Argh, need some ebay advice!

AdamD · 23-01-2007, 22:04

Ok, I sold my dad's old Omega watch on Ebay a couple of weeks back, the buyer was in America

Original auction was here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2517&rd=1&rd=1

Description reads

Quote:

I'm selling my dad's old watch, which was bought back in 1967 The movement number is - 24535039
Model/Ref number is - ST.105003
The watch still works and keeps accurate time
It's probably in need of some restoration work, as I don't believe it's had any in the past
Includes original reciept, warranty booklet and mini instruction book.

I sent the guy high res photos of the watch, back, front, side and the strap and answered his questions regarding the strap being a new addition

He ended up bidding on it and winning the auction
He paid for it, I sent off the watch, he received it, took it to a watchmaker and now wants a refund, because he says....

Quote:

Hi Adam.

Okay, I've taken the watch to my watchmaker in
Chicago, and there's good news and bad news.

The good news is that the movement is actually in
pretty decent shape. A bit of rust near the edge in
certain parts, but not bad at all. Could probably be
serviced just fine.

Here's the bad news:

1. One of the chrono pushers is shot, and in fact,
can no longer be pushed. Probably a $150 fix.

2. More important than #1, the caseback is not for a
105.003, but rather for a 145.012 (1968). In
addition, the dust cover inside of the caseback is not
from a 105.003. My guess is that these parts were
mixed in with the watch at some point over the years,
because the dial and movement appear to be from a
105.003. This is obviously a pretty material issue -
145.012s tend to sell for around $1,900 or so.

My sense is that the easiest solution here would be to
have you refund my purchase price via PayPal (I'll eat
the fee on my end) and I'll ship the watch back to
you. If you can get $3,000 for it from a local shop,
you should absolutely go ahead and do it. If not, you
may want to try to hunt down a proper caseback and
dust cover (and probably either fix the pusher or
disclose that it no longer functions). With those
parts, you may be able to get $3,000 for it even
though they are not original to the watch.

Also, just as an FYI, the bracelet which was on the
watch is too big for this model (20 mm versus 19mm
between the lugs). It was jammed in there pretty good
- I removed it and left it off the watch, as it
doesn't really fit this case. Of course, I'll send it
back with the watch, but you may want to put it on a
strap if you elect to try to re-sell it in the future.

My PayPal account is xxxxxxxxxx

Please provide the shipping address you'd like me to
use, and advise when the funds have been sent. I'll
pack the watch up tonight, and have it ready to go as
soon as the funds hit.

Problem is, I said in the auction it would probably need restoration and he only started asking questions AFTER he received the watch (like questions about the case back and internal parts of the watch)
Plus, i'd allready withdrawn the funds from my paypal account and put them on my credit card (sold it to pay off debt)

So, does anyone know where I stand with this? Do I have to issue him a refund?

Nikesh · 23-01-2007, 22:13

Well, you advertised the watch as ST.105003 and because it's a mixture of two models, I think you have to refund him as you have sold him something that isn't what you say it is. Just my thoughts though. I don't know anything about watches or ebay infact.

AdamD · 23-01-2007, 22:17

I have no idea either, I knew the watch itself was a 105.003 or whatever, but didn't know the case on the back was new or different
It only has an omega logo on it, no part number or anything
I didn't fancy undoing the watch to look inside, I just figured it was the original back, given its worn condition ...

SnoopZ · 23-01-2007, 22:17

Shouldn't he return the watch to you before you refund him?

Nikesh · 23-01-2007, 22:23

Maybe you could send him an email back, and give him an apology about the watch because you genuinely didn't know that it was different.

The Jackal · 23-01-2007, 22:25

Tell him to shove the watch up his ... and go buy a Timex.

I'm on your side.. There's a tiny issue with his purchase for which he took the risk.

" It's probably in need of some restoration work, as I don't believe it's had any in the past "

Thats good enough for me and what exactly can he do about it and even so how long will it take including legal costs ?

