Ownership records

Documenting an inherited watch

Probate or estate papers may be needed to explain a transfer without a normal sales invoice.

The first check

Which record identifies this individual 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

Preserve those papers alongside clear watch photographs.

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

Which record identifies this individual watch?
Who supplied the record and when?
Where is the original stored?
Do you have a safe backup?

Continue with the right tool

Use the page below when you have the information needed for the next step.