Ethical dilemna

[Chris]

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?

[William Thornton]

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.

[Dave Roberts]

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.

[Chris]

[William Thornton]

[Haruo]

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.

[JE Pettibone]

[Chris]

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.

[Haruo]

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

(that's what your footer seems to suggest)

[Chris]

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.