Guidance for watch from forum members, Is wire transfer safe?

[watchfreak18]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and honestly don't have any experience in buying from individuals. How I can know if I get an authentic watch or even I actually get the watch? a lot of people ask for wire transfer and as far as I know , wire transfer essentially means that you are giving cash to someone with no guarantee, so how does that work?

I am just confused about the whole process and would appreciate if you guys enlightened me.

Many thanks

[mannyv11]

Buy the seller that’s my best advice

[vipereaper30]

I think my last 5 or 6 purchases were made via wire and I definitely prefer it for my sales. Just make sure you are dealing with a reputable member here or a "trusted" seller. And if the price seems a little too good to be true...just walk away.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by watchfreak18

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and honestly don't have any experience in buying from individuals. How I can know if I get an authentic watch or even I actually get the watch? a lot of people ask for wire transfer and as far as I know , wire transfer essentially means that you are giving cash to someone with no guarantee, so how does that work?

I am just confused about the whole process and would appreciate if you guys enlightened me.

Many thanks

you pretty much covered it all yourself.

[jrs146]

You must be careful. As you said a wife is irreversible. There are many many great sellers on this forum. Some do it for a living. Others are just moving a particular watch in their collection. Make sure to check references and always go with your gut. There are lots of tips in other posts that a quick search should direct you to.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by watchfreak18

How I can know if I get an authentic watch or even I actually get the watch?

You will never know - you will have to believe at the time you buy. Your belief will be based on good skills in researching the seller. Look for stellar feedback from people as good as the seller. Check the pictures for any obvious problems. Ask all your questions in writing, preferably in TRF PM’s for your first dealings with a seller.

When buying from an individual you’ll be looking for the hallmarks of Trust. Almost as strong as the trust you place in your financial advisor or banker. Look for a strong return policy.

When you do get the Watch, have it verified by a certified watchmaker. That way you’ll know it is authentic.

Originally Posted by watchfreak18

a lot of people ask for wire transfer and as far as I know , wire transfer essentially means that you are giving cash to someone with no guarantee, so how does that work?

It is like sending cash without the risk of a loss in transit, and on a same-day basis. It works fine as long as the seller meets all those other criteria above. If you’re not comfortable wiring money, ask for PayPal price, or mail a certified check, or postal money order.

Hope that helps a bit...

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by jrs146

You must be careful. As you said a wife is irreversible.

Amen to that.

[tbonesteak]

Originally Posted by watchfreak18

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and honestly don't have any experience in buying from individuals. How I can know if I get an authentic watch or even I actually get the watch? a lot of people ask for wire transfer and as far as I know , wire transfer essentially means that you are giving cash to someone with no guarantee, so how does that work?

I am just confused about the whole process and would appreciate if you guys enlightened me.

Many thanks

As others have said, buy the seller.

One rule I always try to stress - if doomsday strikes, are you 100% sure who sold you the watch? If not, you'll have zero recourse... Make sure you can absolutely identify the seller, get references, and as many clear pictures with a very thorough description.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by watchfreak18

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and honestly don't have any experience in buying from individuals. How I can know if I get an authentic watch or even I actually get the watch? a lot of people ask for wire transfer and as far as I know , wire transfer essentially means that you are giving cash to someone with no guarantee, so how does that work?

I am just confused about the whole process and would appreciate if you guys enlightened me.

Many thanks

Stick with the guys here who sell watches for a living and you will be fine. Look for references in the buyers/sellers section. These folks have been on the forum for several years and have several thousand posts. Reach out to them by P.M. or phone/text and build a line of communication before wiring them money. Many members here can guide you along the way if you need assistance.

[77T]

So a cautionary tale - it seldom happens - but "seldom" is meaningless if you are the first one who gets scammed. Yep, "some days your'e the windshield, other days you're the bug".

Even a trusted seller gets into trouble from time to time. Perhaps just 0.02% of the time but if you were the one who wired funds the day before it happens, you could have a problem.

A couple of examples top the long list of trusted vintage sellers (in red boldface all caps)

** PLEASE NOTE BOTH LERMAN AND MULHOLLAND WERE REMOVED FROM THIS LIST! **

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=180461