Steve M.
Buyer Be Aware and Verify Item in Stock…
Buyer Be Aware and Verify Item in Stock and Representations are Accurate. This review concerns Watch Affinity’s dealer practices, but buyers should also understand the broader context when purchasing through Chrono24. You Should also be aware that Seller makes a lot of claims in response to reviews about the shipping process. It is typically that the shipper was delayed, or there was something with fed ex, or it had a problem. This seems to be a typical issue with seller. Watch Affinity is based in San Antonio, Texas, which is also where the watch was ultimately returned. The core issue here is Watch Affinity’s repeated misrepresentations regarding inventory, shipment status, and possession of the watch. The listing stated that the watch was in stock and available for immediate shipment. This was not a generic or fungible item. It was a specific, unique watch, defined by the represented production year, its unworn condition, and a specific warranty card date. This watch was not interchangeable with other inventory. Relying on these written representations, I purchased the watch on January 7, 2026. Payment was processed the following day. Despite this, no shipment occurred. In writing, Watch Affinity twice stated on specific dates that the watch had shipped, when that was demonstrably false. Carrier records confirmed that FedEx had not received the package and that, at most, a shipping label had been created. I independently contacted FedEx, which confirmed there were no carrier, system, or insurance delays. Before any shipment occurred, I canceled the transaction four separate times in writing: twice with Watch Affinity and twice with Chrono24. Despite these clear written cancellations, Watch Affinity shipped the watch anyway. When the watch was finally sent—approximately twelve days after payment—it did not ship from Texas or from Watch Affinity’s stated location. Instead, it shipped from Ontario, Canada, confirming that the watch was not actually in stock at the time of sale despite explicit representations to the contrary. Further reinforcing this conclusion, the listing remained active even after my purchase. Reputable dealers reserve or remove listings for unique watches once sold. Keeping this listing live while supposedly preparing shipment strongly suggests the dealer did not have physical possession of the watch. Buyers should also be aware that photographs alone are insufficient. Stock or generic images do not demonstrate possession. Prospective buyers should insist on real-time verification, such as a FaceTime or live video showing the actual watch in the dealer’s possession, before relying on “in stock” claims. Although this review focuses on Watch Affinity, buyers should understand that Chrono24 is not buyer-protective in practice. Despite multiple written cancellations and documented false shipment claims, Chrono24 allowed the shipment to proceed and then deferred to slow, seller-controlled timelines before releasing escrow funds. This added unnecessary stress and exposure in a transaction exceeding $19,000. I returned the watch immediately, unopened and in identical condition. The return would never have been necessary had Watch Affinity accurately represented inventory and shipment status from the outset. Based on this experience, I do not consider Watch Affinity to be a trustworthy dealer. Misrepresenting stock, providing false shipment confirmations, keeping listings active after purchase, and shipping after repeated written cancellations undermines buyer confidence—particularly in high-value transactions. Buyers should proceed with extreme caution.
Response from Watch AffinityFeb 3, 2026
This review contains multiple inaccuracies and misleading implications, and it is important to correct the record for prospective buyers. First, Chrono24 is a buyer-protective platform that historically sides with buyers far more often than sellers. Buyer funds are held securely in escrow and are not released to the seller until the watch is delivered to the buyer’s address and confirmed as received. At no point was the buyer unprotected or financially exposed. Watch Affinity has never taken a single dollar from a customer without delivery or return of the item. We actively prioritize customer protection and ensure that buyer funds remain protected until the transaction is properly completed. That protection functioned exactly as designed in this case. Regarding shipping, the buyer was fully informed of the delays caused by FedEx and the third-party insurance provider. These delays were not fabricated or speculative. The buyer was CC’d directly on an email with the head of the insurance company, who explained the delay in writing. Despite this clear, documented explanation from both the carrier and insurer, the buyer chose not to accept the facts presented. Claims that shipment updates were “false” are incorrect. A shipping label had been created, and the delay occurred prior to carrier intake due to insurance processing—an issue outside of our control and clearly substantiated in written correspondence involving all parties. The implication that we did not have inventory is also false. Watch Affinity routinely sells multiple units of the same reference, and it is standard practice for us to keep listings active when more than one item is available. A listing remaining live does not indicate lack of possession and is common practice among professional dealers. Additionally, international fulfillment logistics are standard in the luxury watch industry and do not indicate misrepresentation. All actions were conducted transparently and in accordance with Chrono24’s rules and procedures. The watch was returned unopened and in identical condition, and the buyer was fully refunded through Chrono24’s escrow system. No loss occurred, and buyer protections operated exactly as intended. We also encourage prospective buyers to consider the full body of our feedback. Like most businesses, negative experiences are far more likely to be shared publicly than positive ones. A small handful of negative reviews should not outweigh or dictate our true character, service standards, or long-standing track record reflected in the many positive reviews from satisfied clients. We stand by every statement we make and by our commitment to transparency, customer protection, and ethical dealing. We encourage buyers to rely on verified platform safeguards, documented facts, and the broader record of our business when making their decision.