Welcome To Serendipity Findings!

WHO WE ARE

We are Jim & Linda Gupton, a 'young at heart' retired couple living in Matthews North Carolina (outside of Charlotte).

Our eBay sales are very important to us as they help to supplement our Social Security income.  Without eBay, there would be no way that we would be able to make ends meet. Most likely, we would have to sell our home and move into low rent apartment.

Linda designs and makes beautiful glass beaded jewelry and designs needlepoint canvas.  She also designs and makes glass beaded bracelets for watches.  She is very creative and very good at the things she makes.

Jim has had a passion for watches for many years.  This passion developed into an active hobby where he taught himself how to clean, service and repair watches.  He is also somewhat of an expert at polishing metal and can make an old watch look like-new!  He now sells his beautiful reconditioned watches on eBay as well as his HUGE inventory of watchbands.

Jim also crafts things of wood, metal & leather along with customizing knives.  He has become quite good at the finishing of fine woods.  You should see what he can do with stainless steel and brass!

While being an eBay Seller, with an excellent feedback reputation, we have made some very nice acquaintances in the process.  We like to think of our customers and vendors as 'friends' that we have never met.

We have a very simple, but strong conviction of treating other people the way that we would like to be treated.  In case you didn't realize it...it is straight from the Bible as 'do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.'

OUR BACKGROUNDS

Linda's background before retirement was in retail sales management.   Her retirement came about early due to a fall that broke her back, which left her disabled.

Years of unsuccessful operations has left her with severe back pain and limited mobility.  In spite of her handicap, she continues to live a happy life in spite of it.  She stays busy getting with her friends and family and working with her jewelry making and needlepoint canvas.

Jim's background before retirement was in Office Management and Accounting.   He also had a successful business as a Computer & Software Consultant.  He still does some consulting and helping people with their computer and software.

OUR INTERESTS & HOBBIES

We are 'homebodies' and love being in our home with our two cats...Tigger & Mickey.  We enjoy fixing meals together and taking them upstairs to our entertainment room to eat.   We love to watch movies on our home entertainment center with 55" big screen TV.  We particularly enjoy movies of action, adventure, science fiction, and drama.

We also enjoy eating out (occasionally) using our 'buy one - get one free' coupons.

We use to take several trips each year to the mountains (Asheville NC) and to the beach (Myrtle Beach SC).  We would greatly enjoy shopping and finding bargains and things of beauty.  Linda was forever shopping for clothes (she has so much now that she could open her own clothing store!).  Jim would shop for knives, beautiful things of metal - leather - polished stone.  He could sniff out a bargain and would often buy it even if he doesn't need it...just because it is such a great bargain!  Alas!  These trips are happening less frequent because of the rising cost of gasoline.

A NOTE OF APPRECIATION

I would like to thank a very special person for all his help in getting me started with eBay Auctions.  If it wasn't for his most generous gifts, I would probably be sitting on my butt waiting for something to happen instead of making something happen.  A GREAT BIG THANKS and heart full of appreciation to my brother, Bob Gupton.

"Thank you Bob for your financial help, the camera equipment, the software, the knives, and the watches...but, most of all for your belief in me and kind words of encouragement."  "Words cannot adequately express the gratitude and appreciation I have for you and your generosity and tokens of brotherly love."

On November 23rd of 2003, my brother passed away.  My heart is still heavy with my loss as sadness fills my heart.  He left before I could see him again after 8 years.  Yet, before he pasted away, I was able to let him know how much he means to me and that I love him.  I shall always remember his kindness and how he wanted so much to help me in so many ways.

ATTENTION! - PLEASE READ THIS!

Hey!  We aren't just about watches anymore!  We have expanded our inventory and added a lot of other items.   We currently have approximately 1000 items in our eBay Store and our goal is keep a minimum of 1000 at all times.  We now have added the following"

DVD Movies - Knives - Sharpening Accessories - Estate Jewelry - Stamps from US and Germany - Books & Other Publications - Coins - Women's Clothing - Pocket Books - Clocks - Original Needlepoint Canvas - Custom Made Glass Beaded Jewelry - Collectable Plates - Collectable Cups & Saucers - Fine Brass Objects - and much, much more!

