{"id":9761,"date":"2016-06-30T16:14:16","date_gmt":"2016-06-30T23:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/?p=9761"},"modified":"2018-12-20T16:21:08","modified_gmt":"2018-12-21T00:21:08","slug":"story-will-make-never-trust-ebay","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bobswatches.com\/rolex-blog\/resources\/story-will-make-never-trust-ebay.html","title":{"rendered":"This Story Will Make You Never Trust eBay Again"},"content":{"rendered":"

Real or Fake? This Omega Speedmaster just sold for a whopping $52,100 on Ebay and it might not be 100% Authentic.\u00a0 Scary?\u00a0 You bet.<\/p>\n

The Speedmaster is easily Omega\u2019s most famous line of watches, and also a favorite among collectors. First released in 1957, the Speedmaster has become a mainstay in Omega\u2019s lineup, and its timeless design has remained largely unchanged throughout the years.\u00a0 And values have surged this past couple of years.<\/p>\n

\"Fake
Face of Omega Speedmaster (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Trust Issues<\/h2>\n

Although the Speedmaster is relatively affordable<\/a> (by luxury-watch standards), vintage references can sometimes sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Due to the premiums that collectors are willing to pay, it has become increasingly common to see refinished watches listed as \u201cin original condition\u201d on internet-based auction sites.\u00a0 So it caveat emptor.<\/p>\n

Sold<\/h2>\n

Just last week on June 19th<\/sup>, an Omega Speedmaster from Veracruz, Mexico sold for $52,100.00 on eBay (the seller had only 15 positive feedback). The watch was a reference 2998-2, a very early example of Speedmaster from the 1960\u2019s that is now quite sought after by collectors.<\/p>\n

\"Fake
Omega Speed Master Dial (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

This particular watch, with its \u201ctropical\u201d brown dial and lollipop seconds hand, caught the attention of quite a few collectors, and its eBay listing was even featured on some of the Internet\u2019s premier vintage\/luxury watch blogs.<\/p>\n

The problem with user-to-user marketplaces such as eBay is that they are merely platforms for connecting buyers and sellers. Although eBay itself is a well-established and reputable company<\/a>, often the sellers from which you ultimately purchase the items are not.<\/p>\n

Anyone can sell things on eBay, and there is no authentication process that items must go through before they can be listed for sale to the public. As a result, eBay has become a mess of questionable watches that are being sold by virtually anybody with access to a computer.<\/p>\n

\"Fake
Omega Speed Horizontal (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fake Omega?<\/h2>\n

The eBay listing for this Speedmaster describes it as having all-correct, original parts; however the bezel on this particular 2998-2 has almost certainly been replaced by one from a later era; and there are also issues relating to its \u201ctropical\u201d dial that have caused many to question the authenticity of its coloration.<\/p>\n

There is an odd bubbling effect in the finish of the dial, most notably in the center of the sub-dial at the 6 o\u2019clock position (see photo above). This irregularity has caused many members of the Omega Forums to speculate as to whether or not someone has tampered with the dial in an attempt to intentionally alter its color.<\/p>\n

\"Omega
Omega Speedmaster Angle Shot 6 (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

There have been several recorded accounts of individuals using heat to try to recreate the unique colors of tropical dials. Many attempts result in dials with a bubbling effect similar to the one seen on this reference 2998-2. It is likely then, that this dial\u2019s rich brown color is the product of an intentional effort, rather than mere luck and extended exposure to the right conditions.<\/p>\n

Additionally, this Speedmaster has a \u201ctachymetre 500\u201d bezel (fitted to later references), rather than the \u201cbase 1000\u201d bezel should be found on this watch. Although the seller\u2019s description states that it is \u201cvery possible\u201d for the bezel to be original, its color is much too dark and well preserved to be found on a watch with a dial this faded and well-aged.<\/p>\n

\"Omega
Omega Speedmaster Front And Center (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Furthermore, given how scarce era-appropriate \u201cbase 1000\u201d bezels are for this case reference (and how much they can sell for at auction), it is more than likely that the original bezel has been replaced by one from a later reference Speedmaster.<\/p>\n

For vintage watches, the devil is in the details, and many collectors do not possess enough knowledge to accurately make informed purchases one hundred percent of the time. This Speedmaster even managed to slip past some of the leading watch blogs in the industry, whose mention of the watch certainly helped it reach its massive $52,100.00 winning bid.<\/p>\n

\"Omega
Omega Speedmaster Side (Credit: vintageaddicted13 via eBay)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

The core problem with eBay is the anonymity that is inherent to internet-based, user-to-user marketplaces. Anyone can sell items on eBay, and a single person can have multiple accounts making it virtually impossible to properly ascertain who exactly is selling you a watch.<\/p>\n

It is far too easy for unscrupulous sellers to obscure crucial details about their products on direct, user-to-user sites. While eBay is an available tool for buying and selling pre-owned items, its shortcomings make it nearly impossible for users to make informed purchases. Stories such as this are yet another reminder to be weary when purchasing high-end watches<\/a> (like Rolex) from eBay, especially from unknown sellers.
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