam? No. Be careful, check everything out and you will be fine.

But if you buy one with crappy pics from a vendor in Estonia, you're asking for trouble.
That being said, fakes are getting very close, and even come with a (albeit rough) clone movement that mimics the winder and setting actions of a genuine movement.

I just flicked through a dozen + pages of this sellers recent sales, most are $20-$50 items, a few $200-$300 and one just under $500.

I do not want to cast any doubt on the sellers honesty, but as the above two posters highlight (I have made BOLD), he does NOT seem to have a track record of selling Rolex watches, so do not look to the seller for his experience in the authenticity of a Rolex.