Authentication is not free, plus, did chrono24 specify by whom or where authentication should be done , because that really matters ?

I have not been in this situation as I would never sell an item of such value on that website but overall chrono24 is very cumbersome both for buyers and sellers to prove anything, or in other words, they do not always side with the buyers like ebay does, so you should not worry so much yet .

 

I agree on hard to prove on either side. If this was pre-planned, I would imagine the buyer would take a fake to the Authenticator. Auth says, “it’s fake.” Buyer gets their money back and ships me back the fake. Not sure how this is going to play out.

 

OP, how do you know that the watch is legit?

 

Relying on my previous dealing with the original seller as well as my experience with dealing with several Rolex watches in the past. Came with box, warranty card, hangtag, booklets, outer box.

 

I'd hate to be involved in this snake pit.

Do you even have any serial number documentation? At least that would protect you from them returning a fake.

 

Yes I am meticulous about inventory and keep a detailed spreadsheet on each timepiece, transactions, etc.

 

This is a good reason to involve an independent third party authentication service that has received the watch directly from the seller, regardless of what the buyer wants.
I would insist on getting the original watch back, that has the original serial number on it, but have the buyer send it to another authenticator prior to sending it back to you. That way the authenticator can check the sn before the seller gets it back.

 

I agree. Do you have any recommendations on authentication services?

 

Flip of a coin how this will play out, hope for the best in anticipation of the worse.

 

Wow. This is scary. I've made a few purchases on C24 (one very recently), but have never sold and likely will not based on your experience. Thanks for the PSA.

I hope things work out for you.

 

I've sold several watches there without incident - smooth transactions all. Of course they weren't even close to Rolex's - the highest transaction being $1700 from US to France. Communication through the platform is key.

 

OUCH!
Good luck and let us know how it plays out

 

If you're 1000% sure the watch is real, then I wouldn't worry about it. Assuming you input the serial number into the listing and took thorough photos like you're supposed to, it will be near impossible for the buyer to scam you. That said, I wouldn't assume they're trying to scam you, they may just be stupid or have buyer's remorse. Trust me, it happens.

I have found Chrono24 to be a very reliable platform too, though, so if they suspect it is fake that could be something to genuinely consider. Then again, the buyer may not have sent them photos of the watch they actually recieved. Either way, a professional will of course provide the serial number in their evaluation, which should erase all doubt about that.

 

Sorry to hear about this and hope it works out. Do you have the original receipt?

Buyer is supposed to submit the authentication in writing toC24 before a refund is issued And the watch returned.

Sounds like they're putting some responsibility on the buyer to back up his claim.

C24 is reliable in my experience. It's usually the people in these situations that **** it up. I recently solld an Omega and a JLC on the platform. Could not have had better experiences.

Just bought a watch from C24 today too. I think that makes 5-6 purchases now.

Anyhow good luck and please keep us updated on how this ends.

 

I recently sold a Rolex on C24. The buyer, immediately upon receiving the watch, reported to C24’s support that the watch was fake. The buyer did not pay for authentication. I contacted the buyer to reassure them the watch was not fake. I also contacted C24 support and the case is now with their dispute resolution team.
The resolution team is now saying their “Fraud“ team looked at the pictures at deemed that this may be a fake and is asking the buyer to take the watch to get authenticated. Buyer is supposed to submit the authentication in writing toC24 before a refund is issued And the watch returned.
This Rolex is in fact the real deal. I am concerned that the buyer pre-planned this. has anyone run into a scam like this on C24?

I have heard of this before. Not necessarily on C24.
An online buyer with a super clone of a particular watch buys the genuine article from an honest seller, then claims they received the replica. Should they get their replica authenticated, obviously it fails and the seller is often left holding the bag. The only way to protect yourself against this is with pictures and video showing an authentic item going into the box being sealed and handed over to shipping. Preferably in one video. Isn’t that preposterous and ridiculous?
I could not think of a better resolution so this is exactly what I did last time I sold a watch online and had to ship it.
I made a video essay, almost a one shot short documentary, when I sent a $1500 Seiko to a buyer through eBay. Without authentication between myself and the buyer. eBay lost it and charged me twice what I made on the sale but that’s a different story. A very long painful one too.
Anyway! Selling online has its dangers and this is a perfect example you are going through. Your pictures should prove that they did not receive a fake.
Sincerely wish you the best with it!
Sorry this happened.

 

I would suggest you not risk the buyer taking a fake to the authenticator. I would suggest you just cut your losses and have the buyer send back the watch and you can issue a refund. But definitely check the serial number and open the case back to check the movement. If this is a bad actor, they could also send back the watch with a replaced rep movement. Rolex reps now are so good it is very difficult to tell.

 

Post photos of your Rolex please.

 

Now, should sellers be also warned to buy the buyer?

 

I'm starting to think 3rd party authentication is the only way to prevent stuff like this.

 

This is the only real solution.

Video taping the box and serial number photos are a decent first step, but for really pricey watches the problem is a scammer can always just say:

"Cool story bro, but that's not what actually arrived"

And there really isn't any way to prove otherwise.

Sending to a third-party for authentication is the only real guarantee the scammer can't have a chance of getting away with gaming the system.

This is also why many of us will only ship a watch to an unknown party without first being paid by wire.

While that requirement might reduce the number of buyers interested, and thus result in a lower sales price, it's a risk assessment many of us prefer.

IE maybe 10% lower price that's guaranteed is worth more than a higher sales price but a non-zero chance of 100% loss.

 

The buyer did not pay for authentication ?

It's a known fact any expensive watch, especially Rolex, may and will be questioned. In all honesty you should have provided a document of authenticity from your local AD, on your coin. No questions asked then and if they are you have the proof for all to see.

 

I recently sold a Rolex on C24. The buyer, immediately upon receiving the watch, reported to C24’s support that the watch was fake. The buyer did not pay for authentication. I contacted the buyer to reassure them the watch was not fake. I also contacted C24 support and the case is now with their dispute resolution team.
The resolution team is now saying their “Fraud“ team looked at the pictures at deemed that this may be a fake and is asking the buyer to take the watch to get authenticated. Buyer is supposed to submit the authentication in writing toC24 before a refund is issued And the watch returned.
This Rolex is in fact the real deal. I am concerned that the buyer pre-planned this. has anyone run into a scam like this on C24?

What did their frog team identity in pictures that lead them to believe it may be fake?