: alot of sellers in these areas show shipping
: only in or near their home country. how do
: you convince these sellers to accept your
: offer as well as ship to chicagoland? i'm
: not sure how the process works. thanks

Well, I point out my feedback, which is chock-a-brock filled with feedback in foreign languages, and ask before hand, nicely, with translations in two or three different languages (via Bablefish). Usually people are happy to accomodate a high bidder, if they communicate and act in a professional manner.

In fact one of my more recent transactions, for the MADDOX chronograph, was a Germany only auction. I sent a nice email explaining my interest, and the seller was happy to accomodate me.

Another possibility is to enlist the aid of a regular forum poster in the region the watch is offered to act as a go-between, I've done this a couple of times with folks I've met over in the TimeZone Omega Forum, but I'm sure there are some folks over here who would be happy to help out. It also helps if you've done transactions to that region of the world before... For example, if you've done business with "Watchco.au" then "Austwatch" will likely have no issues doing business with you...

Hope this spurs some ideas, and I'll keep an eye out for another Siffert for you. You get to keep an eye out for a black-eyed white dial Carrera 12 for me though!

=)

-- Chuck