The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Eric V. in Texas aka "weisenberger15"

Background/Timeline:
Advertised an Omega 45mm here:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20965&p=154870#p154870

The original ad made no mention of the origins of the Omega or whether or not it came with the boxes, cards, etc...so I asked via pm (as copied from pm's):

Me: "what's the background on your Omega?"
Eric: "i have owned this watch snce 2007, still running +/- 2 secs a day. shows some wear but can alwys send to omega for a service. lets trade if you want."
Me: "Are you the original owner and do you have the boxes, wallet card,and all three cards with the instruction manual?"
Eric: "Yes I am the original owner, all box and papers"

Satisfied with his responses, we both agreed to a trade and to mail USPS Overnight Insured on Friday, July 16th for a July 17th delivery; I mailed mine overnight providing him the tracking and delivery info Friday afternoon:

Me: "The Breitling is on it's way to you...delivery estimated at 1200 noon, Sat July 17th. The tracking number is EG 141298428 US. Please advise upon receipt and the tracking info for the Omega as well."
Eric: "Got my wife sent out the omega today. When I get home from work I will get you tracking..."

No response...

Saturday am:
Me: "Here's the status of the Breitling...any chance you can send me the tracking info on the Omega so I can estimate the delivery time today?"

No response...

Saturday mid-day:
Me: "Looks as if the Breitling has been delivered and signed by you...Any info on the tracking number as I have not received the package."
Eric: "I am so sorry my wife did not send package. I am I fireman and I was on for 24 hrs. Is there a different address you want me to send it since you are going to be out of town. Or stick with the same address. Once again I do apologize for this issue"

My thoughts at the time were...<Whew, at least I got a response, was getting a bit concerned>

Monday:
Eric: "She's on her way, the wife just sent me tracking info, 03092880000176563415"

The watch was received on Wednesday and to my dismay was sent USPS Priority in a cellulose padded "ready-post" envelope, wrapped in a rag around a piece of foam...no boxes, no cards/holder, no instruction manuals, etc...(mmmmmmmmmm)
Upon further inspection, the watch was not in the description as described (ie., 90%), more like 80% using the TZ grading scale as a baseline (and realizing this can be subjective to a large margin to each individual). The watch had numerous dings on the case, the case back had one very extreme scratch (from a careless opening attempt, while not visible in the pics), numerous AR crystal swirls, and bezel swirls and on top of everything else, the watch was so heavily over-polished, the serial number had almost been completely removed. This has me wondering if this action was taken in an attempt to hide something, is there something else about this watch's history that's been omitted and is this even a real Omega?

Lessons learned:
Well the watch appears to be real based upon the thoughts of several forum members on one of the Omega watch forum's and a local watch repair shop that has since taken temporary possession to examine and possibly service if necessary. Feeling relieved that the Omega is real, I can now focus on some of the other issues with this watch and While I've pm'd, emailed and even called the seller...I've received no reply, so I guess I've learned a lesson or two and want other's here to have a more balanced situational awareness when dealing with this individual.

Thank you for taking the time to read this...
best regards,
Mark

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"The biggest difference between time and space is that you can't reuse time". // {Merrick Furst}

Interesting but as a note of caution I always ask for colse ups fron all angles and also want pics of the paperwork as well, But as they say hidsight is a wonderfull thing hope you get this sorted out and quick.

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This is the same person I bought the white dial Skyracer from and have been reluctant to post. In April I bought the watch advertized here and when received it was clear the brushed bezel had been polished somewhat and the chrono reset was malfunctioning. This issue has been discussed on other threads. This was my first used purchase and I have some blame here for not asking enough questions.

But this seller is someone to whom you need to ask a LOT of questions and request a LOT of extra pics. I was told the watch was bought in 2009. It is now with BUSA for repairs and I have been advised it is a 2007 purchase – out of warranty. I was also told he is a jeweler, not a fireman. Perhaps he is both, I don’t know.

This is not intended as a claim of misrepresentation by commission, nor necessarily omission. But it comes close to the latter. Just a cautionary tale based on actual experience. Since then I have bought a couple used watches from the forums and they EXCEEDED my expectations. Live and learn.

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SHARKMAN

Yep, definitely a lawyer.

Sorry about you bad experience. I almost jumped on this, but I just didn't like that he set the watch face down on a piece rusted metal to take a picture of it. I hope everything works out for you.

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"Leave the gun, take the cannoli."

These stories continue to convince me that I will *never* trade with someone unless I know them will or have dealt with them in the past, or they have references that I know or have dealt with in the past. Trading is risky behavior.

Mark
Sorry to hear about this happening to you. I have dealt with you on a few occasions and found you to be an honest, good guy. It sucks when one of the good guys gets screwed. Am hoping for the best for you with that watch.

Rich in WI

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