How To Buy a Watch: A Simple Guide

Here are a few rules:.

Rule #1. Before bidding make sure you read everything carefully. Read the item's description, condition, types of payments, shipping (if shipping is not listed, ask the seller) and finally check the seller's feedback score. If there are a few negative feedbacks move on! they were left there for a reason.

Rule #2. save the images of the watch on your computer, use any software for picture editing and convert the images to "negative" or "solorization", that way you will magically see some scratches and faded areas that were not visible to the naked eye.

Rule #3. Save the description and picture of the watch, you never know, the information may come in handy someday.

Rule #4. Never buy a watch without a picture of its movement (the inside engine). There are a lot of watches with different movements that are not original. I made that mistake and paid for it, don't repeat my mistake.

Rule #5. Automatic movements are usually more expensive and more durable than quartz movements, making them more desirable.

Rule #6. If you simply like the watch but don't know much about it, I have 3 words for you, Reasearch, Research, and Research! usually the best place to search for information is from a website that does not sell, one that is a data base or an archive. That way you can almost guarantee that you are not being drawn into buying.

Rule #7. Examine the pictures carefully (refer to Rule #2) and if they are not clear, ask the seller for clearer pictures, in most cases the seller will cooperate. Look at and examine the joints of the watch, look for cracks or chips as these are the areas they occur mostly.

Rule #8. Getting all original parts is very important. Here's a check list of what to look out for:

              a) Bracelet (what goes around your wrist)

              b) Buckle (the thing that fastens the watch to your wrist)

              c) Crown (the small round thing on the side that turns to set the time)

              d) Movement (the inside or engine of the watch)

              e) Case (the outside shell of the watch)

Rule #9. It's usually advised that you purchase insurance for the watch that you are buying, especially an expensive one. If insurance is not mentioned, ask the seller if he provides insurance and for how much.