eBay Watch Authenticity Guarantee - Catch-22

zackary71

I've recently spotted a high-end Swiss-made Watch I've had my eye on for many years. Very few were made, with production ceasing 9 years ago. I understand Stoll & Co. do the assessment, but there's nothing in the blurb to indicate the casing is opened and the interior mechanism inspected. Once complete, you get the watch with the NFC tag and sticky label attached to the back with the 'No Returns if removed". Now to me, the Watch can only be fully guaranteed as authentic once the inside is inspected. The manufacturer has said as such.

There's too many alarm bells for me to proceed with the purchase anyhow, not least the fact the serial number isn't on the manufacturer's database. But surely there must be recourse if a visual inspection passes the test, but doubts remain.

se2020

What makes you think they don't take the case back off as part of the authentication process?

Belenus

You need to watch out for scams.

zackary71

se2020 said:

What makes you think they don't take the case back off as part of the authentication process?

"Independent authenticators verify multiple inspection points, including the crown, bezel, dial, case, clasp/buckle, hands, end links, and reference number. The authentication partner does not verify the timekeeping accuracy of your watch." 
It is a bit vague, and doesn't offer reassurance when spending £5k for example.

DUBVENDOR

"Buy the seller not the watch" , is often said when buying high end watches , Better to stick to a trusted jeweller that you have confidence  with .