The Second Time Around…

Neil – Well I probably should have read my earlier post about patients and research, because I did it again.

Another watch I’ve been after is a Technos Sky Diver. I’ve missed out on several over the last few months on different auction sites. So when I clocked one, again on Chrono24, I messaged the seller, offering a deal, but got no response.

Ironically the same one pinged up on eBay, so I made an offer, well below what the seller was asking.I received a response almost immediately, and I accepted the offer. Ecstatic, I completed the payment, and within a week or so, the watch arrived.I was really happy with it, so much so, that I posted several pictures on my Instagram account and got several great comments.

The next morning, I received a private message. It was from a guy across the sea who has been collecting Technos watches for years and has an extensive and impressive collection of some amazing pieces.

He had seen my post and reached out to me with a few concerns about my recent purchase. Although the case and movement were genuine, the dial, hands and crown were suspect and not quite correct. So I sent him some detailed photos and a feeling of déjà vu came across me again.

The Sky Diver had 1000m written on the dial and the hands were immaculate, but unfortunately for me, too immaculate. In fact, they were probably only a few weeks old. Also they didn’t make a 1000m with that case or crown.

Upon threatening to claim from eBay and PayPal, the seller offered me a huge discount to keep the watch. However, this didn’t ring true to me. Why would someone sell a watch worth over £1500.00 for just over half its value, and then further reduce its price by half again?

Obviously, I refused the offer and wanted a full refund. Fortunately for me, as I purchased through eBay and PayPal, I put in a claim for a refund. Eventually, the seller agreed to the refund, and I have returned the watch, so by the time you read this, I will have received my money back.

I think sometimes, I’m a little eager to buy. Vintage watches are a minefield, there are some amazing deals to be found and it’s a waiting game. Taking things slowly and being much more patient is a must.

I will learn…

Mark – You’re such a plank bro. I can’t believe you did it again. Slowly slowly, catch a monkey. A classic example of not enough research and checking it against what you’re about to pull the trigger on!