Hi,
Thanks for the support.
Yes I'm in the UK and the above posting by BruceB refers to the correct link.
My dialog with the seller ended when I told him I was forwarding the mails to the auction site for advice.
He replied that he therefore considered the sale canceled and that he'd 'dispose' of the watch elsewhere.
I think that was his intention throughout anyway.
I now wouldn't want it even if he paid me to take it :-)
The auction site sympathize but say they can't intervene with shipping issues.
So, I'm happy to put this down as one of life's not so great experiences.

On a lighter note thankfully I'm only buying in 2's.
My twin boys are too young at 8 months old to wear watches so I'm just 'borrowing' them until they can.
They do seem to share the passion though.
Each morning I present them with 2 watches and get them to 'choose' which one Daddy will wear that day.
They invariably reach out for not only the same watch but also the most expensive!
Obviously gentlemen of exquisite taste :-)

Enjoy your weekend.
Andy...