Good way to know that maybe this seller isn't very good...

[sweffymo]

I asked the seller if their watch kept good time, since the listing didn't say anything other than timekeeping not guaranteed; I just wanted to know what I could expect in general and he said "Sorry, I am really not sure. The watch was sitting since serviced in my closet."

Fair enough, so I went to the question page to ask if he could prove it was serviced and prove if it was serviced by a reputable watchmaker, and when I went to the page I was greeted by this:




So I guess having to answer questions about his product gave him the heebie jeebies and he turned off questions...

[sdoocms]

There are more shysters on Ebay then Cater has pills.

[doomguy10011]

I've found that the best way to buy watches from eBay is to try and find sellers who aren't professional eBay sellers. Rather, try to find listings from the original owner, someone who is selling on behalf of a relative, or an inherited piece. It requires patience, but it's worth it.

There still are some professional sellers who are honest, but the bay has become saturated with unscrupulous sellers who are taking advantage of the growing popularity of vintage Seikos and the novice buyers who are vulnerable to their over-hyped descriptions and shiny, over-polished crap passed off as "mint".

Also, keep an eye out for Japanese eBay sellers and Yahoo Japan for some pretty good vintage GS and KS watches. 

[pollythecat]

I can understand why buyers get sceptical when a watch is listed a being serviced, unfortunately lies are easily spoken.  When I sell a watch and list it as serviced it is, the full monty, but because I do them myself I have no proof other than my word that is worthless to most people who do not know me.  I did tell one punter I would write out a receipt if he likes

[Mr.Jones]

May 5, 2015 17:38:24 GMT -8 doomguy10011 said:

I've found that the best way to buy watches from eBay is to try and find sellers who aren't professional eBay sellers. Rather, try to find listings from the original owner, someone who is selling on behalf of a relative, or an inherited piece. It requires patience, but it's worth it.

There still are some professional sellers who are honest, but the bay has become saturated with unscrupulous sellers who are taking advantage of the growing popularity of vintage Seikos and the novice buyers who are vulnerable to their over-hyped descriptions and shiny, over-polished crap passed off as "mint".

Also, keep an eye out for Japanese eBay sellers and Yahoo Japan for some pretty good vintage GS and KS watches. 

While that is true, I have also encountered sellers that just want to push responsibility away by stating that they are selling "for a friend" or a relative. While knowing fully well what's wrong with the item.