Our goal is to be one of the most professional Sellers on eBay...with exceptional service...fair pricing...detailed pictures...and guaranteed satisfaction!   We put a lot of work into what we do and we enjoy doing it.  Being retired is no picnic, but as eBay Sellers we have made things better.  Much of our success is due to the many eBay Buyers that put their trust in us.  We must have done a good job...just take a look at the many satisfied customers that have given us such nice eBay Feedbacks.  Don't pay any attention to those few 'negative' reports.  There are just some people that you just cannot please or they expect too much or they are sad individuals that have nothing better to do than to complain...even when it is their fault!  I'm sorry, but I will NOT give in to the demands of these people...it just isn't right!  Sure, I wind up getting a negative mark....but, at least I didn't have to kiss their rear ends.

We appreciate everyone's support of our little eBay business.  Without it, we would be in deep doodoo financially.

Thank you!

Jim & Linda Gupton / Matthews NC

We purchase a great many 'previously enjoyed' watches from auctions, estate sales, individuals, and flea markets.  We also get 'close-out' watches from various sources.  Most of these watches are not working, due to the battery being 'dead' and/or other malfunction.

One of the first things that we do is to removed the leather bands.  We will either discard the band, recondition it, or replace it with a new quality genuine leather band with a brand name like Speidel, Timex, Kreisler, and others.  We purchase these top quality leather bands from 'close-outs' and auctions.  These bands normally retail from $9.95 to over $29.95.  We buy large quantities of these to get the lowest possible price.  When we recondition a leather band, it first must be in very good condition and be of excellent quality.  We polish or replace the buckle, clean the leather with a commercial leather cleaner, and then condition it to bring back it's original softness.

Then, we thoroughly clean the outside of the watches to remove all grime and dirt.  We then open the watch case and clean the movement with a special solution.  After the solution is removed and the movement is completely dry, we install a fresh brand name silver oxide battery.  If the watch fails to run at this point, we clean the movement again, but this time in a sonic cleaner.   This usually takes care of about 70% of the watches.  The ones that do not run after this cleaning process, we generally use as 'parts'.  Some of the better ones that are not working will go through a repair process.

With the watches that are running and keeping perfect time, we then carefully polish the stainless steel backplate and case/bezel.   This is a three step process using different polishing compounds.  This usually leaves most of the watches looking like new or better!

Finally, we buff the 'glass' crystals to minimize any scratches.  If there are any 'deep' scratches, we will replace the crystal (if we have the right size available).  We generally on do this on the better watches, such as Citizen, Seiko, and others.  Damaged or missing crystals are also replaced.  Plastic crystals are the easiest.  We can remove almost 100% of the scratches and leave the surface smooth and shiny.  Good as new!

The final step is installing the new leather band or the original that has been reconditioned.

If the watch has a metal band instead of a leather one, we will clean, sanitize, & polish it to perfection or replace it with a new metal band or a new leather band.

The watch is then ready for taking digital pictures for the eBay Auction pages.

All this takes a good amount of time.   Some watches require less attention and other's more.  We will only list those watches that we are pleased with it's appearance.  WE DON'T SELL JUNK OR BROKEN WATCHES!

So, there you have it.  Now you know what we do to bring you these Estate, Vintage, Classic, Unique, Unusual, and Beautiful Watches!

We don't make a lot of money on most watches, because of the amount of time that we put into them.  But, being retired...what else do we have to spend our time on?  You are the one that profits from our efforts.  You can purchase some very nice watches for a fraction of it's value.

We give exceptional service to our customers, by presenting several excellent pictures in our auctions, along with factual descriptions and specifications.  You will receive our watches exactly as we describe them.

You will also receive excellent communications from us along with exceptional packaging and shipping within 24 hours after payment is received.  We want your eBay experience with us to be a pleasant one.   We top it off with a very nice eBay Feedback that expresses our good will and appreciation of your business and prompt payment.

