How do you know that the Westclox,Ingraham,Ingersoll,orNew Haven "Dollar pocket watch" that you purchase off the auctions or stores here on Ebay have really been cleaned?

 Or oiled?

How about restored?

Could that "new" crystal just have been polished up to look like new?

 Do these places offer any guarantee?

Do they have the proper credentials?

Are they even members of the NAWCC,The National Association Of Watch & Clock Collectors?

 Would you buy an automobile that way!

Would you pick a Doctor or Lawyer out like that?

I should surely hope not!

Ever heard of a "Shade Tree Mechanic"?

 If an individual or so called company is reputible,then they should offer a guarantee of some type! Or offer their credentials along with their ad!

How do you really know that the watch is just not "new old stock" or "mint",and has been sitting around in someones dresser drawer for umpteen years,bought on Ebay for next to nothing,then recycled & advertised as, cleaned,oiled,restored,repaired,new crystal,brought back from the dead etc...

How do you know the watch that you just purchased isn't a "marriage" of 2 or more watches?

These are also called Frankenstein watches!

I know of someone who purchased one of these watches. It quit running in less than a week. He took it to a retired watchmaker friend of his to try to fix. It was a patch job. It had been oiled allright,but not cleaned. Also,it was one watch made up of many others.

About a $100 lesson for him,but one that we can all learn from.

Just because someone states that they are a Brain Surgeon,does that make them one?

When you take your automobile in for a 21 point service jobs,does Joe Blow,17 year old high school drop out,& glorified grease monkey,who by the way tells everyone he is a Certified Mechanic,REALLY check all 21 points on the checklist?

What if he forgets the brake fluid??? OOOOooooppppps...

Kind of like not oiling a "Dollar Watch". Those non jeweled frictionless pivot pins won't be frictionless for very long...

Also,they state,this watch has been checked for accuracy...How was it checked? Did they use a Watch Timing Machine or the timer on their 60 year old kitchen stove?

 How about the question,"Is my watch genuine?"

 If the seller states in his ad that he cannot guarantee the authenticity of that watch,that is called an "Authenticity Disclaimer",and is supposed to be a reportable violation of Ebay Policy.Report & do not purchase it!!! 

And last but not least,do not forget about fakes...Visit these websites at the bottom of this page,just cut & paste into your browser.

Another question that you might ask yourselves,how do they do ALL this & sell the watch so cheap? Parts,labor,Paypal&Ebay fees? Remember the old saying,"You get what you pay for"? Or, If it's too good to be true,it usually is"!

 Have fun out there & be careful? Do not be afraid to ask questions. An honest seller won't hesitate to answer or provide guarantees&proper credentials!

Can't always go by feedback either.Some buyers are so scared they might get a negative feedback rating in retaliation for complaining about poor workmanship or product,they dare not complain.

When a buyer has 10 feedback ratings&the seller has1000,whose percentage will drop the most? You do the math!

 I'll give you a hint,It ain't the sellers!

If you don't mind down at the bottom of the page there is a place to vote for this guide,whether it was helpful,one way or the  other. Please do,I hoped that it helped.

And remember,the oldest & biggest aren't always the best either,like the "shade tree Mechanic".

Have fun out there & purchase wisely.

I've heard of "puppy farms",I wonder,Does Ebay have "Dollar Watch Farms"selling out there? Maybe so...

Be sure to check out our new Ebay Group,Dollar Pocket Watchers.Allow us also to extend an invitation for you to join.The group is new,but it will grow & improve with time & your participation.

http://groups.ebay.com/forum/Dollar-Pocket-Watchers/Home-Page/1600018318

Visit these helpful websites,just cut & paste into your browser,the time spent will be worth your while,informative&enjoyable.These will take you to the Westclox web sites. Enjoy the pictures,they are very good.

vintagewestclox.com/fakes.html

              Or to view more current fakes on Ebay,read posts,enter a post,or reply to a post:

vintagewestclox.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=18