Upgrade to Access Content

I asked this in another thread, but it understandably got buried as it wasn't completely on topic so I figured I'd ask here. Apologies if this is considered duplicate.

Does anyone have experience or thoughts on buying on eBay via their authenticity guarantee program (or without it, quite frankly). I have the ability to purchase sales tax free on eBay and there are some attractive prices on pieces that claim to be new (and there is even still room for more negotiation). The authenticity program I've used in other categories of goods, and it has generally been pretty good though I have heard stories of fakes getting through.

If not going through the Authenticity Program, eBay is actually a great place from a BUYER'S perspective (not so much a seller) because they'll always side with a buyer and allow a return even if the seller doesn't allow returns (at least in other categories of goods... I need to double check this with watches).

Does anyone here have any tales, good or bad, on buying on eBay? I'm only looking at watches I have carefully vetted and tried on.

Thank you all!

What are people’s favorites/suggestions for a salmon dial watch.

I can’t afford a Patek but am interested in anything ranging from a micro brand to something at the level of a Glashutte Original.

Any thoughts on the Breitling Datora?

I have purchased several watches over the last couple years, but only two pre-owned - both here in the forum. First was the Ball Engineer Worltimer, and more recently the JLC Master ultra-thin, copper dial. I am relatively new to all of this and have never traded or sold a watch…so still learning the ropes.

the problem: I have a big wrist so in both cases I need a new / expanded band. Any recommendations on quality solution providers with good service?

For Ball: it took forever to get a response, but once I got through to the right people they sent links, and it was a ridiculously reasonable price. There still not here though, so fingers crossed.

For JLC, I haven’t done anything yet because I have only had it a couple days; plus it works if I use the last hole a decouple everything to get it in and off. I love the band, but I’ll eventually get one that fits properly.

Any thoughts from those that have dealt with this before would be much appreciated. My wrist is about 8” around….

I was just offered from my retailer this VC overseas blue dial … it’s an absolute stunner, but I wasn’t quite ready to drop $30,000 on a watch today.. I would say I could still get it tomorrow but obviously it won’t be there long … is this a no-brainer to walk away from as far as pricing, inability? Or is it a money loser if I decide to sell it down the road?

Does anyone know of a reliable third party insurance product to use with Fedex shipment that will insure a watch with a value of $10,000-$15,000 and is available to people without an established business selling watches?

Thanks!