Look at it this way.  Say you have a nice quartz watch, but it doesn't work.  How much would you spend to replace the battery?  $5.00?  $6.00?  What if you replaced the leather band?   $7.00?  $10.00?  What if you paid someone to polish it up to look like new?  $5.00? $10.00?  When you consider what you will pay for one of our reconditioned watches, you will see what a great bargain you are getting in any of them.

We love doing what we do with watches.   It is our passion.  To be able to sell them and make a few bucks....which really helps to supplement our Social Security income.  We have no retirement plan, so everything depends on our ability to bring in extra income from eBay.  Without it, we would have to sell our home and move into a small and inexpensive apartment somewhere.  That would be a nightmare and would crush our spirit. 

We do our very best so that you will be pleased with your transaction with us.  Hopefully, you will post a nice eBay Feedback, come back as a repeat customer, and tell your friends, family and associates about where you found a wonderful deal on a beautiful watch (or other item) and from an honest and reputable eBay Seller.  We can use all the help and recommendations that we can get.   We do appreciate everyone's kindness and assistance.

Sincerely,

Jim & Linda Gupton

PS  Thank you for your time in reading this.

OUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

"If you are not satisfied with the item you purchase, notify us by email within 3 days after delivery.  We will resolve the situation to your satisfaction. We have several options such as repair, exchange, merchandise credit, and refund. Returns must be authorized and be made within 7 days. Customer satisfaction is important to us and we will do everything that we can (within reason) to make sure that our customers are pleased with their transaction with us."

SHIPPING & HANDLING FEE

"Shipping & Handling will be at the current Priority Mail  & First Class Mail price, plus $1.00 for Handling.  Most additional items can be combined for only $1.00 each (or less) for S&H.  We ship within 24 hours after receipt of payment and quite often the same day."

We started shipping Internationally about 2 years ago and it has been extremely sucessful!  About half of our watchband sales are from our International customers!

INSURANCE FEE

"Insurance is currently $1.70 for coverage up to $50.00.  Though not required, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED because we are NOT responsible for any damage or loss after your item has been given to USPS.  If something does happens to your shipment, we will not be able to refund your money or make a replacement if you did not elect to pay for insurance.  It's your choice for your protection."

For the life of me, I don't understand why almost everything thinks that we are responsible for lost or damaged packages....and expect us to refund their money in full!  If we don't, we wind up getting a negative feedback.  THAT IS WHAT INSURANCE IF FOR!  It is for protecting the customer's interest should something happen to their package while in transit.  PLEASE!  Don't blame us for USPS failure, including late or slow delivery.  There is NO guarantee on delivery time with First Class Mail Parcel or Priority Mail.  A lot of things can affect deliver time...the weather, when Carriers are out sick, holidays, and equipment failure.

OUR AUCTION TERMS

"PAYPAL PAYMENT MUST BE MADE WITHIN THREE (3) DAYS AFTER THE END OF THIS AUCTION. Please complete the Checkout on our eBay Invoice.  If payment is not received within seven (7) days, this item will automatically be relisted on eBay and a Non-Paying Bidder Report will be filed and a negative feedback will be made on your account.  YOUR PROMPT PAYMENT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!"

OUR EBAY STORE TERMS

"Your PAYPAL payment should be made at the same time that you agree to purchase this item.  If payment is not received within seven (7) days, this item will automatically be relisted on eBay and a Non-Paying Bidder Report will be filed and a negative feedback will be posted.  Your payment is PAST DUE on the 3rd day and will include a $1.00 Late fee each day until paid.  After 5 days, any special pricing or discounts will no longer be valid and will revert back to the original pricing.

WARRANTY

"Watches are sold 'as is' and without any warranty, neither expressed nor implied.   However, in the case of quartz watches, if the watch battery fails within the first six months after receiving your watch, we will replace the battery without charge.  You can either return the watch to us for battery replacement or we can mail the battery to you.  If you send us your watch for battery replacement, it will be returned back to you within 3 days, postage prepaid."

