andyrswan on ebay has loads of the things and in multiples too - currently 3 pogues, 2 UFOs. He doesn't offer any specifics or guarantees that they aren't very mucked about, so they could all be complete frankenwatches, but he does seem to want to sort out problems rather than risk poor feedback.
I like the look of them and they aren't too unreasonable on price, but has anyone bought from him and are they the real deal, or is he just bulk buying from Uruguay/building them in the garage?
And can anyone explain why he hates original bracelets so much and is so keen to swap them out for leather straps?
I wondered that, but he wasn't listing any bracelets, so unless he has another ID...
It's strange to me because the last Seiko I bought was specifically chosen because it had a very unusual and original bracelet, for which I paid a premium. Someone I showed it to did, however, suggest that it was worth more than the watch head alone.
Check his Feedback Profile on eBay as a buyer - he's importing the watches you mentioned, mainly from the Philippines (so definitely a bit hit and miss in terms of originality and quality). He's also got a fair few of the modded 7002 Divers from 'kontrolsports' in California - they tend to be fairly decent, though he's charging a lot more than he paid - but since there's no potential import duty issues with his, it might be worth paying the premium?
As always, "buy the seller"....
Mike
The one I just sold on sc came from Andy- he sells at a local antiques/collectibles fair...I paid £120 for it
just got £60!
He seems a nice guy and told me they are all tested to 3,0 Barg pressure and checked over before sale.
I think he sells Mercedes cars as well, but stand to be corrected on that one.
There's another seller on ebay who sells the same models as him,can't remember the name but he's always got a couple for sale
Beejoo4
All the divers have some terrible aftermarket parts on them (most importantly the dials), they look like what we usually see coming from the Philippines. (at lower prices)