FindWatchWinders.com

Some watch brands and models are faked more often than others (high risk for Rolex, for example).

Be aware that there are many so-called Swiss watches that aren’t really fakes, but the brand is not common in Switzerland and sometimes only a very small part of the watch is produced in Switzerland. Then you rather buy any other brand or simply a good quality Japanese model.

If it’s a quality brand ask for any kind of geniuinity proof. Depending on the price, the seller might offer to have the watch checked at an authorized dealer of the brand and send you a copy of the confirmation including the serial number.

Greetings from Switzerland

1. Check reputation and feedback. Be sure it’s legit feedback earned as a seller of decent watches not from winning 5 cent postcards

2. Check manufacturer’s website and compare the pictures carefully to the ones on eBay. Usually fakes have some details that are off slightly.

3. Ask if the seller guarantees the authenticity and how long they will allow moneyback if it isn’t.

4. Pay with Paypal.

5. When the watch arrives, take it to a dealer who carries that watch brand and see what they say. If it’s fake, file a Paypal claim and contact the seller.

you go by reputation of seller, that is all

Unfortunately, with internet shopping, you never really know what your getting until you get it.

There are several ways to protect your self. Make sure it is documented on the site that it says it is a Swiss watch. Do some research on and confirm that the manufacturer is real and in fact made a watch matching the description.

Always pay by credit card, even if using PayPal. Make sure you credit card protects you against fraud, if not get another card. This allows you to charge back the purchase just in case you have to. If the item is sent to you through the United States Postal Service, they have there own fraud investigators and it is a serious offense that they take very seriously.

The key is documentation. Keep a copy of the ebay auction page, emails of any communication with the seller, payment, etc. Ask lots of questions if the auction listing is vague. Also, insure the item.

I have bought and sold on ebay. Fortunately, I have only had a handful of problems – some with not receiving the item (hence the insurance) and misrepresentation/fraud. I have been able to either charge back on my credit card, or ebay/paypal, or the USPS helped me resolve the matter.

There may also be escrow (sp?) which allows you to make payment to a company and they hold the money until you have inspected the watch. Not all seller offer this and it usually costs you money. I have had no experience with this option.

Good luck.