How common is it to ask for proof that a pocket advertised as cleaned and oiled really is? I would expect the response to be better from a store owner than a private seller,but isn't this a fair request?
It certainly ups the price of a pocket watch by $50-100 anyway on ebay; and I've become wary of anything that can be used in an un-185 way!

Marty,

I generally lean to the side of it's b/s from the seller. I have one guy that will provide me with a receipt for service I had done which I will offer to include with the watch after the sale as well as a number for them to contact him at. I also have anoter guy that I use on 12 size watches that need repair and/or cleaning to get running on time again and he is reasonable but I am talking about a watch I paid $30.00-40.00 and another $40 to have it cleaned with hopes of getting $110.00 or better on ebay. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. If I have this done I claim it but don't offer a receipt and no one has ever asked.

I myself only do a service if it is one I intend to keep for my collection or is not running or not keeping decent time. I buy and sell these watches to support my being able to collect them. My rule of thumb is if it is keeping good time it doesn't need cleaning.

Regarding your question....I would think it would be fair to ask the seller before you bid. He will either tell you yes, no, or fabricate one for you.

Steve

I agree Marty, it can not hurt to ask, but you still have to weigh the answer you get.

I myself get more enjoyment out of working on the watches than owning them, if I had the money I would keep them all but I usually buy them to play with & then sell them to get something else.

When I have asked sellers about their cleaning job, I ask how they cleaned it, if the main spring was replaced. Again you still can't ever tell, I bought one recently that actually was leaking oil out from around the dial. I had another one that whatever they used to oil it had turned to something close to cement. I never thought I was going to get it all out.

Any way that is my two cents on the subject.

Tom

Steve-Thanks, I understand cleaning them up to make a little extra for collecting,believe me...! If it wasn't for the friends I've made on 185 I would be GONE - these men have supported me, given me old tools and parts to help, and just shown that there is still good in this too cruel world sometimes. They know who they are.

I guess you're right though-If they're not honest writing one up is no problem. I suppose that checking them out here is a big plus; our "family" is very handy to be a member of.

I have little concern for "COA" issues, and as Mike Penson and the rest of us eBay buyuyers can testify to, the ones to "watch out" for are sometimes those who offer too much to be true.

So excepting a very few trusted "dealers" on eBay, such as our own Cranster, and others we know and respect, I "fish" most of my watches from those listed by individuals selling off their estate items, or "old family stuff laying around the house. My greatest concern is that they have NOT touched the watch, but list it with whatever photographic marvel they can summon to put it up on eBay.

You are so right Marty...the people here have made a BIG difference in the way I buy watches now. Everyone is just great and so helpful and the hours I spend here at this sight is most relaxing, entertaining, and a great learning experience.

Steve

In my humble opinion. The old adage you get what you pay for surely applies when it comes to a COA. If you have paid $45 you probably have a quick One Dip. On the other hand if you have a Chris Abell at say.. $125/$150, you may rest easy.
How hard is it to write in a description. "recently serviced"? That is not necessarily lying, misleading? probably.

And by the way, the Cranster that Dave mentions above, has used our auction for the very first time. Please check it out. I have provided a shortcut here in the pocket watch forum.

Auction shortcut

That set looks very complete, after some fun (I really mean that) cleaning up the punches and details it will do about everything except "precision swiss jeweling" which is for the "experts" usually anyway. For example, I could used this type to re-staff movement wheels and balance wheel, the most common thing needed. Also, these punches when gently used with a regular steel "work anvil" allow "quick" but sound "fixes" for small issues. I paid $250.00 for the set I use at home which is about the same, sans box!

Thank you Phil, always nice to have your work appreciated.
Dave, here is my main set, K&D No 18 contents look very much like yours,
after much searching found the Seitz jewelling set (pictured below) its great, has the full range of attachments very useful, I have a few items to look out for to complete it. I think we have the booklet here under J Duvals section explaining the use of the items.

Seitz jewelling set, "complete Type"

Well I guess I will show the Seitz set I have, looks about the same as yours Chris, I think my is only missing two of the collets in the upper left corner.

I have two of the K&D 18R sets, one that I have been going to clean up & sell I guess.

Tom

I have some of those broken also, must be a weak spot, I watched a set of collets on ebay go for $150!, keep looking for a cheaper set, but may have to pay the full price soon. There was a rush on K&D 18s awhile ago and hit $400 for a good example they have since dropped, I have two sets keeping one for spare.