Like many, I am here to complain about the eBay watch authentication program. But also provide a solution.
As a watchmaker and appraiser, I am not comfortable knowing that watches are being sent to Stoll repair service in Ohio for “authentication”. Stoll existence is mainly doing battery changes for small jewelers who do not have a staff watchmaker or they are not an authorized dealer for watch brands. Issues with Stoll are renowned.
not everyone who buys on eBay is a novice. Many of us have been collecting or repairing for decades. The likely event of the watch being further damaged by an underpaid novice at Stoll is very high, and while a refund would surely come, there are watches that cannot be found again once damaged.
proposed solution:
ebay should make the authentication process optional, and waive responsibility should there be any issues if a buyer chooses to not use it. Forcing this process in everything above a price point is insane.
