How to Authenticate a Pre-Owned Luxury Watch Before Selling
Authenticating Pre-Owned Luxury Watches
Do you have a luxury watch you are interested in selling? Pre-owned watches can be valuable, but if you inherited or were given the watch, you may not be sure of its provenance or authenticity. Sometimes, watches come with their original boxes and accompanying paperwork, and that tells you the watch’s story. Knowing the history of pre-owned watches can affirm that they are authentic, but there are other ways to establish this fact, as well.
7 Tips to Authenticate a Pre-Owned Luxury Watch
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Research the Watch Model
Before you start shopping for a luxury watch, learn as much as you can about the model in which you are interested. Find out the design, type of material, movement, and serial numbers, and as many other pertinent details as possible. If the watch you are considering is a special or limited edition, it should have an edition number, engraved on the case back or movement.
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Verify Dealer Authenticity
To ensure that the watch you are buying is authentic, only buy from a reputable seller. Take care to research the dealer’s reputation, looking at reviews and ratings from reliable sources. Look for a dealer with many years of experience and a reputation for expertise and integrity.
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Inspect the Model and Serial
Having researched the models you’re shopping for, inspect the watches you are considering, to verify their authenticity. Check the serial number with the manufacturer, to ensure that it lines up with the model and year the watch was manufactured. If there are disparities, this could indicate that the watch is a fake. Check to make sure that the logos and other text on the watch, like “Swiss Made “are not smudged or irregular. If the quality of the engraving and etching are less than excellent, that is a reason to suspect counterfeiting. There is some effort involved in scrutinizing the markings on a watch, but this is important, because it can help you spot a fake.
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Examine Watch Condition
Inspect the watch for wear and tear, and for any signs of refinishing or replacement parts. Look for scratches and dents, and any signs of over polishing. The case should be smooth, with polished edges, but it should not have rounded or worn lugs, and the hallmarks and logos should not be smoothed out or polished through. The crystal should not be chipped, and the watch should have intact font. The hands and markers should match the original style, and the luminous material should not look sloppy or repainted. If there are any replacement parts, they should be genuine parts that match the model and have the proper logos and markings.
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Authenticate Movement
Luxury watches are made with delicate and complex mechanisms that are not easy to duplicate. Often, the case back will be transparent, so that you can see the movement. If not, have an authorized watchmaker open the case so that you can see it. The movement type should be suitable for the model specifications, and the font and style of the rotor logo should look precise. Verify that all the functions on the watch work properly, and check the jewel count to verify that it matches the desired amount. Look to see that the inside of the watch is in good condition, with no grime inside.
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Review Service History.
Ideally, your seller will be able to produce complete paperwork, including the provenance and history of ownership. Original purchase receipts provide proof of purchase, and booklets, manuals, and other documents can verify that the reference numbers and details are correct for the watch model. Inquire about the service paperwork, because routine maintenance is vital for complex luxury watches. Proper maintenance preserves the integrity of the watch and addresses wear and tear.
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Seek Professional Authentication
While you can take the time to examine the watch for authenticity on your own, it pays to seek the assistance of a specialist. Especially if there are not complete records on the watch, this is the best way to have a comprehensive assessment of the watch. Sometimes, there is a fee attached to authentication services, but in the end, it is worth it to make sure the watch you’re buying is the real thing.
Contact Watch Vault for An Appraisal of Your Luxury Watch
If you are interested in selling your luxury watch, Watch Vault makes it simple, with a free and instant appraisal. The premier Houston buyer of luxury watches, with 20 years of professional experience, we make selling a luxury watch an easy and efficient process, and we prioritize connecting discerning clients with the finest secondhand luxury watches in Houston and Bellaire, TX. We provide a simple and straightforward system for selling luxury watches and designer products, with no consignment and no complicated payment process. We also offer expert assistance from people who value excellence as much as you do. Visit our store to explore our collection and discuss your watch, or contact us through our website to learn more.