You can't judge a book by it's cover...

[Clay]

It occurred to me today that the vast majority of watches I have purchased over the years have looked infinitely better in person then in the photographs I saw or was sent by the seller...

Now to most seasoned watch collectors this may seem obvious, but to those out there new to the hobby let me just say this...

If the seller is offering to give you a day or two to look at the watch before committing to buy, then I would recommend you take them up on their offer...

I recently turned down a watch based on the pictures and on my own beliefs about this particular dial...

I was then given the opportunity to look at the watch in person, hold it in my hand and wear it...

I purchased the watch on the spot!!!

Just goes to show, you are never to old to learn...

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by Clay

It occurred to me today that the vast majority of watches I have purchased over the years have looked infinitely better in person then in the photographs I saw or was sent by the seller...

Now to most seasoned watch collectors this may seem obvious, but to those out there new to the hobby let me just say this...

If the seller is offering to give you a day or two to look at the watch before committing to buy, then I would recommend you take them up on their offer...

I recently turned down a watch based on the pictures and on my own beliefs about this particular dial...

I was then given the opportunity to look at the watch in person, hold it in my hand and wear it...

I purchased the watch on the spot!!!

Just goes to show, you are never to old to learn...

I found this out as well, the bracelet on this watch was ROACHED, like really bad stretch, and in the pictures the bracelet looked fake, the watch head looked real and at $900 for a Rolex I atleast had to check it out. It turns out the guy bought the band after he bought the watch and the watch head was in great condition. I ended up getting $50 off for gas and it looked like the crystal was toast(there was a white scratch across 2/3 of the face. I was pulling out of the parking lot and I rubbed my finger at the white "scratch" and it ended up beig rubber or Somthing because it buffed off with my finger and the dial was so pristine I was sure it was a redial. I ended up getting a great condition 2 tone air king 5501 for $850 with a decent case, perfect bezel and crown, keeping great time with a 14kt trim USA jubilee. The watch ended up being in 100x better condition than I expected.

[conrail]

That's very true, especially with "tropical" dials - a lot look like disasters in photographs, but stunning in person in natural light.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by conrail

That's very true, especially with "tropical" dials - a lot look like disasters in photographs, but stunning in person in natural light.

That is true because most dials people call tropical are disasters. True tropical or chocolate dials look good no matter what!

[motoikkyu]

There's a lot to be said for face-to-face transactions.

[joe100]

It happens for sure. I've purchased watches via the sales section and once in my hand were not quite what I'd expected. No fault of the seller. Sorta like buying a car without seeing it.

[Michael M.]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

That is true because most dials people call tropical are disasters. True tropical or chocolate dials look good no matter what!

Very true Ken

[Clay]

Just received a watch I purchased...
After seeing it in person it's going back...