Hello Wargul

now that you are aware of some of the mistakes that the sellers do make in their listings, why not be proactive in future and ask specific questions about their item? You know common pitfalls,, and clearly you know what you are looking for.

For example, I buy collector watches. Now the photos have proven to be unreliable and often the description will be something like,, in excellent condition, but needs a new battery.

I have learned to ask questions such as

Are ther any scratches or marks on the glass/crystal face? (and is the face glass/crystal or plastic?)

Has any of the colour begun to wear off the metal surround? (sometimes light reflection makes this unclear)

Are you certain that if I do replace the battery that the watch will actually work?

Are you certain that the watch that you have listed as automatic needs a battery? (well I have to be polite)

etc etc, I'm sure you get the drift...