AUCTION PAYMENT

We prefer payment through PAYPAL and you can pay us securely with any major credit card by using PayPal

Prompt payment is expected & appreciated

OTHER PAYMENT METHODS

PayPal is our preferred method of payment.  You can also send an E-Check through PayPal by having your checking or savings account drafted for the amount you owe.

If you agree to purchase an tem, please be responsible enough to follow through with payment at the same time.  It is also important that you complete the Checkout with our eBay Invoice.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

WATCH BRANDS OFFERED THROUGH OUR EBAY STORE SERENDIPITY FINDINGS

ACCUTRON, ACQA, ACQUA, ACUET, ADOLFO, ADVANCE, ALLOY, ALSTA, ANDRE FRANCOIS, ANGELO CARDO, ANNE KLEIN, AQUATECH, ARMITRON, ARTRON, AVON, AWATCH, AZUR, BENRUS, BIJOUX TERNER, BOCA CLASSIC, BONETTO, BONJOUR, BRADLEY, BRITTANIA, BULOVA, CADENCE, CALVIN HILL, CAPEZIO, CARRIAGE, CASIO, CASSANT, CASSINI, CHAMPION, CHEROKEE, CITIZEN, CLAREMONT, COLIBRI, COLLENZI, CONCORD, CONSORT, COTE A'ZURE, CROTON, CRYSTAL, CTNY, DA VANCI, DETAILS, DISNEY, EDDIE BAUER, EDISON, EKO, ELEMENTS, ELGIN, ELLESIO, ELOGNA, ESQ, ESTE LAUDER, ETERNITY, EXTREME LIMIT, FIELD RANGER, FORTRON, FOSSIL, FUTURA, GENEVA, GENEVE, GIORDANO, GIOVANI, GITANO, GLORIA VANDERBILT, GRUEN, GUCCI, GUESS, G-SHOCK, HAMILTON, HANSLIN, HARD ROCK CAF HARVBENARD, HELBROS, HILTON, INFINITY, INGERSOLL, INOX, INVICTA, J. RIGGINS, JACLYN SMITH, JORDACHE, JULES JURGENSEN, KABANA, KATHY IRELAND, KENNETH COLE, LA EXPRESS, LA GEAR, LA MONTRE, LILLITH STAR, LIMITED EXPRESS, LONGINES, LORUS, LOUIS ARDEN, LUCIEN PICCARD, LUCKY STAR, MAJESTRON, MERONA, MAURICES PARIS SPORT CLUB, MERONA, MILAN, MONIEX, MONOCO, MOSSINO, MOVADO, NELSONIC, NOW, OLEG CASSINI, OSCAR DE LA RENTA, PARIS 1937, PARMEX, PAUL SEBASTIAN, PHILIP PERSIO, PI CAMISA, PIEVE NICOL, POLINI, POWIN, PULSAR, Q&Q, QUEMEX, RAYMOND WEIL, REGATTA, REGENCY, RELIC, RENAISSANCE, RONICA, ROUTE 66, RONICA, RUMOURS, SASSON, SEIKO, SEKONDA, SERGIO VALENTE, SHARP, SHEFFIELD, SPAULDING, ST MARIN, SWATCH, TALI, TIME, TIME COVE, TIME SQUARE, TIMEX, TOMMY HILFIGER, TUSCANY, TWC, VICTORIA RHEIN, VIENNA, VISAGE, VIVANTI, WALTHAN, WATCH-IT, WESTCLOX, WILLIWEAR, WILSON,WITTNAUER, WOCH, WRANGLER, ZANADU, ZEON, ZODIAC, ZZYZX.

WE HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST SELECTION OF GUARANTEED RECONDITIONED WATCHES ON EBAY, WITH AN OUTSTANDING RECORD OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION & SERVICE. 

CHECK OUT OUR EBAY FEEDBACKS!  BUY WITH COMPLETE CONFIDENCE!  WE GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION!

WE ARE ADDING MORE VINTAGE, ESTATE & CLASSIC WATCHES

EVERY WEEK.

CHECK BACK OFTEN TO SEE

WHAT WE HAVE.

YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!