I like reading this forum and never post (I lurk), because I am just learning from all of you.

I should stress that I have no affiliation whatsoever with Hess Fine Art. I only know of Jeffrey Hess because he and James Dowling (who I do know) wrote the Rolex book together.

I am sorry if you had a bad experience with the seller, but I think for the good of everyone who even thinks about dealing with Ebay sellers, a couple of things must be said.

1) Even the "experts" make mistakes about the authenticity of their wares (should this prove to be the case here). A prospective buyer needs to avail her/himself with the best information possible (which is why I read the forum);

2) If, after 12,000 transactions, you have a 99.2% favorable rating -- in the jewelry business, no less -- you must be doing something right most of the time; and,

3) As a sometime seller on Ebay, I can tell you that you would not believe the excuses and outright lies that you hear from buyers. It is stunning the amount of dishonesty out there.

Again, I am in no way suggesting that your experience was anything but a terrible one. I have had terrible experiences in the world's top hotels, restaurants, etc. It happens, and when it does it is deflating.

But, I think that Ebay is a perfectly valid market for the buying and selling of vintage watches if all parties exercise intelligence, responsibility, honesty, understanding and restraint.

-Lyle Preslar