PS Nice watch btw

AdamD · 23-01-2007, 22:30

He should've known about the caseback, because I sent him a really high res shot of the back, which can be seen here...

http://www.dresch.co.uk/ad/PICT0319.JPG

He only asked about the back of it, after he received it

His email after he received it said

Quote:

Got the watch today - thanks for packing it so well.
Looks good, although I have one question for you. Did
you ever open the watch and look at the movement /
inside of case back? Typically 105.003s have a
stepped caseback, and this one does not.

I'm going to take it to a watchmaker shortly for a
service - I'll let you know if I find anything which
isn't right.

Dunno, but I got hit with a huge ebay and paypal fee for selling this watch, not to mention the Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£30 extra I had to pay for postage as well...ugh

Nikesh · 23-01-2007, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamD

http://www.dresch.co.uk/ad/PICT0319.JPG

That link isn't working for me?

Pia · 23-01-2007, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoopZ

Shouldn't he return the watch to you before you refund him?

Absolutely, if he sent a refund with no goods he wouldn't have a leg to stand on if the guy kept both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamD

He should've known about the caseback, because I sent him a really high res shot of the back, which can be seen here...

http://www.dresch.co.uk/ad/PICT0319.JPG

He only asked about the back of it, after he received it

His email after he received it said

Dunno, but I got hit with a huge ebay and paypal fee for selling this watch, not to mention the Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£30 extra I had to pay for postage as well...ugh

What have you said to him in any replies to these messages?

I personally wouldn't give him a refund, has he left you any feedback?

He seems like he's being pretty decent about it, but i still wouldn't refund.

Shadow Demon UK · 23-01-2007, 22:35

One of the questions you answerd was -

Quote:

Hello. I sent some questions a few days ago (which you answered). A few more: 1. It appears the braclet is missing the end pieces. Also, it appears to me that this may not be the correct bracelet for a 105.003. Was this bracelet added to the watch at some point after it was purchased.

So if this is the same guy or if the guy who bought the watch read this he would know that all the parts are not original one's. I would Email him back saying that you will not refund it.

AdamD · 23-01-2007, 22:35

I've reduced the size and attached to this post.
Imagine the same picture, but at 3264X2448 heh

AdamD · 23-01-2007, 22:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow Demon UK

So if this is the same guy or if the guy who bought the watch read this he would know that all the parts are not original one's. I would Email him back saying that you will not refund it.

Yea, it's the same guy
I told him..

"I believe the bracelet is a newer addition to the watch, that's about all I know I don't have a history of the watch i'm afraid, as it's my father's watch."

He even said this in one ask a question thing

"Q: Hello again. Just wanted to let you know that I would be interested in your watch, but at $2,800 shipped (US) rather than your opening price. Any buyer will need to have it serviced, add a bracelet or strap and probably have the crystal replaced. If you are interested, you can reach me at xxxxxxxxxxx. Thanks. Darren"

AntiSilence · 23-01-2007, 22:43

You've provided enough pictures to show him what it looks like, and you have the original sales receipt that clearly shows "1967" and the model number which you advertised. You are not at fault in my opinion.

Shadow Demon UK · 23-01-2007, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamD

Yea, it's the same guy
I told him..

"I believe the bracelet is a newer addition to the watch, that's about all I know I don't have a history of the watch i'm afraid, as it's my father's watch."

He even said this in one ask a question thing

"Q: Hello again. Just wanted to let you know that I would be interested in your watch, but at $2,800 shipped (US) rather than your opening price. Any buyer will need to have it serviced, add a bracelet or strap and probably have the crystal replaced. If you are interested, you can reach me at xxxxxxxxxxx. Thanks. Darren"

Exactly, he knew it needed repairing and that it wasn't all original when he bought it so he shouldn't expect a refund. If i was you i would Email back saying i'm not prepared to refund it because you knew it didn't have all the original parts and then see what his reply is. He doesn't seem to be angry about it needing parts changed so he might just be trying to get his money back because he doesn't want it after all.

Pia · 23-01-2007, 22:50

I'd email him saying as nicely as possible that you don't think a refund needed in these circumstances, but if he gets funny then you could give him a partial refund, he'd appreciate the token gesture and it can go towards the repairs, but don't do it unless you really feel like you should.