With so much stock, variations over time and so much traffic on sales, it's nearly impossible to buy a watch based on a stock photo anymore. That's why I like dealers who photograph a watch before shipping, have the watches on hand and delete(s) the listing(s) after that stock is done. I have'nt purchased a watch from a dealer in a while but if I do, I deal with one that sends me pictures of my watch.
Agree, not defending Tony here (I have nothing to gain and to be honest I'm very happy with Stan right now) but he does take a picture of the watch on request. His website is not great and it's clear that he doesn't spend too much time on it. Many watches I bought from him were not listed. I give him a link and he tells me if he can source it or not (usually for a lower price then what's advertised on other dealer's sites).
He's very knowledgeable about what the different factories are doing, what improvements exist, what are the differences on the same models from different factories (movement, finish, details, etc.). I'm shopping for one right now that he's saying it out of stock and the factories are not going to produce anymore. I can bet I'll be out of luck to get it.
I have tried a few trusted dealers with different results. One in particular (that I won't share the name) had my money for more then a month and couldn't source the watch that was suppose to be on hand and saved for me (I was even told the watch was in QC right away). Once he/she finally got the watch I ordered it was nothing like the picture (very cheap looking and I thank the dealer for sending the pic before shipping). I decided to cancel that one and get a different (higher end) watch. Again after a few days I get a picture that is not what was on the site (cheap looking again). Needless to say I had to cancel the order and thankfully my money was refunded promptly.
I think dealers are like our styles of watches. Not every dealer will work for everybody and of course references are always good. However I have learned that you have to try it before you can make up your mind.