Time+Tide’s five-watch eBay selection was published on December 23, 2020; it is not a verified list of watches available today. The picks remain useful as a shortlist of distinctive references, but check each live listing’s stock, price, condition, seller terms, delivery options and authentication eligibility before deciding to buy.
What the five-watch list actually tells you
The original Time+Tide article was a historical shopping list produced in partnership with eBay. Its descriptions identify the models that caught the editors’ attention at the time; they do not establish current availability, current market value, or the condition or authenticity of any watch now offered for sale. One surfaced eBay listing is titled for a Sea-Dweller ref. 126603, but that does not confirm that the other four references—or that particular listing when you read this—are available.
Use the references below as search starting points, not as recommendations to buy a specific example. The details attributed to Time+Tide describe the article’s selections and should be checked against the individual listing.
The five watches, and what to inspect
1. Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 “Double Red”
Time+Tide highlighted this rare vintage steel sports watch as a desirable eBay find. The article’s listing is historical, so it does not show that the same watch remains for sale. With a vintage example, inspect the dial, hands, case and bracelet photographs closely, and ask the seller to identify any replaced parts and provide service history and provenance where available.
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#1 Best Overall
2. Patek Philippe Complications World Time ref. 5131J-001
The article described a yellow-gold case, a cloisonné enamel dial centre and a world-time complication. Treat those as the article’s description, not an independent assessment of a current listing. Confirm the exact reference and the condition of the dial, case and movement with the seller, and review any available service documentation.
3. IWC Mark XVIII Edition Le Petit Prince
Time+Tide presented this as a pilot’s watch in IWC’s Antoine de Saint Exupéry collection. It characterized the watch’s proportions and design as drawing on World War II-era watches. Check that the listing identifies the specific edition and reference correctly, and compare its photographs and disclosed condition with the seller’s description.
Rank #2
- Features a classic big dial and quartz movement with stable quality. High hardness coated glass mirror is wear-resistant, scratch-proof, Butterfly double buckle ensures comfortable wear
- Mirror diameter is 1.6 inches (41 mm), case thickness is 0.43 inches (11 mm), and band length is 7 inches (180 mm). The length of the watch can be adjusted, and it weighs 132 g(4.65 ounces). Maximum applicable to about an 8-9" wrist
- Luminous function can be activated by illuminating the watch under strong light for 30-40 seconds, providing a new visual experience at night. Manual includes detailed instructions for adjusting time and calendar
- Fashionable and elegant design for any man who appreciates quality and style. Versatile and stylish men's watches are suitable for any occasion, including parties, work, daily life and dating
- Water resistance for daily life, waterproof to 100 feet (30 m), generally resistant to splashing or brief submersion, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
4. Rolex GMT-Master ref. 16758
The article described a yellow-gold example with a brown dial and bezel, a Jubilee bracelet and a 40 mm package. Those features should not be assumed for every ref. 16758 listing: verify the dial, bezel, bracelet and stated dimensions on the specific watch, along with any replacement parts and service details.
5. Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 126603
Time+Tide described this two-tone model as having a 4,000-foot depth rating and said it had been released the previous year, relative to the article’s 2020 publication. Those are historical claims, not a current technical reference. Confirm specifications and production context with current manufacturer documentation before relying on them.
Rank #3
- Movement: Japanese Imported quartz analog movement, provide precise time and long term running.
- Waterproof: Water resistant to 30M. Daily use waterproof, washing hands, raining or splash. But not suitable for swimming, diving, shower.
- Material: Anti-scratch mineral glass and environmental protection vacuum plating case never fade. Genuine leather strap, delicate and soft.
- Multifunction Design: Simple and luxurious dial, covers the week,date, time display, chronograph, LED light functions.
- Perfect Gift: This elegant looking luxury wristwatch can be worn for a variety of occasions, whether formal, business or casual, or from indoor, outdoor events or everyday use.
Compare the listing, not just the reference
These picks cover diver, world-time, pilot and GMT styles, and range from vintage to more modern watches with different materials and designs. The 2020 article was not a side-by-side appraisal, so it does not establish which is the best buy, what a fair price is, or which example is in better condition.
Before comparing candidates, put the details that affect your decision in one place:
- Price and condition: Compare asking prices only after accounting for the specific watch’s condition, disclosed replacements and service needs. The historical list does not provide a current valuation.
- Identity and completeness: Match the reference and visible configuration to the listing. Note whether box, papers or other documentation are included, where relevant.
- Seller and transaction terms: Review seller history, returns, shipping, delivery geography and any costs or restrictions that apply to you.
- Evidence: Look through clear photographs of the dial, case and bracelet. Ask about service history and provenance, and request clarification for details the listing does not establish.
- Authentication eligibility: Check the actual listing for eBay’s blue Authenticity Guarantee badge; do not assume a watch qualifies because it is a particular brand or reference.
How eBay Authenticity Guarantee applies to watches
eBay’s official watch Authenticity Guarantee page says eligible wristwatches priced at $2,000 or more receive the service at no cost on eBay.com. Qualifying watches priced from $500 to $1,999.99 can use it as an $80 add-on. These are eBay’s stated program terms; check the current terms and the badge on the individual listing before purchase.
eBay says category experts inspect eligible watches for authenticity and whether their condition matches the listing before shipment. If an item fails inspection, eBay says the buyer receives a refund; if there is a minor discrepancy, the buyer may be given the choice to proceed or decline. The service is not a substitute for reading the listing, checking the seller’s terms or confirming that the transaction is eligible.
Best Value
Eligibility limits to check
The program applies to eligible wristwatch-category listings, not every watch-related item. eBay lists smartwatches, parts, accessories, customized watches, local-pickup-only listings and deliveries to PO boxes among the exclusions. Its stated geography terms specify eBay.com and delivery within the continental United States, subject to qualifying seller and location exceptions. Vintage watches may qualify if they meet the other criteria; eBay notes that they may contain replacement parts when original parts are no longer made. Confirm eligibility for your listing and destination rather than assuming the general rules cover your purchase.
Quick Recap
A practical checklist before you buy
- Search eBay using the exact reference, then open the individual listing rather than relying on search-result text.
- Match the listing’s reference and configuration to its photographs. Inspect the dial, case and bracelet, and note any disclosed replacement parts or damage.
- Ask the seller about service history, provenance and any detail that is unclear or absent from the listing.
- Read the return, shipping and delivery terms, and confirm that the seller will ship to your location.
- Look for the blue Authenticity Guarantee badge and check the current eligibility terms for the listing, price and destination.
- Compare the complete listing details and costs with other examples before deciding whether the asking price works for you.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
