Buying a watch through eBay authentification

[c9smw]

So last Friday I found a watch I wanted listed as an auction, it only had an hour to go with no bids. So I placed a bid and then won the auction, but within minutes the seller cancelled the transaction saying the item was no longer available, this was item number 387877645055. 
He relisted it on Saturday with a buy it now more than the price I had won it at, he included best offer. So I made an offer higher than I had won the auction for the previous day and he accepted, this was item number 387906266533. 

I paid using my Barclaycard credit card on the promise that he would post it on Monday morning. 
It wasn’t posted Monday as promised, but on Tuesday the tracking showed he had posted that day, it arrived at the authenticators on Wednesday morning and they then posted it to me on Wednesday afternoon. 
It arrived at my home on Thursday afternoon and I couldn’t wait to arrive home after work to start wearing it. I opened the box, checked everything was there, which it was, and I then looked at the watch. It was advertised as brand new but on inspection I could tell it had been worn, there were small scratches on the side of the clasp which is highly polished, there are also a few little marks here and there. I contacted the seller who accused me of fraud saying I was going to send a different watch back, so I had to open a dispute through eBay. 
I’ve been an eBay user a long time, I have a feedback of 1400+, I’m no scammer or fraudster !

I have now been asked to return the watch to the authenticators for them to look at it again, but the seller tells me eBay are being sympathetic to his case and that he will win. 
So my question is, if eBay decide I will have to accept the watch will my credit card company help ? Do the authenticators keep pictures of the watches they are checking as this would help my case ?

I have included a couple of pictures to show the “brand new” watch I received

 

 

[zoomingmouse]

It is usual to post it back to the authenticators when, as a buyer, you receive something you’re not happy with. 

They will confirm that you are sending back the same watch that was sent.

As long as you have raised an Ebay return case for item not as described I wouldn't worry for now. 

Your credit card should help if need be, but going through Ebay is usually a much quicker way of resolving things so I would tend to try that first.

[porte2425]

eBay’s help file has the following sections:

https://pages.ebay.co.uk/authenticity-guarantee-watches/faqs/

What happens at the authenticator?

Upon receiving the watch, the authentication partner first confirms the item and presentation materials are consistent with the listing title, description, and images. Then they will perform a multi point physical authentication inspection. Finally, a security tag will be attached to the watch.

What if the item does not pass inspection?

If the item’s authenticity cannot be verified or the item is not consistent with its listing, you will be notified and will be issued a full refund to your original payment method.

Can I return items purchased with Authenticity Guarantee?

... In the unlikely event that the buyer receives an item that is not consistent with the listing, the item will be eligible for a return. In order for a refund to be processed, all returns must be sent to the authentication partner for verification (to check that the item is still in the same condition and has all relevant accessories, or that the item is not consistent with the listing) and re authentication before the item is returned to the seller.

Are authenticated items protected by the eBay Money Back Guarantee?

Authenticity Guarantee purchases are covered by eBay Money Back Guarantee when all other eligibility requirements are met.

How does the return process work?

If returns are offered on the listing of the item you purchased or the item isn’t as described, the item will first be sent to eBay’s authentication partner. Within two business days of receiving the item, the authenticator will inspect to confirm that the item returned matches the item originally sent to you by verifying the authenticity and condition including any original packaging or accessories (for clarity, this includes the item’s box where applicable). In addition, the security tag must be attached to the item and untampered to be eligible for a return. Once verified by the authentication partner, it will be posted to the Seller and a refund will be processed. The Seller or Buyer (as defined by the listing) is responsible for postage costs to the authenticator, and eBay covers the postage cost to the Seller.

Why was the item sent back to me by the authenticator after I opened a return?

If the authentication partner determines the returned item is not the same item, is not in the same condition, or the security tag has been tampered with or removed, it will be sent back to you and the return will be closed.

It’s hard to tell from the original photos whether that damage was there, as it always blurs on that section. But it does sound like the authenticators are not doing their job properly.

But I have to ask, why did you buy it the second time? The seller had listed it at auction 3 times prior at £10K and not sold it, then when you won at that price, they cancelled the sale and relisted it higher. Why would you still buy from a seller who behaved like that?