What can you tell me about Ebel watches and the Ebel company?  How do
they stand up to other fine watches?  I'm interested in buying one of
their ladies watches online but am concerned as they are not sold in
many retail locations so I'm unable to get an informed opinion from a
sales representative. I'm getting conflicting reports about their
reputation from what little I've been able to find online.  I'm also
wondering why a watchmaker that has been called
one of the 5 finest in the world would be selling their products at
Sam's Club.  Can anyone give me advice as to whether it would be a
good decision to spend a considerable amount of money on this product?
 I'm now looking into Michele Watches as an alternative. Is this
indeed a better decision?  I just don't know where else to get this
information.

I think you are right to be cautious. You might be interested to read
the following reports by the BBC's Watchdog programme. These reports
are not about either of the brands you name; I mention them for
general information.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/reports/consumer29.shtml
"... The watches are said to be worth £400, but you can buy them for a
tenth of that. ... Despite their expensive price tag he found they are
basic Quartz movement "which could be made up for a few pence really."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/reports/consumer23.shtml
... Some Watchdog viewers were concerned that the goods that they had
purchased were not worth the 'Guide Price' given by [the seller] for
the items. ... Aston Gerard gold ladies dress timepiece [seller's]
Guide Price: GBP 14,500 Independent valuation: GBP 1,195

Owain