Hello, Dip Pen Man.
In answer to your question, 10 seconds is usually not long enough on Sunday nights. That's when eBay is busiest and I usually use a lead time of about 25 seconds. That sounds like it would be long enough for someone to see your bid and respond, but with eBay's circuits as backed up as they get on Sunday nights, it's about right. If the auction ends on the half hour or quarter hour on a Sunday night I'd leave about 45 seconds. That's just a general guideline.
On weekdays with auctions that don't end on the hour, half hour, or quarter hour I usually use 8 seconds, and on those that do end at those times I usually use 20 seconds.
I know it's not much help, but whatever item it is usually shows up on eBay again sooner or later. Sorry to hear you missed out on this widget, and better luck next time.
--Christine