Buying a watch
Buying a watch through an online marketplace
Keep the conversation on the marketplace and inspect photos of the serial engraving before payment.
The first check
Who is selling this exact watch? Write down the answer and keep the evidence with the watch's serial. If you cannot get a clear answer, pause before paying or transferring the watch.
What to do next
Compare the seller's description with the watch and paperwork at handover.
Keep the original photographs, documents and messages together. A record tied to the exact watch helps you resolve a later question about its history; a vague model description does not.
How to use a database result
Enter the serial exactly as it appears on the watch. If the search finds a reported loss, pause the transaction and follow the instructions attached to the record. If it finds no match, keep doing the other checks relevant to this decision. A clear search cannot rule out an unreported theft, establish ownership or authenticate the watch.
Questions to resolve
- Who is selling this exact watch?
- Which document connects that person to its serial?
- Can you inspect it before funds are released?
- What happens if the watch or documents differ from the listing?
Continue with the right tool
Use the page below when you have the information needed for the next step.
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