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I have a used Rolex watch, I bought while in the USAFin1962. It has been in a drawer for about 35 years because I like the accuracy of digital watches. As our savings are being drained, we are looking around for things we can sell. The watch had been wound too tightly and I knew I could not sell it without restoring it to working condition. Through a local jeweler, I found that Rolex USA would restore it for approx. $900. The jeweler told me she would have to insure it for $5000 when she mailed it, so I jumped to the conclusion I might get that for the watch. Spending $900 on it seemed like a no-brainer. I have seen similar watches on eBay for $3300 to $3700. Turns out, the particular model I have is more inthe $1300-$1800 range.
At first, I advertised the watch at $2800. Then lowered to $2500, and, after speaking with a different Rolex jeweler, I feel a more sensible price is $1500, so I advertised it on FaceBook this week for $1500.
Tonight, I was contacted by a sailor who offered me $1900 for the watch. He agreed to meet me at the jewelers store (a safe place) Saturday at 3pm ("broad daylight"--not dark).
Ethical question:::: After having advertised it for $1500 (he apparently hasnt seen that), can I take his $1900?

It is troublesome that he saw the $1500 price and offered above that. Why? My concern would be about security and scams, not ethics. You used to work in law enforcement (I think). See if a meeting can be arranged at the police station and see what he does. I've sold a good bit of stuff, some in the hundreds of dollars per item, on Craigslist. Some of the offers were almost certainly fraudulent but I never quite figured out the angle. They disappeared when I said I'd meet at the local police station.

Cash, I presume. Wouldn't touch any kind of check.

You probably know a lot more about these things than I do. Good luck.

I see no dilemma as the person making the offer must see a higher value. Like William, I would be on the alert for any type of scam or partner with the guy.

Have the jeweler (a bank and banker would be better) check the watermarks and security strips on the bills. And raise the price back to $1900.

The sailor just messaged me that a friend (who has searched internet) told him the watch is only worth $1200. So he dropped his offer from$1900 to $1350. Since he has never seen the watch in person, I told him I would meet him at the agreed place and we would negotiate after he has seen it. I dont want to take advantage of a young serviceman. I know the fair price is closer to $1500 than $1900. He sound kinda naive.

Since Jesus already paid for him, maybe you should just give it to him...

(that's what your footer seems to suggest)

When the sailor saw the watch, he decided it didnt have the "eye appeal" he was seeking. My next step is to put it on Craig List.